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Samsung Chromebooks |
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#26 |
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Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
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The most obvious being the inability to run most software available on the market.
![]() As has already been said in this thread, potential purchasers of Chromebooks need to understand exactly what these devices can do and what they can't do, and then decide if they are suitable for their requirements or not. |
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#27 |
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I don't need it to run any software I have an i7 Dell laptop for that! I just want something that is portable and that I can type on when away from home, and my samsung series 3 chromebook fits the bill perfectly.
Off to get mine tomorrow , will report back in a month or so as to what I think. Thanks for everyone's help. |
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#28 |
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............Chromebooks are for users who aren't computer savvy and can't protect themselves from malware, avoid phishing etc?
There is also the long term problem of popular web sites being encouraged to move off the web. If no one actually competes on the web then we all have to head to Sky subscription like territory. With Chromebooks I don't quite trust Google here. The web relies on services being non platform dependent. |
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#29 |
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There is also the long term problem of popular web sites being encouraged to move off the web.
If no one actually competes on the web then we all have to head to Sky subscription like territory. With Chromebooks I don't quite trust Google here. The web relies on services being non platform dependent. |
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#30 |
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With Chromebooks I don't quite trust Google here. The web relies on services being non platform dependent.
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#31 |
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IMHO that is a valid concern but AFAIK at the moment Chromebooks can access non-Google services, and all Google's services can be accessed from non-Google browsers. The danger of course is Google might in the future make it an Apple/Android/Metro-like walled garden, especially if the Chrome OS is merged with Android.
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#32 |
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Agreed, Chromebooks can't Windows EXE programs and for some users (but not everyone) that would be a very significant disadvantage. However, the same restriction applies to tablets (except the Surface Pro) and with Apple computers and Linux emulators are required.
As has already been said in this thread, potential purchasers of Chromebooks need to understand exactly what these devices can do and what they can't do, and then decide if they are suitable for their requirements or not. You can still buy netbooks at the price of Chromebooks too and even these are more capable than a chromebook. |
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#33 |
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The argument is that for not much more money, you can have a laptop that isn't limited.
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#34 |
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Sure. However, for some people the simplicity of usage of Chromebooks compared to that of conventional computers is a significant factor. Bear in mind that we know live in a world where a lot of customers are saying "anything except Windows 8". Those who don't want a keyboard are turning to tablets, some of those who do want a keyboard are turning to Chromebooks.
For those who want simplicity, you have metro-land in windows 8. Plus, the desktop and the rest for those moments when simplicity isn't enough. Metro-land is pretty secure. PCs can auto-update just like Chrome OS. And chromebooks use pretty weak hardware. When you want to run a "heavy" website or flash etc the power on tap in a cheap laptop (core i3) is much nicer. The niche for a chromebook is tiny, proven by the fact that all chromebooks put together have been outsold by the Surface RT. |
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#35 |
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The ones who are saying no to Windows 8 are the more advanced users
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For those who want simplicity, you have metro-land in windows 8.
Metro isn't simple. It looks childish, but because of the lack of visual clues and the random distribution of functions, finding options beyond launching apps is difficult and using those options is awkward.Quote:
PCs can auto-update just like Chrome OS.
Windows can auto-update. Firefox and Chrome updating is simple, but add-ons can be tricky and most other software needs manual updating.Quote:
The niche for a chromebook is tiny, proven by the fact that all chromebooks put together have been outsold by the Surface RT.
Can't argue with that.
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#36 |
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The niche for a chromebook is tiny, proven by the fact that all chromebooks put together have been outsold by the Surface RT. RT is based on Windows so you would expect better sales figures. Chrome is a new operating system so sales would understandably be slow to begin with. Looking at the two markets I think you will see different trajectories for each. |
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#37 |
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Only thing stopping me getting a Chromebook is the inability to edit RAW-format photographs. Everything else would be fine for me. On my windows PC I have installed a few games and photo editing software. That's it.
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#38 |
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The crucial point for me would be why buy new hardware when you can load Chrome onto old hardware?
RT is based on Windows so you would expect better sales figures. Chrome is a new operating system so sales would understandably be slow to begin with. Looking at the two markets I think you will see different trajectories for each. There is not much "Windows" pull to it apart from the fact it is still a proper desktop-class OS with networking, file system etc. Both OSes have a heavyweight tech company behind them. With a separate process for every tab, Chrome is designed to soak up hardware resources, hardware that is much more limited than on a Windows PC. I generally wouldn't buy a Surface RT but given the choice between a Chromebook and a Surface with Type Cover, I would pick the Surface. |
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#39 |
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The hardware on the chromebook seems weaker than on a £179 netbook.
The netbook has the Intel Atom, the chromebook has the celeron. The chromebook is £300 from PC World, the netbook is £180 from PC World. http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Celero...tel-Atom-N2600 |
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#40 |
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The hardware on the chromebook seems weaker than on a £179 netbook.
The netbook has the Intel Atom, the chromebook has the celeron. The chromebook is £300 from PC World, the netbook is £180 from PC World. http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Celero...tel-Atom-N2600 |
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#41 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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I don't need it to run any software I have an i7 Dell laptop for that! I just want something that is portable and that I can type on when away from home, and my samsung series 3 chromebook fits the bill perfectly.
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#42 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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Agreed, Chromebooks can't Windows EXE programs and for some users (but not everyone) that would be a very significant disadvantage. However, the same restriction applies to tablets (except the Surface Pro) and with Apple computers and Linux emulators are required..
Comparing Macs to Chromebooks is also ridiculous, especially when Macs can run Windows. Quote:
As has already been said in this thread, potential purchasers of Chromebooks need to understand exactly what these devices can do and what they can't do, and then decide if they are suitable for their requirements or not.
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#43 |
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RT is a new operating system - it has a completely new runtime, runs on a new architecture and, with the exception of Office, only runs new applications.
There is not much "Windows" pull to it apart from the fact it is still a proper desktop-class OS with networking, file system etc. Both OSes have a heavyweight tech company behind them. With a separate process for every tab, Chrome is designed to soak up hardware resources, hardware that is much more limited than on a Windows PC. I generally wouldn't buy a Surface RT but given the choice between a Chromebook and a Surface with Type Cover, I would pick the Surface. Chrome is actually very efficient - the fact it uses a separate process for management events is a good thing and takes its lead from the underlying Linux foundation. |
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#44 |
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My point is it is marketed as Window RT not simply RT - a standalone operating system with nothing whatsoever to do with MS Windows
Chrome is actually very efficient - the fact it uses a separate process for management events is a good thing and takes its lead from the underlying Linux foundation. And the light version of Office supplied is for non business use only. You could argue that if supplied as a laptop it could actually surpass the abilities of Chromebook. Essentially Chromebook, IOS and RT are 'walled garden systems'. User lockout means they all need less upkeep. |
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#45 |
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Essentially Chromebook, IOS and RT are 'walled garden systems'. User lockout means they all need less upkeep.
As it stands AFAIK (put me right please if I'm wrong) a Chromebook can access any cloud service including Microsoft's SkyDrive and their cloud version of MS Office, and you're free to visit any web site. I'm not too sure about Chromebooks allowing Java and Adobe Flash Player though. I agree that Android, iOS and RT are walled gardens, although in the case of Android that sub-divides into various separate app stores run by Google, Amazon, etc. |
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#46 |
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In my opinion Chrome laptops are a waste of money. For just a bit more you can get a Windows laptop that can actually run most of the software in existence, unlike what the crippled Chrome laptops allow.
I reckon hotels should rent them out to guests.
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#47 |
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....and you're free to visit any web site. I'm not too sure about Chromebooks allowing Java and Adobe Flash Player though.
I agree that Android, iOS and RT are walled gardens, although in the case of Android that sub-divides into various separate app stores run by Google, Amazon, etc. Alternative stores, alternative Android systems and sideloading apps mean it is a classic OS system. IOS removes desktop mode to promote apps and also hide the dreaded ' this website requires Flash' message. Getting sent to the mobile web is only a small part of the walled garden experience. Chrome OS is certainly walled garden, far more so than IOS |
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#48 |
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I'm not sure how you get to class Android as a walled garden.
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Chrome OS is certainly walled garden
Only in the sense that it doesn't let the user download and install conventional programs. Within the web browser you can do pretty much whatever you wish.
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#49 |
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Because it ties the purchaser of a device to a specific app store. Experts can defeat that, but not normal users.
Obviously Google want you to use the Play Store but Amazon will let you install their app store and there are plenty of other choice for experts and non-experts alike. |
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#50 |
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Because it ties the purchaser of a device to a specific app store. Experts can defeat that, but not normal users.
There is a settings tick box to allow in non market apps, which in themselves can install another market. Then you can also visit a developers web site and install from there. The original walled garden was cloud services(remember AOL?). Apple brought the hardware walled garden into fruition. Talking of the walled garden web, will IOS 7 bring in Apple's commitment to Webgl in HTML 5? Seemingly it is only RT and IOS that do not allow it for interactive web and 3D. It is also needed if web development is not to get too frozen in time. Of course, not allowing a 'desktop web' as default in mobile Safari is part of that web freeze. |
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I reckon hotels should rent them out to guests.