i just discovered . . .

[Squire]

This thing called a ChromeBook which appears to be what I need to connect to the internet as I have no other use for a computer. Any thoughts, pro or con?

[Gene]

My son picked one up - he loves it for quick and easy stuff. Light, decently fast...perfect for Email, forums, etc. His has Windows 8.1 (he likes that, me not so much) so runs "apps" more than programs. no CD/DVD so I am not sure how you might load anything on it short of a download or buying an external player.

[Squire]

Thanks Gene, I wouldn't be loading anything, rather just need a box that connects me to the internet.

[fallingwickets]

Squire, as far as chromebooks go, this review is a must read....the author in my opinion is one of the top tech writers out and about

http://www.computerworld.com/article/28 ... books.html

[Squire]

Thanks Clive that's very useful.

[Rufus]

Clive thanks very much for posting the article. I've been on the verge of purchasing a Chromebook, but have hesitated because I haven't been able to get a clear fix on which one would suit me best; your article has really helped me in that regard. BTW, the Chromebook will replace my I-Pad, which I've never got along with. SWMBO, on the other hand, loves the I-Pad so she'll have exclusive use of it as soon as my Chromebook arrives.

[brothers]

As I'm beginning to comprehend, even though the author of the review refers to all Chromebooks generically as "laptops", they don't allow for setting up files and creating documents (MS Office/Word etc.) to put in those files, as with regular laptops?

[owenm]

As I'm beginning to comprehend, even though the author of the review refers to all Chromebooks generically as "laptops", they don't allow for setting up files and creating documents (MS Word) to put in those files, as with regular laptops?

They basically just give you a web-browser and nothing else. So if you want to do work processing or spreadsheets you would use Google Docs and save your files to Google Drive. Google Docs does allow exporting as word documents, I believe. It does limit what you can do with local files, you basically need to save everything in the cloud (with some exceptions as you can load pictures etc from an usb drive or SD card - see this article for example.)

[jww]

I just replaced my 3 yr old Linksys router with the new WRT AC1900. Blazing fast speeds --- and this is essentially out of the box and set up with only the quick-start guide.

Next step is to look at personal cloud storage to hang off of it ..... looking at a MyCloud NAS --- one of the 2-drive bay jobbies ... .4TB for like $400 Cad. That should do us just fine.

What I am saying is that with a Chromebook and reliable network and cloud storage, you are good. But worst case scenario, you can always hang a WD Passport or Thumbdrive off it as well. They are a difficult argument to counter if you are really just looking for an internet device ..... and with a keyboard, some prefer them to tablets. I get that .... not sure I'll ever own one ----- lately I've had my eyes on the Apple camp .... as I get older, I am less interested in geeking out, and just want stuff that works well. Apple may not always be the most advanced technically, but it's very hard to argue their total user experience and the OS/hardware marriage.

Enjoy the Chromebooks, gents!

[Squire]

Or I could just read a book.

[Rufus]

Or I could just read a book.

Just like the IKEA bookbook. Google "Experience the power of a bookbook". It's positively brilliant.

[jww]

http://youtu.be/MOXQo7nURs0

I think I posted this somewhere on the board before as well. Get a kick out of it each time I watch it.