Anyone using a Chromebook?

[CH]

Another quick question:
After 2 years of free storage of whatever they give you, must you pay a monthly fee even if you haven't used up the original allotment of data space that comes with initial purchase? Reading this in the description of the cloud storage, it was ambiguous to me.

I have had my Google account for many years and have never paid anything for anything. Perhaps they do if you consume a large amount of cloud storage, I don't know about that.

Another consideration is the NSA reportedly has direct access to Google cloud servers and is probably rooting through your stuff.

 

[target2019]

I have had my Google account for many years and have never paid anything for anything. Perhaps they do if you consume a large amount of cloud storage, I don't know about that.

Another consideration is the NSA reportedly has direct access to Google cloud servers and is probably rooting through your stuff.

Some recent discussion casts doubt on some of the claims. However, I'd think if one cloud is compromised, then all are.

This is all interesting in light of the fact that PCs and local storage seem to be going away.

 

[marko]

Yup I've gone almost exclusively to cloud storage, it sure is nice not to be the one worrying about backing my stuff up. It took some pain to burn all my music CDs to put on Google play but man that is nice to have done too.

+1 me too! Instant syncing (documents, music, email) with my Android to boot!

 

[tuixiu]

Another quick question:
After 2 years of free storage of whatever they give you, must you pay a monthly fee even if you haven't used up the original allotment of data space that comes with initial purchase? Reading this in the description of the cloud storage, it was ambiguous to me.

Depends.

As a whole the limits on the free tier for companies offering cloud storage slowly rises over time, and I assume the requirements for your average user rise too as pictures and videos get higher res, it becomes easier to take them with any device, etc. I've not given much thought as to which is rising faster.

Google currently offers 15 gigabytes of free storage. That is far more than I need, and far more than I can imagine using up for things like pictures, documents, and spreadsheets. I also burned every CD I own and uploaded them to Google Music which allows up to 20,000 songs to be stored online for free and doesn't count against the cloud storage limit. Now when I travel for work I can stream any music I've ever bought in my hotel room, I love it.

Your usage requirements may be different so you might find 15 gigs isn't enough because you have lots of home movies. You might find one of the other services works better for you on free tier, maybe you like Dropbox has a niftier UI or Skydrive integrates better with Windows 8. Everyone has different needs.

Bottom line = you only pay a fee if your storage requirements exceed what is offered on the free tier.

 

[steelyman]

I bought one of these (the Samsung that Mulligan mentioned) a couple of weeks ago, and think it's fantastic. My main complaint is that the keyboard is not backlit, otherwise it's amazing what can be done within the "confines" of a web browser. I've also set some things up in Sheets, and that works well for my purposes. I don't worry much about storage, because I use very little. These things are great if you are careful about what you're doing.

 

[steelyman]

I'm thinking of replacing my original Chromebook in the near future, so have been looking into current offerings. It was surprising to see the new companies that have offerings.

Here's a roundup for 2015 that may be of interest.

I have no complaints about my current one, except the lack of a backlit keyboard.

http://m.blog.laptopmag.com/best-chromebooks

 

[aja8888]

I'm thinking of replacing my original Chromebook in the near future, so have been looking into current offerings. It was surprising to see the new companies that have offerings.

Here's a roundup for 2015 that may be of interest.

I have no complaints about my current one, except the lack of a backlit keyboard.

Best Chromebooks 2015 - Chromebook Reviews

Thanks for the link.

DD has the Asus Chromebook with touch screen. I can't get it out of her hands!

 

[HFWR]

Some recent discussion casts doubt on some of the claims. However, I'd think if one cloud is compromised, then all are.

This is all interesting in light of the fact that PCs and local storage seem to be going away.

I think the business model is getting you hooked on a monthly payment for cloud storage. I prefer having my own processor and hard drive, but many don't care about that.

 

[JustCurious]

I have a Chromebook (HP 14 inch) and I love it. I have been using it for more than 6 months, and I replaced an old Windows laptop that I used at home, and I haven't looked back. I also switched my spreadsheets to google sheets (the new version) and I am very happy. The Chromebook does 98% of what I need to do, and it is easy to use, it boots up in 6 seconds, the battery life is great, it is light, it is quiet, it is inexpensive, if I lose it or break it I can get another one for less than $300 and all of my data is still in the cloud and I will be back up and running in a few minutes, all of my settings are updated when I log in. No more constant windows updates or Java updates or virus software updates or viruses or bloatware.

I really don't see the need to buy a Windows computer anymore for home.

 

[ERD50]

I think the business model is getting you hooked on a monthly payment for cloud storage. I prefer having my own processor and hard drive, but many don't care about that.

You can read/write to an external hard drive or flash drive with a Chromebook. I was a little surprised to just read that you cannot read/write to an external CD/DVD.

-ERD50

 

[aja8888]

You can read/write to an external hard drive or flash drive with a Chromebook. I was a little surprised to just read that you cannot read/write to an external CD/DVD.

-ERD50

You would need burning software to copy files to an external CD/DVD. The Chrome OS must not have it installed.

 

[sailfish]

I am the original poster, and since someone renewed this thread, I will add my 2 cents.
I bought the Toshiba 13 inch chromebook about a year ago and I love it. My 7 year old Dell had XP on it and I finally stopped using it on the internet. I only run a checkbook program on it, as I can't find a good substitute on the google store. I cannot run CITRIX software that runs an online educational webinar, that I subscribe to. I use the Ipad for that, but I am not satisfied with it. This year I am going to file taxes online , because no programs can be loaded on the CB. It is so fast and has more power than my Ipad.


Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

 

[Chuckanut]

Has anybody used Plex on a Chromebook? Any issues with it?

 

[steelyman]

That review I posted mentioned speaker quality as an item to think about when trying out Chromebooks.

Over the holidays, I heard a friend's Bluetooth speaker and was impressed with the sound. So I ordered one of the same brand and tried it out last weekend, first with iPxxxs, then with my first-gen Samsung Chromebook.

They all worked perfectly and easily. Speaker? No problem!

 

[steelyman]

Another thing I tried with success over the weekend was using VNC (virtual network computing) to connect/control my home desktop computer from the Chromebook.

I used RealVNC, which has a free Chrome viewer app that works well on the Chromebook. The server-side (desktop) software is offered in several versions with the basic (Personal) edition free.

We used RealVNC a lot at work, but there have been a few times since that I'd have liked to be able to get to my home computer while away (like on vacation).

 

[ERD50]

Another thing I tried with success over the weekend was using VNC (virtual network computing) to connect/control my home desktop computer from the Chromebook. ...

Q. Is there anything simple for going the other way - controlling a remote Chromebook from another computer?

When I first looked, it seems this was not supported. Maybe it is now? I've thought about suggesting Chromebooks for some people I know with limited computer skills, but remote access is a requirement for me.

I use Teamviewer now, it's free, works great and is very simple to set up. When I was using the VNC software, it seemed I had to do some futzing with the routers, and/or assign static IP addresses to the remote computers or I could not count on finding them. But (from what I understand, I may have this wrong), the TeamViewer servers (or other providers of these services), are the go-between, so IPs are not an issue, each computer just hits the TeamViewer servers, same as any other web address.

-ERD50

 

[steelyman]

Q. Is there anything simple for going the other way - controlling a remote Chromebook from another computer?



When I first looked, it seems this was not supported. Maybe it is now? I've thought about suggesting Chromebooks for some people I know with limited computer skills, but remote access is a requirement for me.

I don't know if getting a Chromebook on the server side is possible, but I've never actually wanted to. There's little by way of internal storage (vs. on "the cloud"), and things like Sheets/Docs are accessible through the web.

My Chromebook is powered off most of the time until I order it to snap to attention.

You do have to have basic understanding of things like firewalls and ports (especially if you've got a router in between your home network and the Internet).

I suppose it would be helpful to allow remote support for someone having trouble with a Chromebook, I just don't know in general.

 

[walkinwood]

I looked at buying a chromebook to replace my notebook, but two requirements (while away from home) couldn't be met. I also have a desktop at home.

- I use quicken & chromebook cannot handle that.
- I use lightroom to process photographs as I take them & I couldnt' find a good online service that handles RAW files.
And now, I learn that it doesn't handle Skype either.

I bought myself an ultrabook that boots in seconds, has a full HD 13" touch screen, runs for hours and weighs just a tad over 3lbs. I got the Asus UX303LA, but there are many others in the same price range.

 

[W2R]

Given my lifestyle, I have yet to see what advantages a Chromebook might bring to me as opposed to my present cheap Toshiba laptop.

I hardly travel at all, and if/when I do I have a suitcase-on-wheels with a very convenient compartment for my laptop. Slide it in, and boom! I'm rolling along just as easily as without it.

When I am at home, I almost never want to use my laptop anywhere but in my easy chair (being a creature of habit). On the rare occasion when I do want to surf the web from elsewhere in my house, such as when spending an unusually long time cooking dinner, I can use my iPad.

For some reason, the cloud approach to data storage does not appeal to me at all. I'd rather have my data on my own hard drive controlled by me and backed up by me, and I don't have any reasons not to continue handling data that way.

 

[steelyman]

Quicken is one thing I'd have liked to access over the holidays. My copy (and data) were on my desktop in the midwest, my toes were out east.

VNC-type software just reroutes the display and input between the machines, everything stays put on the server (desktop) side. So there would be no "native Quicken" on the Chromebook (or whatever the client machine happens to be) or its data stored in the mysterious cloud.

Graphics-intensive stuff is another matter, though, I wouldn't even try.

 

[chief04010]

Since we are talking about Chrome Books, I thought someone here might have a solution to my problem with mine. I was using Voice search by saying "Ok google" and it was working fine. Then one day it didn't work anymore. I tried settings and made sure the box was checked for enable Voice search, but it still doesn't work. The Icon on google shows as a not listening mic. Anyone have any insight or suggestions?

 

[explanade]

Another thing I tried with success over the weekend was using VNC (virtual network computing) to connect/control my home desktop computer from the Chromebook.

I used RealVNC, which has a free Chrome viewer app that works well on the Chromebook. The server-side (desktop) software is offered in several versions with the basic (Personal) edition free.

We used RealVNC a lot at work, but there have been a few times since that I'd have liked to be able to get to my home computer while away (like on vacation).

Can you get VNC to work over the Internet, to connect to your computer behind a router?

Are the sessions encrypted?

 

[ERD50]

Given my lifestyle, I have yet to see what advantages a Chromebook might bring to me as opposed to my present cheap Toshiba laptop. ...

Clearly, they aren't for everyone (what is?). But looking at this:

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Chromebooks/zgbs/electronics/2858603011

I see lots of positive reviews. And even the sub $200 unit is decently configured:

Amazon.com : Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-111-C670 (11.6-inch HD, 2GB, 16GB) : Computers & Accessories

... Secure Digital (SD) card reader, 802.11AC WiFi featuring MIMO technology (Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.0, Built-In HD Webcam, 1 - USB 3.0 Port, 1-USB 2.0 Port, 1 - HDMI Port ...​

For someone with basic to middling needs, I think these can work well at a very ow price. Some advantages are almost no worries of malware, the OS is constantly updated for you. Seem to be good for people who don't want to futz with a computer.

For some reason, the cloud approach to data storage does not appeal to me at all. I'd rather have my data on my own hard drive controlled by me and backed up by me, and I don't have any reasons not to continue handling data that way.

You can save anything you want to SD card or internal (limited GBs) memory, and/or an external USB drive. No different from any other computer in that regard (other than maybe backing up the OS, but that shouldn't be needed). You are not limited to the cloud.

-ERD50

 

[steelyman]

Can you get VNC to work over the Internet, to connect to your computer behind a router?



Are the sessions encrypted?

Yes, you can. That's where a little knowledge comes in handy.

I first set it up only to go on the network "behind" the router, not "through" to the Internet. For the latter, you have to have the router allow/pass through connections from outside.

Encryption of various strengths are available, depending on what software you choose (in my case, RealVNC).

It works with my iTouch also, but you look at it and say, "wow, that's amazing - but with such a small display, who gives a rat's butt?".

That last sentence modified to help keep The Mod Squad blood pressure low

 

[explanade]

Yeah I had some hassles setting up VNC access over the Internet so I just installed Chrome Remote Desktop and the iPad app works okay. Good for light work, not for input-intensive operations.

The Chrome Pixel is a nice looking machine. Shame you can't use something like Lightroom on it for your photos.