I like to set myself new challenges. Fed up with MS Windows (well bored really) and with everything else Android, I felt that a bit of Linux may be in order, so I've got a HP Chromebook and this is my first ever post! I can't even suss out left-clicking the keypad yet! And I know that it is not really Linux but Google's version - Chrome OS!!! Still a challenge for me!
Good luck with it! Like most laptops, it may be easier to use if you plug in a mouse. I must say that I have found occasional use of a Chromebook confusing, but experience with "used at school" device so far suggests: - Battery/power- they run for a long time without being charged, but can be troublesome to wake up if allowed to run completely out. Can usually be resolved - plenty of advice out there. - The HP ones seem to tolerate a fair bit of physical abuse (I am think about items taken to school) and it is nice to know that the item was so cheap to buy (£200? - could it ever make sense to buy an expensive Chromebook?!) that damage or theft is not going to be a calamity (especially with all data backed up automatically as I understand it). - Wifi connectivity occasionally troublesome - some sort of reboot usually fixes that. - Malware/viruses - not a problem, but is that too good to be true? They certainly seem to be a better low-cost PC than any sort of bargain basement Windows laptop with a pathetically small amount of flash memory (e.g. 32 GB) which can mean difficulty with Windows updates. I agree that Ubuntu or other free Linux version, on a cheap/old laptop can be a viable alternative, but then it becomes more of a DIY proposition perhaps? Apple don't even want to try to operate in this market segment - even an iPad with a keyboard (apparently better thing to do than it used to be) is going to cost twice as much.
My family are all Apple fans. I never wanted to go that route as I prefer open systems where any manufacturer can get involved in. I bought a HP Chromebook but there were plenty of other manufacturers that I could of used. still can't suss out left clicking!!! Oh, maybe I have!!! ZOOM next!!!
Getting on well with this Chromebook. I can left click now and battery life is superb. Nice not being tied to a charger!
I have been using Chromebooks for years now. Fantastic overall. On my second one. Yes get a mouse They are all solid state so they boot from dead cold in about 10 seconds. Sync it to your phone so you can... skip the PW to log in, send texts from your Chromebook, easily edit any photos, Send directions to your phone easily, etc etc Send tabs between the 2 Also with the latest update their is a new phone hub thing with even more stuff. I have not tried it yet. Hopefully you have bought one with a touchscreen because then you can install many of the exact same phone apps on it for continuity. Also remember to (you probably already do) back up Everything to your Google account on your phone so that it all comes back even if you lose your phone. This is different than the Android phone to phone transfer for when replacing a phone you already have. You can also see all of your contacts on your Chromebook if you install contacts on your Chromebook. Pay attention to the advice above about full discharge I also use a keyboard and separate monitor at home. Hopefully you bought one with a slot for more storage to be inserted. Helps a lot. I also have 2 2TB external USB drives for storage. Not Chromebook specific, but handy. I have been using both so long that I am sure I am forgetting many things. This next thing is Android specific not Chromebook But... I bought a Google Pixel phone recently. There are many upgrades on it that other manufacturers will never get, or get much later. The one I love the best is the call screening. I Never pay for apps. Period. Never have... BUT I would pay a hundred dollars if I knew how good their call screening thing worked and did not have it. Now that it is more mature (over a year) sometimes they dont even ask or warn me when they detect a spam call or text. It just goes into the log as spam. Glorious! It may warn you that it could be... Or ask you if it was after... Mostly the best part besides those best parts is that when the phone rings and it does not have any guidance you can press "screen call" and it will show you on the screen what it is saying to them, and then put their response on the screen for you to read in case it is actually a call you want. ... My Auto warranty has run out and I dont want another...
I have a digital subscription to The Times. When I started reading it on my Chromebook, I started getting ads, even through I pay to subscribe. I complained and the reply was basically, "tough sh.." and so I was angry and phoned to cancel my subscription. They offered me 50% off for 6 months if I stayed. I agreed to stay for I am weak-willed.
