It's odd to complain about how the device isn't open when there is a write-protect screw on the motherboard precisely so you can disable the write protection. It doesn't look like there is any...
It's odd to complain about how the device isn't open when there is a write-protect screw on the motherboard precisely so you can disable the write protection. It doesn't look like there is any unauthorized hack here?
Chromebooks are also designed to support Linux in various ways like via dual booting or running Linux in a container. Device drivers are also more likely to be available for Chromebooks than other laptops.
It seems like the Chromebook designers should get some credit for making sure all these cheap notebooks are being manufactured to run Linux fairly easily, even if that's not their primary purpose? It's rather unusual for consumer devices.
This is so true. I've got a little Toshiba Chromebook 2 -- 13" or so running Gallium. It's from around late 2014. I got it off of ebay two or three years ago for about $120. It's got plastic body...
It seems like the Chromebook designers should get some credit for making sure all these cheap notebooks are being manufactured to run Linux fairly easily, even if that's not their primary purpose? It's rather unusual for consumer devices.
This is so true.
I've got a little Toshiba Chromebook 2 -- 13" or so running Gallium. It's from around late 2014. I got it off of ebay two or three years ago for about $120. It's got plastic body that seems to be indestructible --- like a kid's toy. The screen is great, the audio is decent, I love the keyboard, and the trackpad isn't too shabby.
I got it as my 'out on the town' laptop. If someone steals it, I couldn't care less. That being said, it's a great little laptop. I get about 8 hours of actual use. This isn't the fastest laptop, but browsing is fine and, for me, I spend most of my time in a terminal, so it's good enough.
I think these little Chromebooks would be great for someone who is technical and wants to get into having a full-time Linux system, but doesn't want to dual boot or drop a lot of money on a system --- mainly as a hobby / learning device they can wipe without any doubts or fear.
It seems like Chromebooks aren't built to last. They are only supported for six years at best, often shorter because Chromebooks with older chipsets are still sold as new for years after they're...
It seems like Chromebooks aren't built to last. They are only supported for six years at best, often shorter because Chromebooks with older chipsets are still sold as new for years after they're outdated. It's a good idea to check the auto update policy to find out the expiration date before buying one. (Six years of updates is better support than you will find for most cell phones, though.)
The ones I bought for my mother have eventually had hardware problems so they didn't even last that long. Still, if you got a better one, it's nice that they will still run Linux after their main use is done.
It's worth noting that the GalliumOS web site is a trove of information on how to do all this stuff, and the community is (in my experience at least) helpful if you run into snags. I've got...
It's worth noting that the GalliumOS web site is a trove of information on how to do all this stuff, and the community is (in my experience at least) helpful if you run into snags. I've got GalliumOS installed on a Lenovo 100S Chromebook that cost peanuts compared to my Macs, and it runs all the software I need to manage my (all too infrequent) ham radio contacts.
TAILS also runs fine on this box, and simply requires enabling booting from USB. If I was looking for a cheap way to remain reasonably anonymous, that'd be it.
It's odd to complain about how the device isn't open when there is a write-protect screw on the motherboard precisely so you can disable the write protection. It doesn't look like there is any unauthorized hack here?
Chromebooks are also designed to support Linux in various ways like via dual booting or running Linux in a container. Device drivers are also more likely to be available for Chromebooks than other laptops.
It seems like the Chromebook designers should get some credit for making sure all these cheap notebooks are being manufactured to run Linux fairly easily, even if that's not their primary purpose? It's rather unusual for consumer devices.
This is so true.
I've got a little Toshiba Chromebook 2 -- 13" or so running Gallium. It's from around late 2014. I got it off of ebay two or three years ago for about $120. It's got plastic body that seems to be indestructible --- like a kid's toy. The screen is great, the audio is decent, I love the keyboard, and the trackpad isn't too shabby.
I got it as my 'out on the town' laptop. If someone steals it, I couldn't care less. That being said, it's a great little laptop. I get about 8 hours of actual use. This isn't the fastest laptop, but browsing is fine and, for me, I spend most of my time in a terminal, so it's good enough.
I think these little Chromebooks would be great for someone who is technical and wants to get into having a full-time Linux system, but doesn't want to dual boot or drop a lot of money on a system --- mainly as a hobby / learning device they can wipe without any doubts or fear.
It seems like Chromebooks aren't built to last. They are only supported for six years at best, often shorter because Chromebooks with older chipsets are still sold as new for years after they're outdated. It's a good idea to check the auto update policy to find out the expiration date before buying one. (Six years of updates is better support than you will find for most cell phones, though.)
The ones I bought for my mother have eventually had hardware problems so they didn't even last that long. Still, if you got a better one, it's nice that they will still run Linux after their main use is done.
It's worth noting that the GalliumOS web site is a trove of information on how to do all this stuff, and the community is (in my experience at least) helpful if you run into snags. I've got GalliumOS installed on a Lenovo 100S Chromebook that cost peanuts compared to my Macs, and it runs all the software I need to manage my (all too infrequent) ham radio contacts.
TAILS also runs fine on this box, and simply requires enabling booting from USB. If I was looking for a cheap way to remain reasonably anonymous, that'd be it.