Updated 28-Jun-2024
Update early 2021 - Apparently ChromeOS outsold OSX in 2020.
This makes sense as the strength of the ChromeOS is primarily in the education market, and that market exploded with demand because of Covid-19 school closures and the need for devices for remote schooling.
This is an overview of what Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebits can do and are meant for.
See also the document on ChromeOS Software Apps and Configuration Details.
What Chromebooks Can't (Yet) Do
- Printing has improved a lot, including direct-connected USB printers, but only a subset of printer drivers are available, when compared with Win/OSX and even Linux. However, using any computer with a Chrome browser can support Google Cloud Print, and act as a print server (even directly connected, non-ChromeOS driver-supported usb printers).
- Google Cloud Print is now discontinued as of early 2021, so yeah, printing even less great now.
- Scanners (unless part of a ChromeOS driver-supported all-in-one) are pretty much not supported.
- Music: Connecting to and managing an Ipod device, say with Rhythmbox doesn't work on a Chromebook, unless an entire Gnome desktop is installed in a different Linux.
- Use of Google Play Music is an option, but quite unwieldy through browser upload and limited management tools on the Google Play Music site.
- Complex SVG and Bitmap images, as well as video is still largely best managed and produced on the desktop (namely, Linux).
- For SVG, there is the impressive GravitDesigner.
Bottom Line
Chromebooks and their kin essentally offer:
- For the top-end Chrome devices, the performance levels approach or exceed devices such as the macbook air, are convertable devices (laptop/tablet w/ stylus support), and run both ChromeOS apps and Android apps. The best Samsung and Asus devices, not to mention the super-premium Google Pixel, are extremely functional in ways that challenge their PC rivals.
- For the mid-range Chrome devices, the price and fit for certain niche uses cannot be beat (for example, ruggedized for children/schools/industrial settings)
Strangely enough, Chromebooks are becoming both the promised netbooks, the best hybrids, and ultrabooks all at the same time. The combination of ChromeOS and access to the Google Play store Android apps are a game changer.
See also: Can a Google Pixelbook replace a laptop for photography?
Preface
This article originally dealt with availability of Chromebooks in and/or importing into Thailand. Now it has morphed (somewhat) into dealing with current Chromebook hardware specs in general. For a more general purpose article on ChromeOS configuration and applications, see:
All the Chrome
There are basically four kinds of Chrome-branded hardware these days:
- Chromebooks - basically netbooks that have been slowly growing up and gaining market share in various niches
- Chromeboxes - essentially like a NUC, a small box with all the ports and hardware, but with external monitor (usually not included), mouse, and keyboard (both usually included)
- Chromebits - these should have been termed Chromesticks as that would have made more sense, as they are essentially HDMI stick-like devices with all the basic computer components, similar to Intel's Compute Stick. See a handy comparison of these three Chrome device types.
- Chromebase - basically a chromebox embedded in a monitor, for an all-in-one flavor of Chrome
Biggest Bugbears in Chromebooks
Where Microsoft Windows is strongest, the Chromebooks are weakest, namely device support. Try to connect up a printer or scanner that is not network-enabled and extremely rude sounds will quickly eminate.
Chromebooks for 2018
Update 03-03-2018 Here are the latest specs.
As of early 2018, it seems that the Asus lineup is the best in terms of features and price/performance:
- C101 for a 10" superlight, flip and touchscreen
- C202 for ruggedized clamshell 11.6"
- C213 for ruggedized, flip and touchscreen 11.6"
- C302 for 12.5", 1080p, core M, flip and touchscreen
The C101 and C213 are the standouts, and about 10,000 THB and 12,000 THB with shipping into Thailand. These have a Rockchip in them, but should be fine for regular use. Personally I think the core M processor, while nifty, is ultimately wasted with a limit of 4gb of ram available.
These Chromebooks, and a number of others support the use of Android apps.
No More Underpowered Devices
Update 05-Nov-2016 I've reached the conclusion that I will entertain no more underpowered devices as they are ultimately so limited their return on investment vastly underperforms overpowered devices. This means chromebooks are no longer acceptable.
Update 03-03-2018 The more recent (mid-2017) processor options for Chromebooks make them more viable. For a while some i3 Chromebooks were available, but these days (early 2018), it looks like the Celeron 3855U and Core M3/Core M5 options are what is available. Compared with my Macbook Air mid-2011 which has a 1.7ghz Intel Core i5 2557M, the Celeron 3855U is underwhelming, perhaps with around 70-80% comparative performance. Of course the RAM bandwidth and capacity makes up for a lot of that, to put it likely on par (especially if comparing, say, a 4gb Macbook Air to an 8gb, 16gb, or 32gb system, such as some NUCs. In that case, the i3 5010U is pretty much parity with the old Core i5 2557M. Interesting, considering that is 2015s contender, which comes bundled nicely in a barebones system the Intel NUC5i3RYH.
Background on Samsung Chromebook Use, Longevity
I've had a Chromebook for nearly 2.5 years (mine arrived in Feburary, 2013). It is one of the standard Samsung 11.6" 2gb models (there were only 2 or 3 choices back then). It really has done quite well, and the stability of the operating system is fairly good. For the last 9 months it has been being used by a family that has very limited technical ability, but they get good use out of it (mainly playing YouTube music videos).
Update 03-03-2018 The in-laws have been using this for another 2.5 years which means low-impact use of now 5 years, and still works well (largely, no doubt because of the use-case (websites and web apps) and the ongoing constant updates to the OS).
I imported this myself into Thailand, and then glued on Thai characters on the keyboard and shellacked with several layers of clear nail varnish. Worked well and only recently have I done another shellacking (so that lasted more than two years). No need to replace the actual stickers, which I think were only 100 THB in any case.
Local printing works for some drivers, not all (they have to be included in the distribution). Here are a few printers that work with Chromebookshttps://platypusplatypus.com/chromebooks/top-5-best-printers-chromebooks-2016-review/. Also, while it is possible to get an ipd scanner to work, generally cloud scanners and all-in-one printers that are Chromebook-friendly are the way to go.
Acer Chromebooks are Launching in Thailand
Well, no need for importing (though there is a price difference) as Acer Chromebooks are now launching in Thailand. The standard Acer models aren't bad (4gb ram, 13" and 15") though none of them have 1080p resolution. However, they are still more expensive than one can find on ebay (including shipping to Thailand). Prices start around 13,900 THB, on Ebay it is possible to pay around 10,000-11,000 THB including shipping for a 13", 4GB chromebook. There are many brands and models nowadays.
True IDC Chromebook now Available
Also, there is a True IDC Chromebook now available.
This is a low priced currently available at 8,990 THB which has the same specs as my first Chromebook (11.6" screen, 2 GB ram) which actually works quite well. My old model which has been being used by my inlaws for the last 9 months still works fine and these people are not sophisticated users. The only problem the had was that "Accessibility" was turned on accidentally, so it tried to give audio feedback, zoomed in screen and touch-click. The device has been updating itself regularly and really has required no IT guidance.
Note that there are a very large number of Chrome Apps that work offline including Gmail and all Google Drive apps: Docs, Sheets, Drawings, Slides.
Update 03-03-2018 Currently using this old Samsung, now 5 years old, to update this post. My Macbook Air finally died (actually, a second death, due to battery expansion, yet again). Amazingly this old Samsung still works well. There are some timeouts to the second monitor over the HDMI port, but that is likely due to the battery being nonfunctional. However, plugged into power, it generally works well. It can do most things including bluetooth connections to a mac mouse and keyboard. The screen appears a bit worn out with some greying at the temples and brightness suffering a bit.
Lazada, the Amazon of Southeast Asia
Lazada certainly doesn't have the choice found in Amazon, but there are a few different options for Chromebooks on that marketplace, and it is worth looking at because of some advantages over Ebay and Amazon. The advantage over Amazon (and sometimes Ebay) is usually -- but not always -- price. The advantage vs. Ebay is usually -- but not always -- faster delivery, and also the ability to use options -- sometimes -- such as cash on delivery (the old C.O.D. option that I'm pretty sure no longer exists in the United States).
Chromebox Option
It is also possible to get a "chromebox" which is basically just a small box without keyboard/mouse/monitor. That way you could use existing monitors, keyboards, mice (USB ports + HDMI video - can use HDMI-to-VGA adapters for older monitors).
My sense is that these price points are much better for certain segments than a small or even large tablet. The classroom, business environments, anything with heavy text and graphics interaction, and the need for precision and speed of typing and navigation.
See Also
- Intel NUC
- How to use a Chromebook securely (for one definition of securely)
- Chrome keyboard shortcuts
- Some CROSH - Chrome Shell Commands