All told, that’s three (or four) operating systems’ worth of apps all in one place. Combine this with streaming games from Stadia or GeForce Now, and you have a nearly endless selection of available tools, apps, and games directly on your Chromebook.

Click here to read an article by Forbes from Dec 2019 entitled "How To Go Full-Time Chromebook, Save Money, And Ditch The MacBook And Windows 10 (And Switch To A Google Pixelbook Go)"

Click here for another article by ReviewGeek from Sept 2020 entitled "5 Ways That Chromebooks Are Better Than Windows Laptops" that re-enforces their versatility and lists what they reckon are the three top devices available on the market.

Other informed comments found on the web suggest that since the advent of Android apps, and Linux apps, Chromebooks can now do 96% of what you'd want to do on a Windows or Mac computer with the gap shrinking all the time. The only real holdouts being associated with hardcore gaming and video editing. This means that for the majority of users there are substantial savings, and perhaps fewer headaches, to be had by opting for a touchscreen Chromebook over an overpriced Mac or overzealous Windows laptop.

How to choose a Chromebook for your needs

Below is an extract of an article produced by aboutchromebooks in July 2022 - click here to read their full article.

Essentially, there's a combination here for anyone wanting a 12th gen Intel Chromebook. You may not find the perfect configuration that meets every single one of your needs, of course.

My approach when selecting a Chromebook to purchase:

Make a high-level list of what device attributes are important to you, i.e.: Screen size of 13 to 14 inches with at least 1080p resolution, a backlight keyboard, battery life of 8+ hours, etc...

Once you have your list, order it by priority. If you can't do without a particular feature, that's priority number one. Number two is the next most important factor for you. And so on.

Using your prioritized list, go through each item and remove device choices that don't meet the highest priority one. See if you have any other choices left or if there's only one device that fulfills your most important feature wish. If not, move on to the next item on your list and keep whittling down your choices.

Again, there's no "perfect" device that will meet everyone's prioritized needs. But this strategy has served me well over the past 10 years of using Chromebooks.

In fact, not once have I ever bought a Chromebook that I regretted purchasing. Heck, I'm still using a 2018 Chromebook as my personal device. I knew in advance that even if it was missing some functions or features, it met my most important needs.

And just to reiterate: While you might "have to have" a Core i5 or i7, don't overlook the Core i3 options in a 12th get Intel Chromebook.

Unless you're coming from a last-gen Core i7, I suspect you'll see a massive uptick in performance with one of these four choices. The overall difference between a current Core i3 and Core i5 won't likely be noticeable, save for synthetic benchmarks.

Why chromeOS is set to appeal to more and more people

chromeOS has become the "everything OS" — a colossal shift from its initial position as the "nothing OS" when it first showed up on our doorsteps many moons ago.

Click here to read a ComputerWorld article from September 2020 called "The Chromebook's new secret weapon"

But with its new powers coming into play, that button — represented by a magnifying glass icon on most Chromebooks and (somewhat confusingly, with random-seeming inconsistency) a circle on Google's own Pixelbook line of devices — could almost be described as a "Google button." Tap it, and in the one box that comes up, you can:

Search the web.
Search your local computer storage.
Search your Drive file storage.
Search for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in your web-based Docs, Sheets, and Slides collectioccns.
Search for a system-level setting that you want to modify.
Search for an app to run on your own device — no matter what type of app it is — or search for a new app to install from the Google Play Store.
Perform any imaginable action via the Google Assistant.

chromeOS : the Swiss Army Knife of Computing

One of the authors at ChromeUnboxed has really done a pretty good job of providing a potted history of chromeOS (presented in a 'not too technical' way) from June 2022, which you can read by clicking here to digest his unbiased account.

chromeOS

chromeOS: Set Up and lots of other Google tips for beginners

Click here for a really helpful Google page 'partnerdash' that has a list of topics down the left hand side for you to explore, starting with an article called "Set up your Chromebook" which tells you about getting going, and followed by other tips to help you learn about the system.

chromeOS: More tips for beginners

Click here for a HowToGeek article from February 2025 called "A Beginner's Guide to ChromeOS: Tips for New Users"

chromeOS: Another 8 tips for beginners

Click here for a HowToGeek page from Feb 2025 called "8 Tips for Setting Up Your New Chromebook"

chromeOS: Creating a Live USB

Click here for a MakeTechEasier article from Nov 2022 that shows you how to create a multi-boot USB stick and then goes on to walk you through a chromeOS test load and installation.

chromeOS: Getting Started Videos

Click here for a ChromeUnboxed article from Dec 2022 that looks back on "Their 5 most-viewed videos on YouTube for 2022

chromeOS: Security

Click here to see a Google Support page called "Chromebook security" that gives you a quick overview as to how this operating system looks after itself, without you having to worry, and why it is such a popular choice.

chromeOS: Chromebook Help

Click here for official Google Support pages.

chromeOS: v85 - Sept 2020

Click here to see an aboutchromebooks announcement about the new version 85 of ChromeOS

Click here for a video called "Google Chrome Major Update 85 - Best New Stuff"

Click here for a 9to5google article covering "Chrome OS 85 rolling out: Wi-Fi Sync, smarter settings search, quick microphone slider"

chromeOS: v80

Click here to see changes to the tablet UI in version 80 of ChromeOS

ChromeUnboxed : Don't miss this resource

Click here to visit one of the best sites around for learning about features of the chromeOS.

While the sites focus is undoubtably on chromeOS it also covers the Cloudready OS [purchased by Google from Neverware] and now known as chromeOS Flex - and standard to all are the Chrome / Chromium browsers and other derivatives.

ChromeUnboxed : News - Dec 2019

Click here to see an example of the quality newsletters these guys research and publish. The video is entitled "If you just got a new Chromebook here are 10 things you need to know to get started" and it's great for beginners. If you've got a Chromebook and want to know all that is going on in the world of ChromeOS then why not subscribe to their free newsletters.

ChromeUnboxed : ARM processors

Click here for an article called "Why ARM processors are important to the future of Chromebooks" that provides a detailed description and compares them to their x86 competition (think Intel and AMD chips) showing how ARM-based silicon is easier on battery, easier on thermals, and increasingly can be nearly as powerful as mainstream x86 chips.

chromeOS Flex {Previously Cloudready}

chromeOS Flex [Ex Cloudready] Operating System

The developers at Neverware were responsible for code production and maintenance which was ported from the original ChromeOS - many thanks to them for their efforts.

The developers took the latest version of the ChromeOS code released by Google for Chromebooks and ported it [made a functionally equivalent copy that is compatible with older computer hardware] so that it will run on more traditional desktop and laptop equipment.

The ported software is made available free for personal use, by individual users, as well as commercial, paid for version, more suited for organisations that includes with technical support.

Click here to download the free "Cloudready USB Maker" tool [for Windows, iOS or ChromeOS ** ] that you can use to create your Live USB. If you are not already aware you should know that this [semi-online] tool manages the downloading of the Cloudready image then installs it on your chosen media.

The process can be done in 20 minutes or less depending upon the speed of your computer and internet connection. On a reasonably powerful desktop running either a version of Linux, like Ubuntu, or Windows 10 the whole thing could take less than 10 minutes.

** Can also be prepared on a Linux system [like Ubuntu] to create a Live USB by following these instructions carefully.

N.B. The OS is now only available for 64 bit processor systems [the 32 bit option having been discontinued in Q4/2019] but comes with an easy to follow installation guide.

chromeOS Flex : Installation Guide

Click here for a MakeTechEasier article from Nov 2022 called "How to Install Chrome OS Flex on a Windows PC" that is a step by step guide for Windows users.

chromeOS Flex : How to get some chromebook experience on your old kit.

Click here to read an Android Authority article from April 2024 called "I made my own performance Chromebook by installing ChromeOS Flex on a cheap laptop"

Cloudready Operating System : Installation Guides

Click here for a ChromeUnboxed article from Feb 2022 called "Guide: how to run Chrome OS Flex on your Windows PC or Macbook".

Click here to see the Google Support page for "ChromeOS Flex installation guide".

Cloudready Operating System : Knowledge Base

Click here to visit the Home page of the site that provides a wealth of information - well worth taking a look at when you have some spare time.

Cloudready Operating System : Release Notes [after the Google acquisition]

Click here to visit a Google page "Chrome Enterprise release notes" that you are directed to when following links in a Cloudready "Release News" email from Jan 2021.

Click here to read an article from Dec 2020 called "Google acquires Neverware, a company that turns old PCs into Chromebooks"

Useful Links

chromeOS life expectancy for specific Chromebooks

Auto Update Expiration for all Chrome devices can be found at Google’s official support page here.

If you are unsure of your device’s original AUE date, Corbin Davenport of Android Police took the time to compile the entire list of updated devices that you can find here.

As of Q2 2021 the anticipated AUE date of the majority of new Chromebooks is thought to be between 7 and 8 years, or in some cases even longer.

Information : Cog, what is it ?

Well, as the name implies, it is a system information viewer. The lightweight Chrome app will give you information on your devices such as CPU (you can see the actual model of the CPU so you can tell which generation it is), RAM (memory), storage size and even system temperature. Cog will even show you each core of your CPU and that includes virtual cores if you have an Intel Core processor that supports hyperthreading. At the bottom of the app, you will see information on the battery level, display output, keyboard language and even the preinstalled plugins that ship with Chrome OS. Cog is not only a great way to take a look at the hardware you have but it will also give you a peek at how much CPU and RAM usage your device is currently consuming. If your Chromebook appears to be struggling, you can open Cog and see if the CPU or memory is being tapped out. From there, you can open the chromeOS task manager to see what’s causing the problem. You can find Cog in the Web Store here.

Information : Chrome System

If you want to dig a little deeper into your device, chromeOS actually has an “about system” info page. You can access every bit of your Chromebooks specs and more by pointing your browser to chrome://system. Don’t worry, you can’t break anything on this page. It’s simply for reference but it contains a truckload of system information on your hardware and your specific account-level settings. When you open the page, which could take a minute or so, you will see a long list of collapsed buttons. Each one contains info on the corresponding item to the left of the page. You can search for specific items by clicking Ctrl+F and typing in your query. For example, if you type “meminfo,” it will take you to the line where the devices RAM is listed. On my Chromebook, it lists 8027704 kB which happens to be 8GB of RAM.On this page, you can see the channel your device is in or what version of Chrome OS you’re on along with your devices “codename” and whether or not the Chromebook is managed. There is a ton of nerdy specs on this page where you can look for hidden gems inside a device. Again, this is probably more than most users will ever want to know but it’s a great way to find out the more specific details about your device.

News Articles

chromeOS capabilities are not only powering devices from sticks to tablets to desktops, but are also running Web, Android, and now Linux applications, making Chromebooks the premier machines for web development. Core and new features soon to be available to Web Developers include best practices for web development and Progressive Web Apps, and optimising input and touch for tablets while having desktop users in mind.

Neverware Articles

Click here for a fuller explanation of the software's capabilities and learn how to download a version that could give your old hardware a new lease of life.

Click here to read a Neverware BLOG that is updated regularly with product improvements etc.

Click here for more on the different versions available including a bunch of handy videos for you to watch.

Click here for official list of supported hardware [32 bit or 64 bit]. Please note however that if your equipment is not on this list it does not necessarily mean it will not work - so it could still be worth giving it a shot as by using a "Live USB" to test on your own equipment you've really nothing to lose.

Click here to see the latest announcements in their official blog.

Click here to access their 'Knowledge Base' and 'Community' forum for additional information and help.

Reference material

Click here to see a PDF entitled "What's the difference between Chromebooks and CloudReady" that is produced by Neverware

Click here for a short promotional video for Chromebooks that says it all - or read the full article here

Chromebooks are not meant to be compatible with Windows or Mac software, however you can use VMware on Chromebooks to run Windows applications, and there's support for Linux software, too. Plus, most current models can run Android apps and there's also web apps that are available through Google's Chrome Web Store.

Things are also a lot better since Google improved offline capabilities for lots of products and 3rd party apps like Netflix, YouTube and Spotify also provide offline options.

Chromebook Desktop Experiences & Useful Tricks

Click here to see a HowToGeek article that covers the 10 Apps listed below that can make a Chromebook feel more like a traditional desktop computer.

"Gmail Offline" <> "Pixlr" <> "Calculator & Converter" <> "Wunderlist" ** <> "Feedly"

"Clipular" <> "ShiftEdit" <> "Imo Messenger" <> "Quick Note" <> "WeVideo"

** Acquired by Microsoft and replaced with "ToDo Manager"

Click here to see another HowToGeek article that lists 7 tricks for Chromebook users

Remember that these articles were written for specifically for Chromebooks and as such not all features will be supported by the Flex / CloudReady systems.

What else can I run on my Chromebook ?

Click here for a really useful article [especially for beginners] called "55 Best Chrome OS Apps You Can Install on a Chromebook" that was created in August 2022 by beebom.

Pin Files and Folder to the Taskbar for Easy Access : Quick Files / Tote / Holding Space

The Chrome OS taskbar, a.k.a. the “Shelf” is a handy way to access your most frequently used files and folders.

The feature [known as Quick Files / Tote / Holding Space] actually has two purposes. First it will by default show your recently downloaded and created files. Secondly, you can keep permanent references to these files and folders by pinning them - see this article called "How to Pin a File or Folder to Your Chromebook’s Taskbar" by HowtoGeek for more information.

Chromebook Desktop With Widgets !

Click here for a Computer World article entitled A clever way to bring widgets into Chrome OS that tells you how to spice up your desktop with a selection of your favourite widgets.

It can all be done in just a few minutes with the help of an App called "Taskbar - PC-style productivity for Android" that is available free here.

Chromebooks : Factory Reset - with boot

Click here to see a HowToGeek article called "How to Factory Reset a Chromebook (Even if It Won't Boot)"

Chromebooks : Hardware

There are an ever increasing number of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes available as their uptake, especially in education, continues to outsell Microsoft and Apple offerings. The performance can vary dramatically from the standard models with modest specifications to high end, high performance, devices.

This wide range of hardware unsurprisingly comes with an equally large range of prices - it's best to research what is available, compile a list of those features you deem essential or would really like, then select a product with the best match for your needs - budget permitting.

You can use this 'canned' Google Search for results showing the latest specifications and prices on the market.

Chromebooks : Remote Access

Click here to see a comprehensive article "How to remotely control a Chromebook from another computer" by aboutchromebooks that shows you different ways to access a Chromebook remotely.

Chromebooks : Help & Support

Click here to visit Google's "How can we help you?" pages for Chromebook Help

Chromebooks : Help Community

Click here to visit the Google support pages for details of recent releases and to obtain help for any issues you may be experiencing.

Virtual Machines : Chrome Boxes & Crostini

Click here to read a ChromeUnboxed article "RUN A VARIETY OF VIRTUAL MACHINES ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK WITH GNOME BOXES" that explains how to use these techniques on a reasonably powered Chromebook.

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Why choose a Chromebook ? {Some impartial reviews that say it all}