Samsung Chromebook (Wi-Fi, 11.6-Inch) Reviews
I have been extremely happy with my new Chromebook. Most of what I do, both personal and for work (I'm a web developer & Blackboard Admin at a small university), I can do with the Chromebook, Gmail & Google Docs. There are some things, like Netflix, Java and Citrix Receiver that either don't work, or don't work because our server setup doesn't support it.
The system boots really quickly... It's a browser. The full sized keyboard is nice for email or blogging, and I easily hook up to free WIFI and have created several YouTube videos from my car from the Chromebook sitting on my dashboard. Good battery life, and recharges quickly.
I have used both a flash & external hard drive via the USB ports to save and view various files. HMDI hooked up easily to my HDTV and I played a game and viewed a YouTube video with good sound.
I bought a cheap Cisco Linksys WIFI router for home, and even though the Chromebook doesn't have a CD/DVD drive, was able to set up a secure home network using an online menu.
Used Bluetooth (needs a dongle) to push wireless audio from iHeart Radio from the Chromebook to a Logitech wireless speaker system Z515.
Can use Gmail and Google Docs "offline" and then when I get WIFI access again, the docs & emails are automatically uploaded.
This little computer is what I've wanted in a PC for years: fast, fanless, quiet, and compact. It's all those things, and it's even better made than most Windows laptops that are twice the price. Chrome OS might not be for everyone, but it has major advantages (simplicity, automatic upgrades, security) and looks nice, too. I had initially been concerned that I would have trouble not being able to access Adobe or MS software, but the Chrome apps cover 90% of what I need to do, and for the other 10%, I can use Chrome Remote Desktop to connect to my PC and can run the software through the browser---it works amazingly well.
The computer is almost perfect and for $250 ($330 for 3G) I am extremely satisfied. Here are the pros and cons as I see them:
PROS
- Completely quiet: no fans
- Ventless and therefore versatile: you can use the computer anywhere, even in bed, without worrying about the computer's ventilation/overheating
- Fast: it boots up amazingly quickly, and I have a hard time seeing any performance difference between this and Chrome on my desktop PC.
- Nice UI: clean and simple, with lots of very useful and quick keyboard shortcuts
- Matte screen: no annoying reflections on the screen, and you can use it in bright rooms with no trouble
- Great keyboard and Mac-like trackpad: these really feel like they belong to a much more expensive computer
- Very good battery life: minimum of 6.5 hours, up to 8-9 with low screen brightness
- The 3G connection is good, connects quickly and seamlessly when WiFi is not available; connection is surprisingly fast for 3G
CONS
- Can't run some software (but Chrome Remote Desktop can solve this problem if you have a PC or server running the software)
- Palmrest is a little too short for my large hands, which forces me to type with more "curl" than I'm used to to avoid having my palm rest on the edge somewhat uncomfortably. This could be an issue for "flat" typists, too.
This is a superb value of a computer, and it's fun to be using an always-improving computer that's on what might be a new frontier of simpler computing in the cloud.
I used to have a 17.3" HP, which was the relative weight and size of a small tank. Taking that around on trips or to class was a pain. Eventually, the screen cracked, and I hunkered it down attached to a monitor, and decided to take a try at the Chromebook. Boy was I happy I made the purchase.
Pros:
1) Extreme Portability. This machine gets a solid 6 hours of battery life (tested it with internet usage, streaming Netflix) as well as being small and lightweight. It's 7 second power on time may be a little exaggerated, but it has never taken me more than 20 or 30 seconds to get on and running.
2) Web-based platform. I was really concerned with buying a computer that I could only use on the web. The more I thought about it though, there's very few places that are around now that don't have some kind of wireless. In addition, you can still access your worksheets and docs offline, then they will be updated when you sign on.
Cons:
1) Size: Going from a bigger laptop like I had to this one wasn't easy. The screen size makes a huge difference when trying to do work that needs two windows open. Its not a deal breaker, but something to consider when looking into it.
2) Performance: I read reviews for users who said that performance decreases with over 8 tabs open. I thought that was a ridiculous amount of tabs to have open. However, I find myself averaging around 8-10 at a time, and you can definitely see the performance lag when you have that many open. Closing them out and waiting a few seconds increases performance back to normal, just a little inconvenient.
Overall, I've had the chromebook for 2 months now, and I am still in love with it.
First, my frame of reference: I have a computer hooked up to every tv in the house (two to the living room tv), two computers in my son's room, an iPad, a Galaxy Tab, and a bunch of vintage macs and old Dell Inspirons that I like to mod and play with. My newest computer until now is over two years old. The one I use most until now is my 2006 MacBook Pro, but I do use my tablets quite a bit (iPad at home, Tab out and about).
Mostly what I actually USE my computers and tablets for is just watching videos, emailing, and surfing the web. I wasn't planning on making any changes in equipment until after the holidays, but I really like this little thing a lot.
The display is not the best. It's dimmer than I would like it to be. The ARM processor is maybe a little slower than I would like it to be. But this is compared to other laptops. Compared to the tablets, including tablets I've tested with the intent being to upgrade from what I have, this is a better user experience. Much better. The trackpad is multitouch and awesome. The keyboard is good-sized and feels great to use. The Chromebook is also a better user experience for me than what I've had on most netbooks, because of the apps and the cloud. It even comes with a USB 3.0 port, which helps a lot in shuffling around content. I haven't liked a laptop this much since my 12 inch powerbook G4. Maybe not even since the iBook Key Lime Clamshell.
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