All posts tagged: Chromebook

Chromebook vs. Googlebook: How I’m deciding which laptop to upgrade to next

Chromebook vs. Googlebook: How I’m deciding which laptop to upgrade to next

Published by skeptic

Kerry Wan/ZDNET and Google Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Google announced the Googlebook, a new premium laptop line.   Chromebooks will continue to receive support.  Chromebooks focus on affordability, while Googlebooks aim for a premium experience. During a recent briefing ahead of its I/O developer conference, Google revealed the Googlebook, a new category of laptops that combines ChromeOS OS and Android into a single operating system.  The advent of this original system raises an important question: Are Chromebooks going away? According to Google, the answer is a resounding “No”. In a virtual roundtable, Alexander Kuscher, Google’s tablet and laptop lead, clarified “Chromebooks are not dead” — at least for now. Why Chromebooks will continue Even if Google wanted to end support for Chromebook tomorrow, it realistically couldn’t, as they’re embedded across multiple consumer sectors. Bryan Lee, VP of ChromeOS Enterprise Go-to-Market, told ZDNET that “Chromebooks have become an invaluable tool for educational institutions, businesses, and consumers… We absolutely intend to continue investing in those experiences and supporting those users.” …

antiX 26 is the Linux distro that makes a 2009 laptop feel faster than a modern Chromebook

antiX 26 is the Linux distro that makes a 2009 laptop feel faster than a modern Chromebook

Published by skeptic

Chromebooks are often touted as the preferred choice for anyone wanting a web-first experience and promoted as a cheaper Windows alternative. However, the cheaper part isn’t entirely true. A Chromebook with 8GB of RAM easily costs upwards of $350, and even then, you are restricted to Google’s ChromeOS ecosystem. So, instead of splurging on a new Chromebook, I decided to give my decade-old laptop a new life with a Linux distro. I initially went with Damn Small Linux for a lightweight setup, but it wasn’t particularly impressive in terms of usability. I finally settled on antiX 26, a Debian-based Linux distro explicitly built for older computers. And after weeks of daily use, my 2009 laptop now boots faster and browses more smoothly than any budget Chromebook I’ve used. Why I chose antiX 26 over other lightweight distros A systemd-free, resource-light distro built on Debian 13 I’ve tested my share of lightweight Linux distros to revive old hardware, and most of them compromise somewhere. Some feel outdated, others lack proper software support, and a few are …

MacBook Neo: The 9 ‘Chromebook Killer’ Strategy Explained

MacBook Neo: The $599 ‘Chromebook Killer’ Strategy Explained

Published by skeptic

The MacBook Neo represents Apple’s deliberate effort to make macOS accessible to a broader audience. As an entry-level laptop, it is designed to meet basic computing needs while introducing users to the macOS ecosystem. This device is not merely a product; it is a cornerstone of Apple’s strategy to foster user loyalty and deepen integration within its ecosystem. By offering an affordable yet capable device, Apple positions the Neo as a stepping stone for users transitioning from other operating systems, particularly Windows. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details. Who Is the MacBook Neo For? The MacBook Neo is purpose-built for individuals with straightforward computing requirements. If your daily activities revolve around tasks such as web browsing, email, video streaming and light document editing, this device is tailored to meet your needs. Its simplicity and affordability make it an attractive option for several groups: First-time macOS users who are curious about Apple’s ecosystem but hesitant to invest in a high-end MacBook. Students and educators seeking a reliable, budget-friendly device for academic …

5 things your Chromebook can do that most people don’t realize

5 things your Chromebook can do that most people don’t realize

Published by skeptic

For the longest time, my Chromebook was a Gmail-and-Netflix machine. I’d have Chrome open, a few tabs going, and that was the extent of it. After realizing some of the downsides of Chromebooks when I first bought one five years ago, I figured I should dig into the other side of that coin now. What I found surprised me. ChromeOS has grown up a lot when nobody was paying attention, and there are features buried in it that changed the way I actually use the thing. You can connect multiple external displays All you need is a USB-C dock or cables Most people have no idea their Chromebook can power more than one monitor. Got USB-C ports? You might be able to push two or even three displays through a single dock. Google confirms support for up to three external monitors, though the exact number depends on your specific model. Plug a USB-C dock into your Chromebook — one with HDMI or DisplayPort outputs — and head to Settings > Device > Displays (or use …

Aluminium OS: Everything We Know About the Chromebook Successor

Aluminium OS: Everything We Know About the Chromebook Successor

Published by skeptic

It’s never fun to be in last place. Google has been coasting along with its Android tablets and Chromebooks for years, playing second fiddle to the bigger players in the game. But the company has a new card up its sleeve: the upcoming merger of its two platforms into something entirely new. Word on the street is that it’s called Aluminium OS, and it’s coming sooner than you might think. What Is Aluminium OS? Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president of devices and services. Courtesy of Drew Angerer/Getty Images Ever since the failed launch of the Pixel Slate back in 2018, which was Google’s first attempt at integrating ChromeOS and Android, onlookers have been wondering what the future of these platforms would be. Reports about a new desktop operating system have been mucking around for years, something that blends ChromeOS with Android. Google talked about interoperability improvements between ChromeOS and Android at Google I/O 2025. In the past decade, Google has made small moves toward integrating these two operating systems, but it has been incremental, starting …