Chromebook vs Conventional Laptop

[Just Add Some Water]

Hello my name is Jay. So I am in a bit of a dilemma. I am looking to buy a chromebook for school something that is light weigh and great on battery. I have my eyes on the Toshiba Chromebook 2 with an HD screen, backlit keys, with a quality build, but someone mention that if i wanted to run linux that i should buy the i3 which is something i am really interesting in doing if i am going to buy a chrome book because i want to install programs like vlc and maybe play some low standard steam games, but the total of the chromebook is going to cost around 400-500 dollar. If I wasnt running linux i would probably buy the the celeron processor version.

So I have a couple of questions. Should I buy the celeron processor or the i3? should i even run linux on a chromebook? is it worth it? if i do buy the i3 which cost 400-500 dollar should i just buy a conventional laptop that cost 400-500 dollar instead of the chromebook?

keep in mind the very core reason for this purchase is for school with light weight and long battery life with as much function as possible.

 

[hang-the-9]

4-500 is pretty pricey for a chomebook, you can get an Intel i5 system with Windows for that much.

Since you have a lower end budget I would actually suggest getting a good refurbished/used laptop. A $1,000 used laptop for $500 is better than a $500 new laptop as long as you get from a good buyer and a good model.

Also the higher end business models have good Linux supprort

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834296224

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834318465 <-- not super battery life but my favorite business laptop range



http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6R43RY0854

 

[jaguarskx]

Chromebooks have some limitations since they basically run a web browser. One of the first wall people hit is how to print documents when using Chrome OS. You cannot simply connect it to a print, install some drivers and expect something to print out. You will need to print through the internet which means whatever printer you use must be able to connect to a network.

I would buy a conventional laptop vs. a Chromebook because Chromebooks are not very versatile, but they do fill a niche so there is a purpose for them. The following video about Chromebooks in general should help you determine if they are suitable for your general needs (excluding installing Linux):

https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNPkvr7F82Q


If low cost is important then consider the following Asus laptop for $360 which has a Core i3-5020u. Can't say how long the battery will last though.

http/www.amazon.com/Asus-Laptop-i3-5020U-Windows-Gradient/dp/B0181OV6JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457449368&sr=1-2&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2289794011