Need excel, have chromebook

[mrpistachio]

I own a (windows 7) desktop and a chromebook. This has never been a problem before, and I love ChromeOS, but I have begun working as an intern in a research lab and I need to use my own laptop. The lack of true Excel is debilitating when it comes to analyzing data and I really need Windows.

Is dual-booting Windows 10 onto my chromebook a livable option? I am aware that there are many guides for doing it, but I don't actually know whether or not it is stable or usable. I have a Toshiba Chromebook 2, so it only has 16gb on it to start. Can I dual-boot off of a USB and/or SD card?

If the dual-booting isn't a great option, then what is a great, cheap Windows 10 laptop? (under $500 preferably)

Thanks!

 

[GreyCatz]

The only way to boot Windows from a USB (to my knowledge) is to create a Windows To Go USB based off either Windows 8 or 10 Enterprise. It's a rather cumbersome undertaking and you have to buy a Microsoft-certified USB stick. There are numerous requirements, as outlined by this article:

https/blogs.technet.microsoft.com/canitpro/2015/01/26/step-by-step-creating-a-windows-10-to-go-workspace/

But even if you manage to create such a Windows USB, the 16GBs of storage on your Chromebook will likely prove insufficient for any practical use.

Instead, here's an HP from bestbuy.com:

http/www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-hp-finish-in-jet-black/5868705.p?skuId=5868705

If all you need is MS Excel, then this will do that. I'm not entirely sure if it's brand-new or refurbished/demo/somewhat-used - but $450 will give you a full-blown Windows 10 PC with a useable touch-screen (not 1080p but 768p should be OK for Excel) running on an Intel i5-7200U. It's a dual-core but for number-crunching in Excel, this Kaby Lake unit should manage decently. The HD 620 IGP will allow you to play games like WoW and LoL.

Best of luck,
GreyCatz.


PS: You might want to save up for a proper quad-core workstation - in case you get promoted...