If I’m understanding this correctly, this is an officially supported Chrome OS that runs on traditional PCs (e.g. devices that come with Windows pre-installed)
This could be an interesting middle-ground for someone who can’t/won’t use Windows anymore but isn’t quite ready to take the plunge into Linux just yet
I understand that Chrome OS (and Android for that matter) are built on top of the Linux kernel, but I’d argue that both are far more user friendly than Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution
If you want to so any sort of serious computing, you’re SOL on Chrome OS. Stuff like programming, media production, design/engineering work, hell, even gaming as another user mentioned. Basically anything that can’t be done with a web app. Then, you’ll have to get a “real OS” like Ubuntu or Fedora. But at that point, why not just use the “real OS” for everything? It’s not like a real Linux distro needs more resources than Chrome OS.
IMO, the only real market for Chromebooks is the same people who can do all their work on an iPad or something (and even then the iPad can do more stuff, from what I’ve heard), and maybe older people who only need a very basic, locked down computer that they can’t accidentally misconfigure. It’s by no means even in the same league as a real Linux distro.
No, it’s not good for schools either. I’ve heard way too many stories where students or even entire classes (namely technology classes and electives in general) needed to use some professional software that Chrome OS didn’t support, but because the entire school ran on Chromebooks, they simply couldn’t, and either had to use a janky web app or a janky Android app running under Chrome OS’s Android subsystem. And, like, why not just use regular Linux in your school if Chromebooks are on the table? It’s not like regular Linux can’t be just as well locked down against meddling kids when configured properly, while giving way more flexibility for legitimate student computing needs.
I would disagree. Chrome OS is a nightmare to game on, work on, and install any apps. Ubuntu is much easier.
It’s however a delight from a tech-support point of view. Since my parents switched to a Chromebox a while ago, I’ve almost never received a call for help compared to their standard desktop.
I’m currently looking for a Chromebook for my son a this will allow me to reuse an old laptop of mine (instead of letting it gather dust or become e-waste) and I’ll be fairly sure he won’t be able to mess up the OS by accident.
Sure, there are loads of apps/games that don’t have a native implementation for Chrome OS or Android
But in addition to ecosystem, I think foot-guns are something to consider here
With macOS, Windows and Linux, it’s pretty easy to click the wrong thing or run the wrong command and put the system into a broken state: how many of us have had to provide technical support to friends/family in such cases?
Android, iOS, and Chrome OS have a firmly-managed outer shell that is very hard for a user to break, and Chrome OS has the containerised Linux Terminal as a safe escape hatch when you need a bit more freedom