Introducing Chromebook

[Tramlink]

Has anyone looked into this new operating system and what's on offer?

[Mark Greaves (PCNetSpec)]

Kind of .. what do you want to know ?

eg.

Is the Chrome OS any good ?

Can you install a "normal" Linux distro on a chromebook ? .. which models ?

Can you install local applications on a chromebook or is it "online" only ?

etc.


Hexxah builds Chrome OS for x86 PC's which can be run from a USB stick or a VMware/Virtualbox VM here:
http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/
if you want to try it out.

[Tramlink]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the questions you asked.

The price of the computers is quite exciting and if you can install Linux on the computer then it could become interesting.

The information on there website is a bit vague even for companies.

[Mark Greaves (PCNetSpec)]

Is the Chrome OS any good ?

depends what you expect from it .. if you're always going to have an internet connection and cloud apps are fine .. then it's indeed a very good OS, and *pretty much* defeated the crackers at Pwnium:
http://www.zdnet.com/googles-chrome-os-partially-hacked-7000012780/
a *potential* weakness was found (which will no doubt be fixed), but it was not a complete workable exploit.

Can you install a "normal" Linux distro on a chromebook ? .. which models ?

YES, but it depends on  the model .. so google before buying.
(AFAIK, nobody's got linux on a Pixel yet .. but as that's stupidly priced, I'm guessing that's not what you mean .. it's probably only a matter of time anyway)

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Can you install local applications on a chromebook or is it "online" only ?

In ChromeOS (AFAIK) NO.

In something like Ubuntu running on a Chromebook .. YES .. but check how much local storage the model you're looking for has, this differs greatly from model to model.

The Acer C7 has a traditional 320GB hard drive and can run Ubuntu:
http://liliputing.com/2012/11/how-to-install-ubuntu-12-04-on-the-199-acer-c7-chromebook.html
and
http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/acer-c7-chromebook.html#specs

Samsung series 3 has a 16GB SSD:
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/10/ubuntu-12-04-up-and-running-on-samsung-arm-chromebook

Samsung series 5 550 has a 16GB SSD:
http://www.devchronicles.com/2011/10/installing-ubuntu-on-samsung-series-5.html

As I said .. do some googling before buying

[Tramlink]

Some very interesting and helpful information for any one interested.