My favorite device is a Chromebook

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall sentiment

  • Many commenters say a Chromebook (often inexpensive, small, fanless) is their “favorite” or most-used device, even if not the most powerful.
  • Others find theirs sitting unused: too slow, limited app support, or poor value versus used ThinkPads, MacBooks, or Windows laptops.
  • Several emphasize the distinction between “favorite” and “best”: convenience, weight, and “always there” matter more than raw specs.

Hardware value & form factor

  • Positive experiences with cheap Acers and Lenovo Duet tablets: light, good-enough screens, usable keyboards, solid battery life (often 6–10+ hours).
  • Complaints: weak CPUs for heavy dev work, mediocre speakers, “circumcised” keyboard layouts, and some recent models seen as poor value vs used PCs.
  • High-end Chromebooks (Pixelbook, HP Dragonfly, Framework Chromebook, newer ASUS/Chromebook Plus models) exist but are often considered overpriced or hard to find.

OS, Crostini, and workflows

  • Crostini (Linux VM) is repeatedly cited as ChromeOS’s killer feature: run Debian with good GUI integration, hardware acceleration, and device passthrough.
  • Users run dev stacks (ssh, tmux, vim/helix, VS Code, databases), Gimp/Inkscape, and even some Windows apps via Linux/Wine.
  • Some argue Crostini’s integration is smoother than WSL2; others counter that WSL2 matches most capabilities.

Security, privacy, and updates

  • One view: Chromebooks are “overpriced thin clients” with short lifetimes; once EOL, they become e‑waste.
  • Counterpoint: many devices now have ~10‑year update policies; commenters report 6–7‑year‑old units still receiving updates.
  • Pro‑ChromeOS arguments highlight verified, read‑only root FS, per‑user encryption, strong sandboxing, lack of autostart, and low malware risk, especially for nontechnical users.
  • Critics worry more about Google’s data collection; others note Windows and macOS have their own privacy and control issues.

Longevity, modding, and alternatives

  • After EOL, several install ChromeOS Flex or full Linux (often via custom firmware like MrChromebox) to extend life.
  • Some ex‑Chromebook fans migrated to MacBooks or Linux laptops due to lack of powerful modern Chromebooks or Google’s retreat from flagship devices (e.g., Pixelbook).
  • Alternatives mentioned: Android phones with Termux and external peripherals, Surface Go tablets, and conventional Linux laptops.

UX details

  • ChromeOS praised for being “it just works,” especially for tabbed browsing (gestures, infinite-height tab bar), touchscreens, and seamless Android/phone integration.
  • Some feel ChromeOS is closer to the “ideal Linux desktop” than most traditional distros.