Chromebook expiration dates

[3930dave]

Getting closer to buying a Cbook, still researching.....

Being a hardware guy, I naturally gravitate to those specs. Cbooks being what they are, can't ignore the support dates per model though.....

Auto Update policy - Google Chrome Enterprise Help

Thought I'd share, as this info is not usually advertised.

Rgds, D.

 

[TractorGuy]

Auto update is the devil. If it can't be controlled by the user it's not yours.

We tried a Win 10 notebook and half the time when we turned it on it would start updating. It didn't have the ability to update and perform normal functionality at the same time. I have all our computers back on 7. It works fine without support.

 

[Oaktree]

I've never used a Chromebook, nor do I see why I'd want a "computer" that's a paperweight without internet access. Is that article saying they won't work after the 6.5 years or just that they won't receive updates? If the latter, not a big deal in my book.

 

[3930dave]

I've never seen one go past it's Due Date, so I don't know if it's a hard-stop or not.

They aren't for everybody, but given how many people use "PC"s today (internet browsing, light-duty applications), they have become popular, including with IT Admins (for personal use). What they give is decent/good performance at their price-point, along with very good native security.... so long as you don't mind Google

I wouldn't call myself a google fan-boy (not even close), but I will give them credit for posting the info I linked. IF one is in the market for a Cbook, worthwhile data....

Rgds, D.

 

[Chris616]

There is a huge difference between a Chromebook and a Windows 10 notebook. Like the difference between a tractor and a car. You can do some of the same things with both, but their intended uses are completely different.

Earlier this year I spent a couple of days setting up my wife's new Win10 computer. About the same time I set my 80+ mom with a new Chromebook, her first computer. Other than charging the battery it was fully functional after taking out of the package. I have done some optional customization, but it wasn't necessary. The nice things about the Chromebook are:

- The auto updates take seconds, since it's mostly just updating the Internet browser.
- There is very little to go wrong with it, again since it is mostly just an Internet browser.
- If something does go dramatically wrong it can be easily reset to initial conditions (called a "powerwash"). That was very comforting to my mom.
- I can set up a remote control session with my mom's computer so that I can see what she is describing when she is asking how to do something, or I can show her how to do it. That was even more comforting to her.

I liked the Chromebook so much that I bought one to use for Internet browsing while not sitting at my desk with my regular Windows computer. I did consider the auto update expiry, but it wasn't the most important spec to me. The price of these machines is low enough that I'm expecting to replace them more often than our heavy-weight desktop computers.

Chris

 

[Diggin It]

Remember that the company behind those is in the business of gathering and selling personal information. No one who passes their door is safe.

 

[3930dave]

Remember that the company behind those is in the business of gathering and selling personal information. No one who passes their door is safe.

Agreed on both counts.

It would be a kinder gentler 'net, if they were alone in that endeavour. I am familiar with basic Win and Lin countermeasures, and plan to do what I can in that regard if I go further down the CB road.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

There is a huge difference between a Chromebook and a Windows 10 notebook. Like the difference between a tractor and a car. You can do some of the same things with both, but their intended uses are completely different.

Earlier this year I spent a couple of days setting up my wife's new Win10 computer. About the same time I set my 80+ mom with a new Chromebook, her first computer. Other than charging the battery it was fully functional after taking out of the package. I have done some optional customization, but it wasn't necessary. The nice things about the Chromebook are:

- The auto updates take seconds, since it's mostly just updating the Internet browser.
- There is very little to go wrong with it, again since it is mostly just an Internet browser.
- If something does go dramatically wrong it can be easily reset to initial conditions (called a "powerwash"). That was very comforting to my mom.
- I can set up a remote control session with my mom's computer so that I can see what she is describing when she is asking how to do something, or I can show her how to do it. That was even more comforting to her.

I liked the Chromebook so much that I bought one to use for Internet browsing while not sitting at my desk with my regular Windows computer. I did consider the auto update expiry, but it wasn't the most important spec to me. The price of these machines is low enough that I'm expecting to replace them more often than our heavy-weight desktop computers.

Chris

Well said Chris.

To extend the tractor analogy a bit, a Cbook could be thought of somewhere between a SCUT and a CUT. Not what you'd want if you had 5k acres to plow, but even many of the guys on here who own Big Iron comment, it's surprising how often the smaller/lighter versions get used.

I'm not a Gamer, serious or otherwise, and don't run heavy engineering simulations anymore, nor any other application that needs high performance local workstation hardware, so the relatively low-cost smooth functioning utility of these Chromebooks has it's attractions.....

Rgds, D

 

[3930dave]

A brief article about what's going on under the hood....

Google Chromebooks fight malware, get security experts' approval - CNET

Ex. - updates are pretty much transparent, as they A/B them. You are running A version, B gets updated in the background, then swapped later.

Rgds, D.

 

[DMax82]

I've never used a Chromebook, nor do I see why I'd want a "computer" that's a paperweight without internet access. Is that article saying they won't work after the 6.5 years or just that they won't receive updates? If the latter, not a big deal in my book.

My Chromebook runs the Google "Office" apps offline. I bought my 11" Lenovo for around $115 refurbished three years or so ago. It has not been handled gently, but does everything I need it to. Considering a higher end model now, but I do need to run Windows apps, and my PC is getting on in the years.

 

[newbury]

There is a huge difference between a Chromebook and a Windows 10 notebook. Like the difference between a tractor and a car. You can do some of the same things with both, but their intended uses are completely different.

Chris

Well said Chris.

To extend the tractor analogy a bit, a Cbook could be thought of somewhere between a SCUT and a CUT. Not what you'd want if you had 5k acres to plow, but even many of the guys on here who own Big Iron comment, it's surprising how often the smaller/lighter versions get used.

I liken it to the difference between my F350 dually and most any passenger car.

My dually takes a lot more upkeep and is much more expensive, but when I need to haul 2 tons of whatever or pull a 12K trailer the passenger car is not going to cut it.

I keep windows laptops because there are just so many programs I need to occasionally run that are Windoze only that I would cripple myself without it.

 

[3930dave]

Yep, people do have different needs.

My primary machine (old Lenovo) runs Linux and LibreOffice. The only issue I have once in a long while is filling out forms online, so 99+% of my needs are met with that combo, but if you need full Win compatibility for a corp environment or whatever, it is what it is.

Rgds, D.

 

[s219]

If you can buy one of these when it first hits the market, the timeframe for support is probably long enough that you'll want a new machine before the old one stops being supported. The danger is when someone unwittingly buys an older Chromebook that will lose support soon. I am sure it happens, since I know it happens with Android phones (Google's other pet). Seen cases where an Android will stop getting software updates a couple months after the owner bought it new in box, because it was an older model. It pays to do your homework and make sure you're buying a device that will be supported as long as you hope to own it. Minor bugs are one thing, but if there is a gaping security risk you will want that to be patched!

 

[3930dave]

If you can buy one of these when it first hits the market, the timeframe for support is probably long enough that you'll want a new machine before the old one stops being supported. The danger is when someone unwittingly buys an older Chromebook that will lose support soon. I am sure it happens, since I know it happens with Android phones (Google's other pet). Seen cases where an Android will stop getting software updates a couple months after the owner bought it new in box, because it was an older model. It pays to do your homework and make sure you're buying a device that will be supported as long as you hope to own it. Minor bugs are one thing, but if there is a gaping security risk you will want that to be patched!

I think it was an insurance commercial that used to run here: "Timing....... It's Everything ! "

All major chipsets have Lifespan Roadmaps that are usually communicated to equipment OEMs....... Google's PSA reflecting that info is worth a look, if you are in this market.

Rgds, D.

 

[Sono]

I bought an HP Chromebook for my son since his school uses them for classroom work. They provide them in class or you can get your own ( since we are responsible for them , I just bought him his own so if it gets lost or stolen as they can bring them home to do homework ) well it never did work right, the teacher would get it set up and connected, when he got home it wouldn't connect, all info lost ? even at school it would do the same and he couldn't get on without having to enter and download everything again... I think they are junk, just bought him a standard tablet instead and had it 5 years now no issues.

 

[Katahdin]

^ 5 years is a dogs age in the PC world, there's no reason to still be sour over a chromebook that old, try one again, it might work out better for you.

Every operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX (all I've worked on), eventually expires and enhancements and bug fixes end, this is nothing new in the IT world.

I took the plunge on my first chromebook last week, an Asus 15.6" screen full HD c523N. My 5-year-old home HP laptop it replaced was getting too sluggish. So far I'm pretty happy with it, and the $270 price.

 

[Sono]

^ 5 years is a dogs age in the PC world, there's no reason to still be sour over a chromebook that old, try one again, it might work out better for you.

Every operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX (all I've worked on), eventually expires and enhancements and bug fixes end, this is nothing new in the IT world.

I took the plunge on my first chromebook last week, an Asus 15.6" screen full HD c523N. My 5-year-old home HP laptop it replaced was getting too sluggish. So far I'm pretty happy with it, and the $270 price.

yes I know, but that Chromebook didn't work right from day 1 ? The tablet however is still going strong (for an LG) surprisingly. Ive had my ACER solid state about the same time and its still kicking as well, until it starts acting up (knock on wood) ill hang onto it. But I am wanting a new one in the future. Cant say bigger and better because they roll out as fast asvbeing outdated...lol

 

[3930dave]

yes I know, but that Chromebook didn't work right from day 1 ?

That sounds like a Dead Out of the Box hardware fault. Can happen, in any product.

With a high-speed connection and a modern router, I'd expect every current Cbook to run smoothly. So long as that's in place, like Katahdin said, the price-point is attractive.

Nothing wrong with tablets, PCs, etc..... like mechanical tools, I often have more than 1 of each.... :thumbsup:

Rgds, D.

 

[Oldoak]

That sounds like a Dead Out of the Box hardware fault. Can happen, in any product.

That was the first thought I had as I read Sono's experience.

Having never owned a Chromebook, I have been seriously considering one as my next replacement computer. This thread was great timing and caught my attention.

 

[Chris616]

Having never owned a Chromebook, I have been seriously considering one as my next replacement computer. This thread was great timing and caught my attention.

On the Internet we can't tell your experience level, so forgive the following advice if you know this already (or for other folks looking at this thread).

A Chromebook has limited capability. For example, it wouldn't cut it as a replacement for my Windows computer on which I run a number of applications that won't run on a Chromebook. But 50% of what I do with my computer just involves using an Internet browser, and a Chromebook works great for that, in addition to my regular computer. Instead of being secluded in my office I can grab the Chromebook and sit with the rest of the family.

Chris