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Get a Chromebook

February 11, 2014 by Mr. 1500 Days 41 Comments

Our computers are dying. The Macbook is 7 years old and is starting to show its age. The Windows laptop I bought for Mrs. 1500 was junk, lasting only a couple years before the display crapped out. Grrrr. I decided to buy a new computer, but didn’t know what to get. I love Apple products for their very high quality and durability, but they also come with a steep price tag.

This new computer was going to be primarily for Mrs. 1500. One thing I’ve noticed is that the Mrs. does almost all of her work in the web browser. After thinking on it for a while, I decided on a Google Chromebook.

Not as sexy as budgets, but still pretty cool
Not as sexy as budgets, but still pretty cool

We picked up the Chromebook from Costco a couple weeks ago and love it. If you’re not a geek like me, you’re probably wondering what on earth I’m talking about. Please allow me to tell you about our new computer and why it may be perfect for you.

What the heck is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is an inexpensive laptop computer that runs Google’s Chrome web browser. That’s it. No Windows. No Linux*. No Apple OS.

Why would I want a computer that only consists of a web browser? Think about the amount of time you spend on a computer and what you’re doing on it. Most time is spent in a browser. Email, facebook, Google Docs, etc. It’s becoming a web world.

How much do they cost? I bought a high-end one at Costco last weekend for $379. Most of them seem to be in the mid 200’s though.

How is the quality of the hardware? My HP version is Apple-esque. Very good. I think my Macbook is a little better, but not by much. The Chromebook is a lot nicer than the Dell notebook that I have to use for work.

One great think is that it’s solid state; no moving parts. This alone makes it a lot more durable than most laptops: no hard drive to break.

What about Microsoft Word? Whenever I suggest a Chromebook to people, this is how the conversation typically goes:

  • Other person: I need a computer, what do you recommend?
  • Me: You should get a Chromebook!
  • Other person: Does it run Microsoft Office?
  • Me: No, but it does run Google Docs. Google Docs is similar to Office and is even compatible with Word. Best thing of all is that it saves all of your files to the cloud. No more losing stuff when Word or Windows crashes. Docs doesn’t have all of the fancy features of Office, but how many of those do you use? Besides, Office alone costs 100’s of dollars.
  • Other person: But I want Microsoft Office.

I don’t have a clue why people are so obsessed with Office, but trust me, there is life without it.

What about storage? This is one of the best parts. The Chromebook uses Google Drive (cloud storage). The Chromebook has it’s own storage too, but you probably won’t use it.

What about apps? You have 2 options here:

  • Chrome Extensions: Extensions are add-ons to the browser. Want to run Spotify? There is an extension for that. Here’s one for TweetDeck. Angry Birds anyone?
  • Web Apps: HTML (the language of the web) is now very powerful. There are some great interactive websites that can replace the software you use on your computer. We use PIXLR for photo editing. I use Google Huddle for video calls. Does anyone not use Gmail these days?

What about offline work? This is a valid concern, but the Chromebook has your back here too. Read about all you can do offline.

What about Skype? This may be the biggest drawback, no Skype support yet. However, the Chromebook supports Google Huddle which accomplishes the same thing.

Who wouldn’t you recommend a Chromebook too? A Chromebook is no good if you spend a lot of time out of your browser. Off the top of my head, it won’t be good for gamers, software developers and people who use other software packages.

Anyway, if you’re in the market for a new computer, check out the Chromebook. If you already have one, let me know what you think.

 

*If you want to get all technical and geeky, the heart of the Chromebook is the Linux kernel.

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Filed Under: Something Completely Different Tagged With: chromebook, Google

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Retired By 40 says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I have a chromebook and love it! The battery lasts 7-9 hours, and it weighs less than a macbook air, in addition to all of the features you pointed out. My basic one was $249, and I love it so I can only imagine how happy you are with the $379 version!

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      Exactly, you nailed it. I’m glad to hear that even the cheaper ones work well.

      Reply
  2. Scooze says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:21 am

    This is timely. I need a new laptop and haven’t been able to decide what to get. I’ll look into it.

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Please do and let me know what you think! You can write an angry rant against me if you buy one and hate it! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Fast Weekly says

    February 11, 2014 at 10:27 am

    Haha, funny isn’t it. People ask your advice and don’t take it. Reminds me of Marvin’s blog post this morning. I’ll be giving Chromebook a good look next time we get a computer.

    I’ve been running Open Office for years and like it far more than Microsoft Office. I certainly wouldn’t pay to go back. I don’t have much experience with Google Docs, but I’m sure it’s great……what Google product isn’t?!
    -Bryan
    Fast Weekly recently posted…Why I’m Not Concerned About Target’s Security BreachMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      Open Office is great! I with there was a Chrome extension. Not yet…

      Google is killing everything in its path. They are changing the world.

      Reply
  4. Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says

    February 11, 2014 at 11:07 am

    I’ll have to check out the Chrome when I need a new one. I was thinking the same thing…does it run Microsoft Office? I know I know…it’s just that I’m so used to it, but I’m up for trying google docs instead since it’s compatible. It’s definitely a good option at that price point.
    Andrew@LivingRichCheaply recently posted…Are You (Financially) Better Off Than Your Parents?My Profile

    Reply
    • Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies says

      February 11, 2014 at 7:02 pm

      If you’re a serious Excel junkie/power user, Google docs isn’t going to cut it most likely. The formatting is gd-awful and it’s so slow and clunky to use it’s incredibly frustrating. But then again Numbers is pretty freaking terrible for power users as well and Apple computers cost an arm and a leg.
      Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies recently posted…Our Revised Energy HedgeMy Profile

      Reply
      • 1500 says

        February 11, 2014 at 8:26 pm

        Sigh, agreed. This is something I’ve wondered about too. Google has a bunch of math geniuses working there. Get it done!

        Reply
        • Nodaclu says

          February 11, 2014 at 8:34 pm

          Microsoft doors have the Office 365 web based site that they are getting ready to rename and update again. Power users still won’t find everything they need, but if you’re just more comfortable in the world of Office, it could be a viable alternative too.

          Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      There is life after office; I promise! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lucas says

    February 11, 2014 at 11:23 am

    They are definitely an interesting proposition for a lot of people, but i use way too many other non web supported software packages to make the switch at this point. For a lot of people who are net content consumers or do minor creation/editing on documents it could definitely make a lot of sense (above even say a tablet).

    Reply
  6. Jen @ Jen Spends says

    February 11, 2014 at 11:29 am

    I ended up getting a bargain on a little netbook, but Chromebook was my primary choice when I was looking for a laptop for my freelance writing. They really are nice machines for the price. The netbook is a bit small, so I may still end up buying a Chromebook at some point.

    My dad has been ordering Chromebooks for work instead of traditional laptops–employees only needed internet access, so he’s saving a ton of money that way and it’s not a huge deal if they break.

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      Good to hear a Chromebook success story from your father! Mine amazes me a little more each day. I hope it holds up for the long term though. Apple is very good in that respect.

      Reply
  7. E.M. says

    February 11, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    I was thinking of getting one to replace my older laptop. I mainly want to use it for blogging purposes. I’d like to be able to write somewhere other than my desk! I was looking through reviews on Amazon to get an idea of how powerful it is, because I’m often running with 6-8 tabs open in Chrome, and I wasn’t sure if it would be able to handle that. I like to multi-task a bit too much. Glad to hear it’s a hit!
    E.M. recently posted…What Are Your Distractions?My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:33 pm

      I’m a tab fanatic! I’m typing this on my Chromebook now and glanced up to see that I have 16 tabs open with NO performance hit at all. This thing is really great.

      Reply
  8. Done by Forty says

    February 11, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    We are a Lenovo household, but I’m open to the Chromebook, especially as a ‘2nd’ computer. When our next Thinkpad wears out (we run them into the ground…I’m thinking about a 7-10 year lifespan, based on my wife’s last T42) a Chromebook might be the best choice.

    As long as I remembered to save some docs onto the local memory before getting on a plane or going somewhere without wifi, it probably would be fairly seamless. Thanks for the in-depth review.
    Done by Forty recently posted…Give Yourself Credit (Progress is PROGRESS)My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Lenovo makes some fine hardware. I like them too.

      You’d be surprised how much the Chromebook does for you. This one came with 2 years of free 3G connectivity. If its not on wifi, it automatically connects to 3G. I swear, I love this thing more every minute.

      Reply
    • Nodaclu says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Sit tight just a bit longer. Lenovo has confirmed that that are bringing “multiple” Chrimebooks to the market in 2014. Possibly the best of both worlds in your case. 🙂

      Reply
  9. BJ @ AFatFreelife.com says

    February 11, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Nice!

    We actually bought a HP 14″ chromebook this past Saturday. We love it so far since everything we do is on the web. Plus it boots up in 4 seconds or so! Crazy!

    I see Costco sells the 4gb memory 32gb storage for $379. We got the 2gb memory and 16gb storage for $299 from BestBuy.
    BJ @ AFatFreelife.com recently posted…Why we want to retire earlyMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      I love the boot time too! This thing is seriously great. Google is taking over the world.

      Reply
  10. Cash Rebel says

    February 11, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    I’m with you on chromebooks. If I could do it over again, I would have bought one. About a year and a half ago I bought pretty much the same thing in a light, $300 PC. There’s just no reason to spend $1,000 on a Mac if all you are doing is checking email.
    Cash Rebel recently posted…cottage food laws: How to sell homemade foodMy Profile

    Reply
  11. theFIREstarter says

    February 11, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    I’m pretty much a google man through and through despite having an iPad – most of the apps I use on a day to day basis on that are google ones anyway though… hah. The only other one that is extremely useful for keeping blog posts and ideas synced across devices is Evernote, but it has a webApp and Chrome webApp anyway.

    So next time I think this will be a good replacement for my iPad, which due to the built in death clock of around 3 years on those things, should be due for replacement pretty soon! I do like the iPad but it is just too expensive to justify getting another one.
    The (apple) King is (nearly) dead. Long live the (chromebook) King! 🙂
    theFIREstarter recently posted…The Fresh Prince of Bel-FireMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 8:27 pm

      “I’m pretty much a google man through and through…”

      Google is an incredible company, isn’t it? Think about it. They started out as a search engine and now they have self driving cars. The next couple decades will be very, very interesting…

      Reply
  12. anna says

    February 11, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Lol that would probably be with the Microsoft Office dialogue, especially when it comes to Excel. Google Docs is pretty great for my personal use, though, so thanks for the review!
    anna recently posted…Transitioning the “Me” Thinking Into “We” ThinkingMy Profile

    Reply
  13. saverspender says

    February 11, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    This is good for personal use if you use the computer minimally, but there is no life without Office for me even personally.

    Google Docs simply doesn’t cut it particularly for MS Excel. It’s clunky and gross but MS Excel is far more robust than Google Docs.
    saverspender recently posted…The Bond Between a Mother and Her DaughterMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 11, 2014 at 11:22 pm

      Ha, you win this round. I’m not a big Excel user myself, but others have brought it up, so clearly Excel is important and worthy.

      Reply
  14. Justin @ Root of Good says

    February 12, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    As for your busted-display windows laptop, have you considered replacing the screen? My kiddo busted our LCD panel and I ended up buying a new replacement screen off ebay for $45 (although some run $75-100).

    Not sure if you are interested in patching up the old notebook, but swapping out LCD panels is pretty easy. Or I could take the busted computer off your hands and put it to good use! 😉
    Justin @ Root of Good recently posted…Summer Plans – Travel The World?My Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 12, 2014 at 8:18 pm

      Ha, good thought! I will see what I can about the LCD, although I’m not sure the screen is the issue. It just doesn’t come on.

      Reply
  15. Steven says

    February 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Tried convincing the wife to get a Chromebook, she went the other way and got a Lenovo Yoga 2(I’m pretty sure you can excercise with it), since we haven’t bought one since about 2006. This was a battle I wasn’t going to win, but I have considered getting a chromebook because of the exact features you mentioned, but as luck would have it, my work gave me a laptop to use, so mine was “$Free$”.
    Steven recently posted…I’m a Credit Card HypocriteMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Michelle @fitisthenewpoor says

    February 12, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    I use my computer for a ton of design work, so I need a non-chromebook, but I would consider getting one for my mom if she ever gets internet!
    Michelle @fitisthenewpoor recently posted…Harry Potter and the Tower of Financial LessonsMy Profile

    Reply
  17. 1500 says

    February 12, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    iPad is a great tablet. I’m partial to the bigger one, but the Mini is a great device too.

    Reply
  18. Frank says

    February 13, 2014 at 11:25 am

    There is an article today that Google and VMware are teaming up to use VMware on the Chromebooks. This will allow people to access and use Windows Office. This will add to the productivity of the Chromebook.
    http://www.zdnet.com/google-taps-vmware-to-bring-windows-access-to-chromebooks-7000026256/

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 13, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      Yes, I read that too. Coincidentally, I’m a vSphere administrator as well and love the technology. Can’t wait to see what this partnership yields.

      Reply
  19. Evan @ My Journey to Millions says

    February 14, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    I received an email today that HP is giving away 200mb of 4g service for a limited time.

    I am not in the market currently but when my laptop goes I am absolutely buying a chromebook.
    Evan @ My Journey to Millions recently posted…Do Not Liquidate Your 401(k) When Leaving Your JobMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Thomas @ i need money ASAP says

    February 24, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    Very cool. I’ve considered the chromebook but the limited ability to work offline does concern me. But then again the fact that you can spend only $250-$350 for a computer amazes me.
    Thomas @ i need money ASAP recently posted…Help Paying BillsMy Profile

    Reply
    • 1500 says

      February 24, 2014 at 11:16 pm

      There is tons you can do offline! Be sure to research it before you write it off.

      Reply
      • theFIREstarter says

        February 25, 2014 at 2:40 am

        The offline working aspect of google docs thing has always bugged me to if they’ve got a workaround for that on the chromebook that would be so useful (although I wish they’d sort it for the standard web based versions as well)

        I saw one for sale nearly brand new for £130 the other day… was very tempted!

        Reply
  21. Jeff says

    February 28, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    With the new Toshiba 13 and Chromebooks from Dell and others, expect to see the price drop on older Chromebooks, possibly seeing prices under $200 for a Chromebook with decent specs.
    Jeff recently posted…Toshiba Chromebook 13 vs HP Chromebook 14 ReviewsMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Giorgio says

    May 27, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Chromebook are really innovative way to intend a PC. But for me are most different than a classic PC, and for this for now it’s unthinkable.
    Giorgio recently posted…Downgrade di iOS 7.1 a iOS 7 e 6.1.3 per iPhone 4My Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Is America Addicted to Social Media? Are you? | Big Guy Money says:
    February 28, 2014 at 9:00 am

    […] The Little Lady and I are just as guilty as anyone when it comes to consuming media.  Since I started this blog, we’ve even considered purchasing a second laptop just because I’m hogging our current laptop between working on homework to (finally) finish my degree and writing for the site.  Maybe a Chromebook? […]

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Freedom!

My goal was to build a portfolio of $1,000,000 by February of 2017; 1500 days from the birth of this blog (January 1, 2013). And hey look, I’ve since retired!

Investments only (primary home excluded)
1/1/13 (The Start): $586,043
1/1/14 (1 Yr Later): $869,635
1/1/15 (2 Yrs Later): $987,351
1/1/16 (3 Yrs Later): $1,057,961
1/1/17 (4 Yrs Later): $1,257,128
1/1/18 (5 Yrs Later): $1,527,701
1/1/19 (6 Yrs Later): $1,549,440
1/1/20 (7 Yrs Later): $2,035,040*
1/1/21 (8 Yrs Later): $3,379,746**
1/1/22 (9 Yrs Later): $4,762,642
1/1/23 (10 Yrs Later): $3,112,821

2023: Investments only
1/1: $3,112,821
2/1: $3,582,368

Overall
2023 investment gains: $469,547
Investment gains since 1/1/2013: $2,996,325
Net worth***: $3,812,368

* The big jump between 2019 and 2020 was partly because we bought another home, but kept the previous (much more expensive) one as a rental. We have since sold it.

** Tesla.

*** Includes our primary home equity in addition to our investment portfolio.

Finally, we still have about $290,000 in mortgage debt (which I love!). No regrets about the debts!

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