rm00 said:Please understand what you're getting when you buy one. It is a small computer with an ARM processor, this is much different from an x86 processor and cannot run x86 software. You cannot run windows software if that's what you intend to do.
By default these come with ChromeOS, which an extremely horrible locked down version of GNU/Linux and really shouldn't be compared with actual linux. This is basically for people who just want a browser.
Personally I think chromebooks were marketed at the wrong people. They needed to be marketed at enthusiasts who wanted a very cheap and small/portable ARM laptop to run linux on and do small tasks. The crowd they got was people saying "y this so shit it not even run .exe installerr wtf?". This is mainly google's fault.
If you know what it is and still want one, by all means go ahead.
Ntad said:
If you're looking for something small and portable for school, but end up deciding you want something with Windows, pick up a Surface RT.
Comes preloaded with Office 2013, is more durable than most laptops (32GB and 64GB SSDs with optional MicroSD expansion, so no worries about HDDs with moving parts), easy to carry and ideal for getting work done. Plus, even though you can't install any software other than what comes in the Windows Store, it still has plenty of entertainment value. And the battery life is great. With only minor use, I was able to go a whole month on a single charge with my power settings.
But it's not a powerhouse, that's what the Surface Pro is for. The RT's main focus is productivity. I'm only recommending it to you based on what you said.
I also own one and despite all the trash talk it gets, it's a solid system.
You can also get it bundled with the touch cover (thin, spill resistant keyboard that doubles as a cover) for around $400 USD.
I played with a surface RT before. Biggest piece of crap IMO. Secureboot CANNOT be turned off, and it can only boot operating systems designed by microsoft. This honestly should be illegal.
Even if someone made an ARM program for Windows RT, you wouldn't be able to install it, you can only install stuff from the windows store. That's just unacceptable to me. The whole thing is microsoftified. You're only allowed to install what microsoft wants you to install, and only allowed to use your computer the way microsoft allows you to use your computer. When you buy a surface RT, you basically don't actually even own the computer, Microsoft does.