I have written often about the advantages of low-cost Chromebook computers. (See http://bit.ly/2K5izCv for my past articles about Chromebooks.) These low-cost and highly secure laptop computers have all of the essentials most computer users need. They are famous for how they “get things done efficiently and easily.” Best of all, Chromebooks are very secure and never get viruses. They also never lose data because all systems are automatically backed up online all the time. If a Chromebook gets lost, stolen, or crushed by a truck, the owner can obtain a new Chromebook and then restore all data within a matter of minutes.
Now you can purchase a new (not refurbished) Samsung 11.6-inch Chromebook 3 (originally $219) Chromebook for $129 US from Wal-Mart and that price even includes free shipping or else you can pick it up at your local Wal-Mart store. However, you will have to pay state and local sales taxes, if any.
The Samsung 11.6″ Chromebook 3 has an Intel Celeron processor, 2 gigabytes of internal memory, 16 gigabytes of SSD “disk drive” storage, HDMI video if you want to connect an external monitor, a built-in Webcam, and a battery that lasts for an average of 11 hours before requiring a recharge.
NOTE #1: The SSD “disk drive” isn’t really a disk drive at all. In fact, it is much better than a traditional hard disk drive. The letters “SSD” are an abbreviation for “Solid State Drive.” There are no spinning platters in an SSD. As a result, it is much faster and more rugged than a tradional hard drive.
NOTE #2: Anyone used to Windows or Macintosh computers will first think that 16 gigabytes of SSD “disk drive” storage is tiny but Chromebooks’ default is to save all files in safe and secure areas the cloud, not on internal disk drives. As a result, most Chromebook users will never fill the internal “disk drive” in their laptops. However, anyone who really insists on storing files locally can plug a flash drive or external USB disk drive into a Chromebook in order to have all the local storage space they want. (I never do that on my Chromebook or Chromebox as I prefer to have all my data available to me on all my laptop, desktop, and tablet computers as well as on my “smartphone.” However, your preferences may be different from mine.)
Please keep in mind that $129 US doesn’t give you a high-powered top-of-the-line powerhouse computer. The Samsung 11.6″ Chromebook 3 has modest power with a Celeron processor and 2 gigabytes of memory. You won’t be running architectural CAD/CAM software to design new skyscrapers with a Chromebook system! However, it has more than enough power to surf the web, read and write email messages, communicate on Facebook, run thousands of programs (see https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions), and play hundreds of computer games.
Most of the available Chrome operating system apps are available free of charge although there are a very few exceptions. You always are always notified of any required purchase prices before you decide whether or not to download and install a Chrome app. Many of the Chromebook programs will also operate when not connected online.
Chromebooks will not run Windows or Macintosh programs, however. A Chromebook also will operate well with almost all web sites, including most email services.I even use a Chromebook (or Chromebox) to build and maintain the web servers of my blogs.
Because of Chromebooks’ ease of use and minimal technical knowledge required, a Chromebook is a great solution for adolescents, for computer-illiterate adults, and also for anyone who wants an inexpensive laptop computer for use when traveling. Chromebook users can even create supervised accounts to track or limit online activity for kids online. This makes the Chromebook a great family-friendly laptop.
To learn more about the $129 Samsung 11.6-inch Chromebook 3 available from Wal-Mart, go to http://bit.ly/2EYuDRX. I have no idea how long this price will last.
This article was written on a Chromebox desktop computer. See my earlier article at https://blog.eogn.com/2019/05/24/using-a-chromebox-as-my-primary-day-to-day-computer/ for information about my use of a Chromebox desktop computer.
NOTE #3: I am not compensated in any way for publishing this article about Chromebook computers. I am simply a very satisfied Chromebook user who wants to pass on information about a “good deal” to anyone else who is interested.
- Amazon is Helping Police Build a Surveillance Network with Ring Doorbells
- Baltimore’s Bill for Ransomware: Over $18 Million, So Far
Categories: Hardware
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Privacy Blog 