Seven reasons why I'm not buying a Chromebook. | Hacker News Reader

Seven reasons why I'm not buying a Chromebook.

dmurray.org

3 pointseroded3 comments

They should really call it a "mombook" because it's ideal for parents or grandparents who just want to get on the internet and have a computer that just works and is simple. Imagine setting your family up with these and never getting tech support callsanymore.

Regarding #5, ChromeOS is open source unlike OSX which is running on your macbook air. Both companies are motivated to collect information about you. The difference is that with ChromeOS you or someone else can identify when and how information is collected by reviewing the sourced code. With OSX, only Apple knows when and how. What they do with this information is a different answer.

1. I need way more than just a browser. Y’know, little things like a mail client, terminal, vim, ssh, Skype, Spotify, etc.

This doesnt need to replace your more robust system.

2. I have a Macbook Air.

See Above, but I dont have a macbook air. Many people dont. Many people can afford 20/month rather than the inflated price of the Air. (Dont argue with that, all Apple products are inflated in price - how else you think they are making so much damn money)

3. It doesn't cost me anything.

This doesnt work for everyone.

4. If I wanted a netbook, I’d buy a netbook. Why not just run Chrome inside Ubuntu? Chromebook’s expensive in comparison.

I have (5) desktops, (4) laptops, (1) netbook, (2) smartphones and I still want one of these.

5. So Google can’t spy on me. Perhaps I’m paranoid. but the Chromebook could hoard huge amounts of usage data. I’d rather not give them the opportunity.

I agree with this, yet they spy on you already -- I assume you use google? I assume you have a GMail account?

We need a solution to that problem, avoiding the chromebook won't mitigate their spying.

6. WiFi is everywhere I’d want to work. I don’t care for the built-in 3G data. If I’m on the move - that’s why my smartphone's [sic] for.

3G actually sucks - esp. compared to 4G. But wifi is not everywhere I go - its basically never available in transit.

7. It’s solving a problem that doesn’t exist. I’ve never heard anyone wish they only had a browser. Not even my Mum.

I have wanted a browser only device for years. The iPad did exactly what you say there is no problem/market for.

Hell - I would buy one of these for my grandma only for IM being always open on the countertop.

I think the writer of this article is too techie for his own good.

There are lots of reasons why HE shouldn't buy a chromebook - but there are far more reasons why others should, and will.

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