Even though my name is Barney, I’m not really Barney Google (younger folk – look it up – especially the song;-)
I use Google a lot, but I am not neck deep in the Google ecosystem (docs, plus – still trying to make that work for me in a great way – etc.) — but I have to admit, the Chromebook I just got on a deal for under $200 is quite an amazing little wonder.
It’s sort of like the old netbook I love but has gotten … old. Or more like a phone with a big screen and keyboard. Instant on, and no Windows – but hey, install the Chrome Remote Dekstop and you can use your main PC with little or no lag time.
It can do 99 percent of what my 3-times-the-price big laptop does – and has about 3 times the battery life (8 hours or even more). What’s not to like, even love?
I wish it was cell and not just wifi, but wifi is becoming pretty darn ubiquitous, and more offline apps are being added.
Of COURSE the one I wanted was sold out, got a bit more expensive one but it was still under $200, a Samsung – and the very next day, learned Acer (maker of the cheaper one) has fast, better ones coming — that’s a fact of tech life, though not always within 24 hours. There are larger Chromebooks, but I LIKE a 10-inch screen compared to larger – again for 99 percent of things, the convenience makes up for any lack of room on the screen.
But it is true nowadays that you don’t just buy a product – you invest in an ecosystem. I find an iPad to be fun, but … I’m so in the Windows/Android world (and now Google) that there are just so many platforms one can juggle successfully. Or as I often say, spread yourself too thin and anyone can see right through you.
But my wonderful wife knows my ulterior motive for a cheap laptop that works so well – 1/3 the price, I can upgrade 3 times as often!
Yeah right;-)
Leave it to Barney 
i too have a Samsung Chromebook its every thing i like about computers and none of the problems.i can be on line minutes ahead of my wife’s dell and its quit and super light too.highly recommend