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Chrome OS
This dongle is a Overview
Chrome OS is an operating system built for use of web applications where data is stored in the cloud. This is in contrast to traditional computers (usually running Windows or OS X) that store applications and data on your hard drive.
Architecture
Chrome OS employs the Google Chrome web browser and shortcuts to web applications (usually those of Google's) in place of desktop programs. All of this runs on top of a GNU/Linux, specifically Gentoo, core. It is built to create minimal overhead and allow web applications to be the center of the user experience.
If you are a power user, many of these notebooks can be unlocked, and a custom operating system loaded onto them. Doing this isn't intended by Google, and isn't for the average user. Your best bet is a Acer C720 with 4 gigabytes of RAM (this particular spec is discontinued), as well as a custom Linux install.
Open BIOS(sorta)
Many Chromebook models use Coreboot, opening them up as a potential base for an ideal computing system for users who desire fully open source or free software-compatible systems. Other components may need to be replaced however, and thus research for individualized models is needed.
Hardware
Chromebooks are laptops with (usually) low-end hardware, due to the lightweight nature of Chrome OS. They also contain small storage devices to encourage users to use cloud-based services.
Avoid models with an Exynos CPU if you plan to run a GNU/Linux distribution. They won't be able to use most applications provided you decide to use a Linux distro on a Chromebook, and don't have the power or battery life of the regular Haswell-based models.
| Model Name | ' | CPU | ' | GPU | ' | RAM | ' | Battery life | ' | Screen | ' | Storage | ' | Price (USD) |
| Chromebook 11 | Exynos 5250 | Mali-T604 | 2GB | 6 hours | 11.6", 1366x768 | 16GB SSD | 279 | |||||||
| Acer C720 | Celeron 2955U | Intel HD | 2GB | 8.5 hours | 11.6" 1366x768 | 16/32GB SSD | 199/249 | |||||||
| Acer C720P | Celeron 2955U | Intel HD | 2GB | 7.5 hours | ^ but with touch | 32GB SSD | 299 | |||||||
| Chromebook 14 | Celeron 2955U | Intel HD | 2GB | 9.5 hours | 14" 1366x768 | 16GB SSD | 299 | |||||||
| Samsung Chrmbk | Exynos 5250 | Mali-T604 | 2GB | 6 hours | 11.6", 1366x768 | 16GB SSD | 249 | |||||||
| Acer C710 | Celeron 847 | Intel HD | 2GB | 3 hours | 11.6", 1366x768 | 16GB SSD | 199 | |||||||
| Pavillion Chrmbk | Celeron 847 | Intel HD | 2GB | 4.25 hr | 14" 1366x768 | 16GB SSD | 329 | |||||||
| Chrmbk Pixel | i5-3427u | HD 4000 | 4GB | 4 hours | 12.85 2560x1700 | 32/64GB SSD | 1299/1449 | |||||||