Need a laptop that will be primarily used for streaming (YouTube TV), Google Sheets, and general internet browsing. Is a Chromebook a good option for me?

[u/Iglooman45]

Don’t need much, just want to make sure I’m going to get good bang for my buck. Thanks!

[u/RedZm]

For just browsing, writting, streaming (Netflix, youtube, spotify...) and same excel work Chromebooks are a good option. I use mine for DnD (and other RPGs as GM) where I have NPC sheets in excel, initiative count but also for writting txt/doc and streaming. I needed something flexible so I went for 2in1 Lenovo Duet, last version, 8GB RAM, please take in consideration 8GB RAM is a must due to some website requirements.

Edit: also think about maybe some Cloud service and take in mind that you can download apps from Google Play

[u/Iglooman45 → u/RedZm]

Thanks!

[u/zdanev]

yes, no worries. make sure you like the screen and the keyboard, some of the cheaper options are sub-standard.

[u/otterland]

Costco still has this Acer on sale for $250 that'll last you another decade.

I got a similar one five years ago that was on the cusp of ultra premium and it feels new.

https://www.costco.com/acer-chromebook-plus-514-14-touchscreen-laptop-with-google-ai--intel-core-3-processor-n355--1920-x-1200---chrome-os---8gb-ram--512gb-ssd.product.4000359679.html

[u/Iglooman45 → u/otterland]

Thanks! $100 off seems like a steal

[u/otterland → u/Iglooman45]

Costco is the bomb for electronics. AFAIK they add a two year warranty onto the Chromebook so that's three years.

Chromebooks are fantastic and much more than baby laptops for kids these days. Tons of local storage and they work seamlessly with the cloud. Google Docs is killer and I love using my favorite Android apps on it like Snapseed and Pocket Casts.

To me it's like Jlab headphones. I use their earbuds out in the city as for $20 they sound just as good as $150 buds but lack features I don't need. If they get lost, don't care. The irony is that my three sets of Jlabs and my $300 Lenovo Chromebook have lasted for years compared to more luxe stuff.

[u/Effective-Marzipan72 → u/Iglooman45]

I can attest. Have been using the Acer Chromebook Plus from Costco for past 3 days and does everything I need that was done on my desktop (switched from Windows 10 to ChromeOS because of Microsoft’s ending support in Oct). Look forward to going back to Android with new Pixel 10 after 5 years in iOS (Apple’s innovation is getting stale and look forward to synchronization between phone and computer).

[u/Training_Advantage21]

My chromebook plus (8GB RAM) has been fine for Google Docs and Slides and general browsing including video.

[u/singeblanc]

Very.

[u/Eleison23]

Yes. Especially when you’re already “in the ecosystem”. You’ll love the integration, and the omission of irrelevant features!

[u/kctthoughts]

A Chromebook will work just fine. I’ve been doing what you’re describing for about 7 years without any problems.

You might see news about Google merging ChromeOS and Android into a single platform, but don’t worry. When those updates and rebranding changes roll out, your device will still be supported.

One suggestion though: if you can, go with 8GB of memory, and also check the display resolution. Some lower-end models use lower pixel density panels, which can make text and images appear less clear.

[u/Outrageous-Bison-517]

Great option, yes!

[u/bigconqueror]

yes but look for a one with a good display, most CHB have awful panels

[u/Sumo_Cerebro]

Absolutely!

I think they get overlooked because they are inexpensive.

But if you're using it for small things. They should be fine.

[u/Confident-Dot5878]

I picked up a refurb touchscreen for $50 on Amazon. Been working fine for me.

[u/Low-Ocelot1381]

Yes.