A question for you raven about your Lenovo. Does yours have to have the access password changed each time it updates? Mine never states that it is needed but simply does not accept the password that I was using before the update. It apparently does not like you using the same word just changing the number beyond 8.

I bought a Chromebook a couple of months ago, as I have a desktop computer rather than a laptop, and the camera on the desktop isn't good for Zoom (it's on the bottom rather than on top - why???) I bought an Acer and am very happy with it. It came with a mouse, which I much prefer to a trackpad.

It synced my mail, Chrome bookmarks, etc., flawlessly, and I find it very easy to use. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a long battery life, but it's easy just to use it plugged in.

I still love my desktop, as the large monitor makes it much easier for me to work with multiple documents, which I need to do for my job. But the Chromebook is just fine for Zoom, email, and web browsing.

It's what the kids use at school and one will be given to me due to distance learning so I can offer assistance. If you are a Google chrome user they are fine. They are small for sure but type can always be enlarged etc.

"I have zero interest in having a windows computer"

I'm glad it works out for you to take this approach. I'm sure you understand whether that's appropriate for others depends solely on what they use their machines for. I took a look at my own usage and going by count and not time spent, probably more than 75% of the apps/programs I use are not available for a Chromebook or tablet. Importance-wise, 90% of my important usage requires either a Windows or Mac PC. Examples? Turbotax, Quicken, ripping CDs, managing my music collection and serving selections to Wifi players, transferring podcasts and audiobooks to small portable players, editing photos, storing and maintaining financial records and large photo and music collections, etc., None of these things can be done with a browser or with a Chromebook

"If you are a chrome user they are fine"

Chrome is a browser and does the same things as any other browser. Other browsers besides Chrome are available for Chromebooks.

Maifleur03, I have never had to change my password. I have no idea why that is happening to yours. I do have a large monitor and mouse available for use with the laptop chromebook which stays on the desk.

As I plainly stated I personally am very pleased with the chromebook! Answer to the question are you happy with it!

Sure. And whether or not a Chromebook or other other platform are suitable for a particular user, the reason for the original post that started the thread, depends on what uses the user has. You stated you don't need anything else. Lest that misinform or be misleading to someone, I added my comments.

Someone who doesn't own a Chromebook may not be aware of the unavailability and incompatibility of very common and widely used programs that need a machine running Windows or MacOS, the most commonly used operating systems.

I will need a new computer soon and from what you describe Elmer....I don't think a Chromebook would fill my needs. Thank you. I will investigate further.

A Chromebook has limited storage and limited functionality. Most are cheaper than a PC. If the majority of what you do involves website reading when connected to the internet via Wifi, they're quite suitable. Though in that sense, less portable than a smartphone.

There can be more though still limited functionality available, involving Google's basic and ersatz Office-like functions. Also, some Chromebooks will access and run Android apps from Google Play. Again, some capabilities but for sure limited compared to full fledged PCs.

I bought a Dell Inspiron Chromebook in 2018--an online Black Friday deal from Best Buy. I never go in Best Buy stores, but my opinion of the chain warmed up after I bought the Chromebook. It was an excellent deal, and I love it. I got a good deal on a wireless mouse at the same time.

These days it's my first choice to use for Zooming. The camera seems to be better than those used by some of the people I Zoom with. I don't know if it has a mic or not, because I use a headset. The battery life is impressive. Also impressive is the speed with which it charges.

I have a desktop PC that I use for most things, including writing and photo editing. But the Chromebook monitor is easier on my eyes than the big monitors, so I handle much of my email and some web stuff in the living room with it perched on my lap. The rest of the time I have it upstairs, where it serves several functions for me.

I also have an android tablet and two Kindle Fires. Not tempted to get an Apple product.

Does the chromebook need virus protection?

No it doesn't it has built in protection. It has very limited storage space on board. You can use cloud storage which usually comes with a new one. Or keep flash drives or backup storage drives available to use with it.

We got one free with my Samsung phone 2 years ago. We both detest it. Way rather use a windows p.c. or laptop, or my phone. Just my opinion. Love my Android phone and my Ioad mini, not the Chromebook.

Earlier models were like fish out of water when not connected to wifi and by that means the internet. I believe offline capabilities of some types have been enhanced but they're still limited compared to what a connected or disconnected PC can do. Suitability of these devices depends on intended uses, as before.

Bare bones Chromebooks can be cheaper than a basic PC but there are models that can be considerably more expensive. I'm not sure why anyone would pay more to get less. Budget Win laptops can be found for +/- $350 that while not race cars are suitable for most basic needs of many users. And such machines offer much more flexibility and familiarity than a Chromebook.

When you've sorted it out, please return to this or a new thread to let us know what you decided.