Acer C720 Chromebook Review & ChromeOS Discussions

scotty on 29/04/2014 - 23:44

I have recently purchased an Acer C720 Chromebook 32GB from Amazon for around AUD$290 delivered (it's now even cheaper). I have been playing around for a few weeks now and quite enjoy using it. I actually took it to a 4-day conference with very limited connectivity to take notes, and Google Drive off-line mode worked pretty well. Here's my quick review (typed up on my C720).

Positives
  • Light weight (1.25kg), thin (1.9cm), very portable
  • Its matte screen is surprisingly bright & speaker loud for a 11.6"
  • It feels fast. It boots fast, and web pages scroll pretty smoothly
  • Battery easily lasts 8+ hours
  • ChromeOS is easy to use. I feel "productive" 5 minutes after opening it up for the first time.
  • Developer mode. Install crouton, install another Linux distribution inside a chroot. I am now doing python & golang development on this little laptop.
  • Cheap!
Negatives
  • Cheap. Yes C720 feels cheap and like a toy — plastic all around. My screen cover is already scratched, and glossy bezel of the screen is pretty bad fingerprint-magnet.
  • Keyboard sucks. Then again most laptop keyboard sucks comparing with ThinkPad. I think it might be the deal breaker for those who want to work on it extensively.
  • Non-upgradable memory. 2GB is not enough if you are turning it into a Linux box.

Now I have done a quick review, I would like to turn this thread into a Chromebook / ChromeOS discussion. Personally I quite like what Google has done. Here is one platform that I would like to have my parents use (so I don't have to do annual clean and virus/malware-purge on their computers). A platform that I am happy to let my kids use (whom mostly just use Google Docs, Mathletics and Pottermore). A platform (after crouton and Linux) that I can probably replace most things I do on a Windows laptop (still won't play AAA games on Steam, nor can do e-Tax/AusKey). I am still learning though, trying to use it the way Google intended, i.e. using as much web apps as possible rather than falling back to native Linux apps.

There are also quite a few new Chromebook coming up that fixed some of the short-comings of Acer C720 (although a bit more expensive). For example Dell Chromebook 11, Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e, etc.

That's my experience. Any other Chromebook users here that would like to share?

Computing Chromebook 11.6inch Acer Computer Laptop

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 29/04/2014 - 23:57

    I bought a little used Samsung Chromebook and it was the best buy in a long time. It's replaced a lot of desktop access. It will probably replace my netbook next trip. A tablet + keyboard didn't cut it, weight distribution was wrong.

    At home I use it to surf. The great thing is I open it up, it wakes up and is instantly ready to use. I also access iView for entertainment. On the occasion I need to login to my main computer, there is ssh terminal. I wish there was an openvpn client though, then I wouldn't need to take Linux too on trips.

    I hardly do any document processing or play games so I don't feel those limitations. I can't do serious development on it, touchpad isn't as agile as a mouse.

    • scotty on 30/04/2014 - 08:53

      I wish there was an openvpn client though…

      Go to Settings you can Add Connection then add an Open VPN private network.

      Yes the touch pad isn't that good either. ThinkPad E131e is the only Chromebook with TrackPoint, but that thing is over a year old and looks bulky.

      • retiredfeline on 30/04/2014 - 09:11

        I should have added, an openvpn client that allows settings to be changed. I use a non-standard port because in places the firewall restricts outgoing ports. Also to use a HTTP proxy when necessary.

  • p1 ama on 30/04/2014 - 10:01
    -1

    It's a good idea in theory. I'm sure there are many people out there who use their computers for internet and nothing else and that makes ChromeBooks a great purchase.

    However, for those of us who actually need to do work, I don't think the ChromeBook cuts it. In terms of functionality, I don't think it can beat out a tablet that has a mature ecosystem such as iOS or Android. With Microsoft announcing that they will be releasing Office for iOS, I think that makes iOS a very good productivity platform as well.

    What I think Google should have done is to have just equipped these ChromeBooks with Android instead of with ChromeOS. Up the top of my head, I can't actually think of anything ChromeOS can do that Android can't and I think with Android's vast catalogue of apps, these things would actually be much more useful.

    The specs are also more than powerful enough to run Android on. At the moment, the features which I think Android will bring to a device like this is the ability to play back many media files, the ability to use productivity apps that are not Google Docs (I do not use Google Docs), better offline usage…etc.

    • retiredfeline on 30/04/2014 - 10:09

      Yes, one wonders if Google will ditch ChromeOS in favour of Android and support one ecosystem.

      However productivity means different things to people. As a developer/sysadmin I consider office apps non-productivity. :) To me productivity is running development software. In this respect neither tablets nor Chromebooks/netbooks cut it, I need the power of a desktop. However for sysadmin I can use the terminal app of a Chromebook. On screen keyboards of tablets don't cut it and adding a keyboard to a tablet gives a poor weight distribution.

      • p1 ama on 30/04/2014 - 15:40

        Of course, but you can also get Terminal on Android and there are some pretty good tablets which have very good keyboards which come with them.

        With things such as Intel's Bay Trail coming along nicely, there seems to be less and less of a market for the Chromebook, given that it's not exactly cheap.

        • retiredfeline on 30/04/2014 - 22:30

          A Chromebook is still cheaper than something else that has got the right weight distribution, like an ultrabook or hybrid, and will do most of what I want.

          Don't underestimate the importance of the feel. For example any fiddling with opening a case, unfolding the keyboard, propping it up the tablet, etc. is a poor second to just opening a clam shell case and setting it on the table. Ditto trying to watch a tablet vs a Chromebook in bed. Holding a tablet for any length of time is a no-no and those PU leather cases have the wrong feel.

          Battery life of my Chromebook is 6-8 hours compared to a 2-3 hours for a run of the mill tablet. I can watch a whole movie and still have more than half the battery life left.

          I was reading discussion the other day about upcoming cloud based IDEs and developers at some startups getting issued Chomebooks instead of Macbooks.

      • ProspectiveDarkness on 30/04/2014 - 22:46

        Yes, one wonders if Google will ditch ChromeOS in favour of Android and support one ecosystem.

        Not that I understand a single bit of the details (as a non web developer), but the rumoured Project Hera might be the means to accomplish the 'one ecosystem' idea. Seeing as Sundar Pichai is the head of both Android and Chrome departments, it isn't an outlandish idea that they'd merge / become more interrelated at some point. That's more on the Android side of things though… not sure what, if anything, it'd mean for ChromeOS.

        • retiredfeline on 30/04/2014 - 22:47

          Yeah I was wondering there must be a project somewhere to allow ChromeOS to run Android apps and increase the app availability. Of course off the top of my head I have no idea of the hurdles.

        • ProspectiveDarkness on 30/04/2014 - 22:51

          It's not really about ChromeOS or Android apps. As I understand it, the goal is to integrate HTML5 and other web technologies into Android itself. The details are really sketchy, and again, I'm not sure what it'd mean for ChromeOS… just thought it was an interesting crossover. I suppose it might be possible for Google to completely embed Chrome into Android and replace ChromeOS with an Android/ChromeOS hybrid, but that's a long shot based on current information.

    • scotty on 30/04/2014 - 11:30

      Things that work for some definitely don't always work for others. As I've said Chromebooks can already do maybe 90% of my work.

      • Chrome for browsing
      • Terminal app & Crosh window to access underlying Linux so I can SSH, edit text file, run all my development stack, etc
      • Caret is also a quick way to edit local files. I just use Vim which has a NativeClient

      I have also already used a lot of Google Docs & haven't really used MS Office for a few years. Lucky me.

      While Android is a nice operating system also from Google with established eco-system, I think they are fundamentally different. A single-purpose (just running Chrome) operating system with everything saved to cloud is great for deployment — I can see it being popular in school or organisations replacing locked-down Windows boxes. Developing for web apps has also very different life cycle than developing for mobile apps.

      Again, I don't think Chromebook works for everyone. For many people it won't even be their primary computer.

    • Bystander on 30/04/2014 - 21:11
      +1

      Actually you can use Microsoft office on a chromebook or any browser for free. Just go to OneDrive. It's not the full featured office but it works fine for me.

    • ProspectiveDarkness on 30/04/2014 - 22:37

      However, for those of us who actually need to do work

      That came off as a little bit condescending. As scotty's post above illustrates, not everyone's definition of 'work' is the same.

  • Bystander on 09/06/2014 - 10:39

    Q for Scotty or anyone using the C720.

    In another thread you said "However I think 2GB RAM is just not enough, and Chrome felt more and more bloated."

    Now that you've had it for a while is this still a problem? Does it feel as quick as when it was new?

    Personally I find Chrome on my desktop is a bit of a memory hog. And then I found OneTab

    • scotty on 09/06/2014 - 14:17

      It always felt as quick as it was new. There has also been 3-4 updates since I purchased it and I'm on the "Stable" branch. Yes my main issue is with Chrome using more memory comparing to native apps, especially on large complex apps. Spotify for example as I usually have that running in the background. It's okay if you have 3-4 tabs opening, but if you have 15-20 then there might be issues.

    • ozhunter68 on 20/09/2014 - 02:55
      +1

      Thanks for the One Tab heads up. Will come in handy for a W7 laptop with only 4G ram. Ever since I swapped hhd with ssd, I seem to run out of ram opening and closing 10 to 20 or so tabs. Would double ram, only one slot and +-$90 for 8GB.

      I also purchased a Chromebook, the HP Chromebook 14 4G ram model. As I am a heavy user of Chrome, need minimum of 4G ram and because I prefer a larger screen with minimum 14" ( prefer to sacrifice ppi for larger screen real estate ), thought I give this model a go. I love the Haswell 2955U combined with a light O/S and a ssd for a good balance between performance and stamina, with easily 6 to 8 hrs use.

      The keyboard and trackpad are decent and very usable for most work, at 1.8 Kg not the lightest, but only a few years ago this weight was mainly for light portables over $800 and often under 14".

      Like most Chromebook users, I use this to complement other computers in the house. This one is great to leave on the coffee table in the lounge, bedroom, and to slip in a bag with some usb3 drives to take out for some internet based tasks and entertainment. You just need to make sure that you have the correct file types as the Chrome O/S does not support all formats sound wise ( mainly because of royalties fees ).

      I bought a Toshiba NB550D netbook 3 1/2 yrs ago for same purpose, and much prefer using this Chromebook for the bigger screen, much better battery life ( more than double ), but mainly the much faster zippy performance. Even after doubling the ram to 2GB, installing a ssd, this Chromebook performs 2 to 3 times the speed. About the same weight ( NB550D has 6 cell battery ) with better bigger screen, keyboard and better balance.

      For what you pay, you get very good dual band/ dual antenna wifi too which is a plus. I am also enjoying learning a new O/S, love the in-built virus protection, love the way it updates and will keep updating and improving free, as long as the hardware keeps supporting it. I can't see that happening any time soon with these newer Haswell computers. The HP is well built and fairly solid, with care should last at least 3 to 4 years when using as a secondary computer. The smaller Acer C720 is a great choice for some as well as the nice looking and performing Toshiba 13" for that medium light style. I say give one of the newer ones with the Haswell a try, you will be surprised.

  • Astro551 on 19/06/2014 - 21:37

    A lovely new gen Chromebook comparison by the Verge. Ignore the prices though as they are all for the US. Apart from that though it does a good job of distinguishing between them all. Not sure how warranted the screen complaints are though, if they are being res purists or not (1366x768 on 11.6" is decent). But if you have to pick on something I guess it's fair.

    • scotty on 19/06/2014 - 22:35

      They aren't really "new gen" when they are not using those Bay Trail N28xx CPUs (see recent Google / Intel Chromebook announcements). For example ASUS C200/C300 and Lenovo N20. The one listed by The Verge are actually the last of Haswell-Celeron Chromebooks, as the future Celeron will probably be Bay Trail rather than Core.

      You do get performance penalties, but you get fan-less Chromebooks with 10+ hours (similar to Samsung's), but with x86 processor.

      • Astro551 on 19/06/2014 - 23:03

        Wait what we got Bail Trail Chromebooks. Ok I'm slower on the news than I thought, although I do remember the Yoga-based ones just never made the connection.

        On the performance note, I didn't realise how big of a jump it is. Fan-less is a plus, but at what kind of cost.

        If it's minor enough than it is probably worth it, but personally I would sacrifice 2-3 hours of battery life (while considering that Haswell is getting 8+) for a 50-100% performance boost. The last thing I would want is stuttering performance (not as bad as ARM, but yeh).

        • ozhunter68 on 20/09/2014 - 03:25

          Very well put, could not agree more. If a computer stutters and under performs, it does not matter how good the rest is, it will mostly be unusable and very frustrating most of the time.

  • Bystander on 20/06/2014 - 10:09

    I think the most interesting CB is this one

    Not available yet though.

    • Astro551 on 20/06/2014 - 10:46

      Lol what a revolutionary design! Haven't heard good things about Chrome OS + ARM though. But if they say Chromium OS is optimised..

    • scotty on 20/06/2014 - 17:01

      Is Rockchip RK3288 faster than Samsung Exynos 54xx in their Chromebook 2? If no, then I think it's probably not worth considering.

      Unless Chinese manufacturers would be able to produce some 1080P Chromebooks under $200 :)

      • Bystander on 21/06/2014 - 16:33

        Good question, but it looks like they have plenty of grunt. Not sure if it's a fair test of the CPU/GPU but the RK3288 runs the fish tank with 500 fish at 60 fps and 1000 fish at 30 fps. And the fish bowl with 1000 fish at 28 fps. These speeds are a lot faster than my desktop running chrome.

        I wonder how it compares to the C720 or other Intel CB's.

        • Astro551 on 21/06/2014 - 20:41

          Hey this test is pretty neat, if it's any bench mark I'm getting similar results on my desktop as well.

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