My Chromebooks Keep on Ticking

by Tony Thomas

Tick...tick...tick. Can you hear that sound?

That is the sound of my Chromebooks approaching their expiration date.

Unlike many other computers, Chrome devices have an expiration date baked in. For older models, it is five years after the date of introduction (not the date of sale). Newer models get a date of 6.5 years.

That means that if you were an early adopter of the Chrome platform like me, chances are that time is running out for your Chrome devices.

What happens when that day arrives? According to the Google AUE (auto update expiration) website:

“Chrome devices receive automatic updates regularly that enhance both the device itself and the software on the device. However, advances in hardware and technology eventually make devices out-of-date; and as time goes by, we cannot indefinitely ensure that older Chrome devices will receive updates to leverage new OS features.”

“When a device reaches Auto Update Expiration (AUE), it means that the product model is considered obsolete and automatic software updates from Google are no longer guaranteed.”

That doesn't mean that the devices will suddenly stop working. It just means that they will not get any more updates or new features. At some point, they may cease to function correctly as new web technologies are created and added to Chrome. More troubling is the fact that security updates may also cease when the expiration date is reached.

Does this mean that you should discard a perfectly good device? Not necessarily. If you are technically inclined, you can install Linux on the device by reflashing the device to wipe ChromeOS and replacing it with SeaBIOS. However, that is not for the faint of heart or anyone who lacks some serious technical chops. In addition, this will only work for devices with Intel CPUs (not ARM).

A simpler solution is to enter developer mode on the Chrome device and install Linux via Crouton (Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment). It is a much simpler process and is easily reversible as it does not make any permanent changes to the device. Crouton gives you the option to install a number of Ubuntu variants and update them as needed. If you install Chrome on your Linux distribution, it mirrors much of the functionality inherent in the Chrome operating system while also enabling you to run Linux applications such as Libre Office even while not connected to the Internet.

If you are buying a new Chrome device, it would be wise to check the AUE expiration database To find out how long the device has before it reaches its expiration date. There are many older Chrome devices (especially used ones) still on sale that are close to or even beyond their expiration date. Buyer beware!

Here is a link to Google’s AUE database:

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

And a link to the Crouton GitHub page:

https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton

Asus Chromebook Flip

 by Tony Thomas

Since it has been announced that Android apps are coming to the Chromebook this fall, I thought I would celebrate by picking up a Chromebook Flip 2GB.  Although this machine is very similar to my Rockchip-based Asus Chromebook C201, the Flip offers a a lot of additional functionality.  

First of all, the Flip will be one of the first devices to support Android during the alpha and beta test phases which should be launching soon.  So, that will give me the ability to test Android on ChromeOS as soon as it is launched.

Secondly, it is a very light and compact device with a 10.1" touchscreen is capable of double-duty as a small notebook and a capable tablet.  Additionally, you can flip the keyboard under and use it to watch You Tube, videos, movies or even use it for tabletop presentations.  The addition of the touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom and the 360 degree hinge is really a game-changer.

It has a great (although smallish) keyboard, two USB 2 ports, a micro-SD card slot, a micro-HDMI jack and a combo mic/heaphone jack.  Power is supplied by an Asus power brick with the same custom connector used on the C201.  Battery life is excellent at around 9 hours.

Using the Flip

The Flip has a very similar feel to my C201 and it uses the same chip and memory. The Rockchip Quad-Core ARM Cortex A17 (RK3288C) processor with Mali graphics core is up to the task and the Flip runs very fast despite only having 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD.   (There is also a 4GB version for those who need more memory for multitasking.)  The keyboard has a decent amount of travel, making it a joy to type on.  The trackpad is smooth and responsive.  The Octane score at circa 7000 is slow compared to most Intel-equipped Chromebooks but is adequate for this kind of hybrid.  A faster CPU usually requires more cooling and battery power (adding weight) and reduces the operating time. 

The touchscreen is very useful on this device as it allows for pinch-and-zoom and when it is flipped to tablet mode, an onscreen keyboard is automatically enabled.  Very slick!  When using it in tablet mode, you need to hold it do that your fingers are not in contact with the keyboard.  Even though the keyboard is inactive in tablet mode, it makes for a strange experience if you press the keys while in that mode.   The fit and feel of the all-aluminum body is superb making it look and feel like a much more expensive device.   The MacBook Air comes to mind.

The audio quality of the speakers is decent and the screen is very sharp when used at the recommended 1280 x 800 resolution.  The front HD camera is adequate for web chats but not much else.  There is no rear camera.

Triple Threat

I installed Ubuntu on the Flip using Crouton and can easily switch between ChromeOS and Ubuntu in real time using a key command.  Having a Linux distro available provides enhanced offline functionality and the ability to run powerful programs like Libre Office,  Gimp, Inkscape, Filezilla, etc.  As soon as this machine has the ability to run all of the Android apps on the Google Play store, it will be a real triple threat!

I believe that devices like the Asus Flip will become much more common as the Chrome/Android marriage comes to fruition.  I expect to see devices with more memory, more storage and even longer battery life.   If you want to get into the game early, the Asus Flip may be a good option.

Asus Flip Web Page

The Flip has a great keyboard and trackpad

Flip in video viewing/presentation mode

Flip in tablet mode (vertical)

Flip running Ubuntu via Crouton

Why I Love Chromebooks!

I am writing this article in Evernote on my Chromebook.  I love Chromebooks!  Why?

1. They Are Fast: I can open up my Chromebook and begin working in seconds.  Since it is essentially a web browser-based operating system, there is very little overhead and the system runs extremely fast.  Also, I can take any Chromebook, wipe it and reload it with all of my apps and bookmarks in about 5 minutes.

2. They Are Comparatively Cheap:  I paid around $250 for my original Samsung 11.6" ARM Chromebook and a bit over $200 for the Asus 13.3" Intel Chromebook I am using now.  That is a fraction of the price of a decent notebook with comparable specs.

3. Google Docs is Great:  It comes with a great free suite of applications that includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation program, drawing program and more.  It also supports a robust scripting language (Apps Script) for customization.

4. They Come with 100 GB of Free Storage for 2 Years:  You get 15 GB of free Google Drive storage with a Google account.  If you buy a Chromebook, they currently add 100 GB of free storage for 2 years.  That is a $1.99/mo. value.

5. A Growing Selection of Mostly Free Apps:  The Chrome Web store has tons of great apps and they are there for the taking.  

6. You Don't Have to Worry About Viruses and Malware:  I have spent many hours cleaning my Windows computers of malware and PUPs.  No worries on the Chromebook.  

7. Automatic Free Updates:  Major updates are released every 6 weeks and my Chromebook updates automatically in the background.  All I have to do is turn it off and back on and: voila!

8. I Can Also Run Linux: I also run Ubuntu on my Chromebook simultaneously with Chrome OS using Crouton. That also allows me to use my Chromebook sans the Internet and to run applications not available on Chrome OS.  Check out: https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton

9. A Lot of Apps Can Be Used Offline: While you generally need to be connected to the Internet to use a Chromebook, a growing number Chrome apps can be run offline.  Some Android apps are also being ported to Chrome.

10. Your Work is in the Cloud:  Your work is stored in the cloud automatically.  No more worrying about crashing your hard drive and losing all of your work.  You also have the ability to download your work from Google Drive and store it locally.  

If you are looking for a inexpensive and easy-to-use notebook, I recommend a Chromebook!