Chromebook Update 2023: Finally Worth Buying!

On a complete whim, I went to Walmart one day and got myself a Chromebook. Since my last review on the subject, They've finally hit the point where I can use them as a daily driver and not feel restricted. I had been watching their development from the "safety" of various Windows and Linux installations, and was always apprehensive. Then all social Armageddon broke loose about four years ago, and suddenly I started hearing about how great they were. 

 Flash forward to now, and I can finally understand why everyone is singing their praises. I have an Android phone as my daily driver, and the fact that I have that synchronized convergence that Microsoft promised back in 2012 actually delivered by Google is a major win. Both allow me to use Play Store applications (as well as side-load my own android apps), and I can handle phone tasks from my computer without having to look over my shoulder as long as Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. 

On those notes, data transfer is a breeze. As it turns out, Bluetooth actually has a function outside of crappy short-range headphones. I'll be on my laptop downloading one app, and when I need it, I can push it to my phone within a click or two - and vice-versa. And, as demonstrated below, unlike the first generation device I reviewed and then donated as e-waste, this 14-inch Hewlett-Packard model has NO proprietary ports, opting for USB A, C, and a headphone jack. As I'm writing this, It's connected to my TV using a USB-C to HDMI cable along with a USB gamecube controller that's technically meant for playing Smash Bros Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch.

  

HP 14a with a Pentium N5030 Processor
Running Snes9x EX+ for Android w/USB Gamepad

I've bragged about it on Twitter and Facebook before, but an additional thing to point out is that this thing can GAME! Being android compatible, I can actually load most android games and emulators and get fairly decent results. In this shot is SNES 9x EX+ with Yoshi's Island running and I've not been disappointed, except that the only controller I can get working with it right now is the PowerA Wired Fight Pad (seen above). In all honesty, though, I can probably chalk that up to hardware quality. It also supports a Linux virtual machine for playing Steam games, but with only (never thought I would use that adjective) 64GB of storage, it's not worth the hassle. Last time I tried it was to get an external blu-ray drive working, without much avail. It and Steam are features better reserved for higher storage capacity models aimed at "cloud gaming."

As stated in the title, I would definitely recommend getting yourself one if you've been living under a rock since my last update. Adieu, homies!