Got a new digital toy. 14" HP Chromebook. This model comes with 200 MB per month data via T-Mobile. I used up 80% of that in the first hour! Anyway, that's why I bought it. As a refurb, it was nearly $100 less than the regular price for the item. I used it most of the afternoon, and only drained 20% of the battery. Cool so far!
The ChromeOS takes a little getting used to. It's just like working in Windows, or Mac, or Android, but only a little . . . off. Just enough so you scratch your head and try to remember how to do something. Usually, it's easier than what you're trying to make it.
If you can use apps on your smartphone or tablet, then you get the idea for a Chromebook. Some work while you're offline, and most only work when you're connected to the 'net. A Chromebook is, as they say, neither fish nor fowl.
Having played around with it, I can say if you need a computer, the 14" screen makes it almost as good. Except that you can buy a "real" computer (and what the hell is that, anyway?) for about the same as the retail cost on this. Or a tablet. I think the Chromebook is cool, but I'm wondering why I'd choose one over a laptop or a tablet. I mean, I bought this one for the low price point, the long battery life, and the novelty factor. Most folks wouldn't do that.
I like it – I really do! But I couldn't recommend one at full price (especially popping the extra bucks for 4G service). And I couldn't recommend the hardware part instead of a notebook.
What I mean by "hardware part" is – the software and storage is almost entirely Google. You get 115 GB of online storage, and the apps are almost all free. There's Microsoft Kool-aid, Mac Kool-aid, and now Google Kool-aid. It just depends on which poison you want to drink.