chromebook?

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

This is what is most important to me. I plan on working on my home PC remotely. I wouldn't get a tablet/chromebook/netbook JUST to browse the web/ play with apps.

I don't plan on doing any serious work either. Just some casual work every now and then. Like to check up on some things at work and/or to do some quick touchups in photoshop.

There's an awful lot of misinformation flying around this thread. What you wish to do is relatively simple and can be done with strong security.

You need two pieces of software and both are free. First, you need to set up a VPN connection between your home computer and your Chromebook, netbook or whatever. This provides you with a secure channel that is, for practical purposes, too difficult for an outsider to break into.

Then you need to set up a remote desktop session over that VPN connection, using any one of the various tools you can find via a web search. VNC is the preferred tool, because it's been around for a long time and is open source but there are various new ones levering some of Google Chrome's facilities. If you did want to use Windows, there's a built in screen sharing system (Remote Desktop). Apple also has a built in app called, oddly enough, Screen Sharing.

There's a bit of learning to do but it isn't beyond anyone who can follow instructions.

Best of luck.

 

[Rogier]

No internet = No computer.... :bang:

With regards to privacy, yes VPN into a server will help protect your data stream on a public network. This stil leaves the fact that your data is in Google's hands. And the government has very easy access to it...

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

This stil leaves the fact that your data is in Google's hands. And the government has very easy access to it...

That would be true if you ran the VPN link on the Google server. However, if you want to use a Chromebook and still have security, just install an operating system (Linux or FreeBSD as examples) onto a USB stick and boot from that, when running your remote session. The Spec. for all the Chromebooks includes 2GB of RAM, which is more than enough to use as a VPN/VNC client.

Take a look here.

 

[msbarnes]

The security issue is something that I'd have to look into but..

no internet = no computer

Isn't really that big of a deal for me.

 

[alexnotalex]

Had one, sold it. it did "most" of each wanted it to do - but not "all" of anything. In the end got bored compromising and finding workarounds... figured my time was worth more than faffing with the tools. Also, the screen hue was very blue, and my photos looked even worse!

They are by no means a bad option - I felt ok with the cloud- Google sees all my email anyway. Restoring the device was a snap. I'm writing this whilst humfing multiple gigs of itunes and photos between macs and swearing under my breath...

I even installed linux so I could run a JRE to connect to the office - but surprise! ARM java wouldn't handle hoblink. Grr/yawn, another fail.

So, just be careful of your expectations, or expect to tinker. Or buy a second hand macbook air and run Chrome browser for that cloud experience. The hardware is excellent and you can always fall back on local apps if you really need.

Very best regards and good luck!

Alex

 

[Gregoyle]

There's an awful lot of misinformation flying around this thread. What you wish to do is relatively simple and can be done with strong security.

You need two pieces of software and both are free. First, you need to set up a VPN connection between your home computer and your Chromebook, netbook or whatever. This provides you with a secure channel that is, for practical purposes, too difficult for an outsider to break into.

Then you need to set up a remote desktop session over that VPN connection, using any one of the various tools you can find via a web search. VNC is the preferred tool, because it's been around for a long time and is open source but there are various new ones levering some of Google Chrome's facilities. If you did want to use Windows, there's a built in screen sharing system (Remote Desktop). Apple also has a built in app called, oddly enough, Screen Sharing.

There's a bit of learning to do but it isn't beyond anyone who can follow instructions.

Best of luck.

This. As a former sysadmin I laughed at some of the comments. These are problems that have been solved long ago.

In fact, one of the most functional remote desktop applications for windows is Google's own Chrome browser (I think it is called Chrome Remote Desktop). Run it or any other decent remote desktop application over a VPN and security won't be an issue.

I would suggest that you attempt this setup with your current laptop and home system before settling on the chromebook/thin client route. I think any problems you encounter are more likely to be bandwidth and latency related when using random wifi or 4g/3g connections. Useability could suffer significantly over a high latency connection.

Another factor to consider is using a chromebook or netbook display for performing tasks other than word processing or web browsing. I can think of nicer ways to run photoshop. I would suggest looking into an ultrabook type computer from 1-2 years ago if cost is an issue. You would likely end up with a more useable system. Either way, VPN security will not be the main issue as this is established technology.

-Greg

 

[Al Patterson]

I have the new 13.3" Toshiba. Think of it as a large tablet with a keyboard. I bought i as I needed to replace my almost 8 year old XP laptop. I am looking for the right Linux distro to replace XP so I can use Gimp and the old laptop for offline photo editing.

The Chromebook does about 90% of what I need. Fortunately, I also have two old desktops I can use for the other 10%.

 

[kuzano]

$500. Sony Vaio Ultrabook....

$500. Sony Vaio Ultrabook....

I think that is the way that they are intended to be used. My thinking was that I can just access my personal computer directly using remote access. This may not be possible, but this is my thinking.

There are a slew of inexpensive 11"-13" laptops too (PC's atleast) and so spending a few more hundred dollars for one of those might be a more straightforward approach.

I purchased a demo Sony Vaio Ultrabook .. 13" screen, one inch thick, Windows 8, Intel i5 processor, 600 Gb hard drive, and 4 Gb RAM from Staples. Power, storage, runs all my apps.. Office Suite, etc.

Why would I spend over half that much on a "nothing" machine that I don't even consider a computer?

As far as the issue of using as a remote terminal... all resolved without any CLOUD function, which I agree is a risky venture.

There are web sites that offer remote terminal-like operation, like PC Anywhere or GoToMyPC across the internet.

If you use an Ultrabook you could carry your files with you, considering the storage/power aspects of the system. You could access files over the internet, and do the work wherever you happen to light. But even that would not be necessary.

My ultrabook had a bit more screen, lots more power and as light as most "tablet toys". The ultrabook was a "productivity" system. Tablets are NOT!!! Chromebooks.... doubtful.

 

[thegman]

I liked my Chromebook, but I don't think I'd buy another one. They are pleasant to use if you have a good internet connection, and they are very cheap, but I just don't think I'd ever bother to buy again.