Chromebooks End Of Life

[Yeri]

Thanks for the links.

In the article it does explain how installation is limited to ubuntu and only on the chromebook. You bring up a good point though of making sure the chromebook can support MX.
I think if I went with a lightweight linux version I would go with antix.
There must be a chromebook out there that supports it - I'll have to look.


In regards to your question, simply go to this link:
viewforum.php?f=104

Above the ANNOUNCEMENTS section (Above first post GUIDE - ASK FOR HELP) will be a button that says: NEW TOPIC.
I think that is what you're asking.

[jeffreyC]

Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?
I bought an Asus Zenbook UX31A for $200, put a 1tb SSD in it for $125, so for $335 I have an i5 CPU, 4gb RAM and 1tb.
The housing is CNC milled aluminum, more durable than plastic.
The screen is 1920x1080.

A little more expensive, a lot more capable.

[mxer]

I read this post with interest.

Someone mentioned taking apart the Chromebook and delving into the hardware.
However this post simply uses command lines:
https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/

Is it possible to run MX Linux on a Chromebook without tearing it apart using the above article as a guide?

Curious if anyone has done this or installed via command line.

Thanks.

You can install Linux alongside ChromeOS just by using the command line method, but it is somewhat awkward way of doing it, as you first boot to ChromeOS, then into your Linux. This method, of course, still has both O/Ses on the eMMC chip taking up space.

I was one such person who opened up my chromebook to install a full UEFI boot, & I can now install any Linux onto it, just like any other laptop.
I've personally run MX, & now have AntiX on it. Mine is a Toshiba 16GB eMMC chromebook.

[Yeri]

Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?

Thanks.
I see what you're saying, for the a bit more money can get a better laptop experience of better build quality.
I am open to old laptops (looking at Thinkpad 440 128 SSD 8GB for about $320 which is sold by IBM resale online).
Actually bought my current laptop from them and have had no issues. The install of MX will be a lot easier too.

I was one such person who opened up my chromebook to install a full UEFI boot, & I can now install any Linux onto it, just like any other laptop.
I've personally run MX, & now have AntiX on it. Mine is a Toshiba 16GB eMMC chromebook.

Thanks. If I can avoid I would like not to open up the gadget since I am less able to do hardwire changes.
Your point about antix is right on for chromebooks since they have litte RAM, if understand, just 2GB Ram. I could use antix as well depending on the machine as it looks like a great lightweight o/s as well.

[KBD]

I read this post with interest.

Someone mentioned taking apart the Chromebook and delving into the hardware.
However this post simply uses command lines:
https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/

Is it possible to run MX Linux on a Chromebook without tearing it apart using the above article as a guide?

Curious if anyone has done this or installed via command line.

Thanks.

Yes. I used Crouton on and off for several years, basically running Linux inside of ChromeOS. Most new Chromebooks will run Linux apps now though YMMV.
I disagree with the article saying "Google hates Linux". It's complete BS as Google makes it possible to use Linux apps and they simply lock down the OS for security, but there are several ways to run Linux on the machines.

[KBD]

In the article it does explain how installation is limited to ubuntu and only on the chromebook.

Not true. I've run Debian via Crouton on my Chromebook, and several other distros are available.

[KBD]

Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?

It depends. I've bought used Windows machines for around $100 or more off of ebay and they are nice in that you can easily upgrade them and put Linux on them. But they are chunkier, heavier, and less battery life than Chromebooks.
I've bought Chromebooks that are incredibly lightweight and have wonderful battery life. Sleek machines that you can pick up used on ebay from $50 to $80. I only buy intel machines so I know Linux will run on them without issues. The downside is you have to flash the bios for a full Linux install, but if you are willing to use Crouton it's fairly painless to use Linux on them. If you only need a few Linux apps you might not even need to install Linux, but use the Linux apps on ChromeOS.
Google extended the ChromeOS life on most of the machines, some to 6 1/2 years of support. On the last Chromebook I bought they added another year of support.

[Yeri]

Not true. I've run Debian via Crouton on my Chromebook, and several other distros are available.

Good to kmow. I wondered if that was the writer's own experience or a general rule.

Google extended the ChromeOS life on most of the machines, some to 6 1/2 years of support

So after that time there is no support, but with MX Linux (or linux in general) you have ongoing, never-ending support.
I just don't like the concept of a company limiting the timeframe of a product, which is why I started on the whole linux journey to begin with actually, which is to never be restricted.
Win7 support ending in Jan 2020 caused me to find a new solution.

Luckily I found MX Linux, installed it and couldn't be happier with o/s.
Wish I did this years ago.

[zarg2]

rather than mess with crouton I took my $58 Acer C720P Chromebook(4gb mem, 32gb ssd). Removed the protect screw inside the unit; flashed the bios and installed GalliumOS; a xubuntu spin tweaked for chromebooks. The unit works fast and is now more functional than it was as a chromebook. I would recommend getting a larger 128 GB M.2 2242 SSD card as Gallium will only leave about 9.4 GB free on a 32GB ssd-Yikes!

boots almost instantly like a chromebook running chrome os.
has the ubuntu/xubuntu appstore via "appgrid".

with C720ps on EBAY for sub $50 and 128gb ssds that fit going for 2 $20 it can become a great little linux laptop.

https://galliumos.org/

[Yeri]

Good post.
But why not put MX or antix on your Chromebook? Just curious.

Checking prices it's probably worthwhile to still go with a basic laptop.
I find used computers to be hit and miss unless warranty is available. The model you quoted is $299 on amazon for acceptable condition.
I guess it's how much risk one will take. re: ebay.
Thanks