Low-End Laptop: Windows 10 S vs ChromeOS vs CloudReady

Jul 11th, 2021 9:22 am

#1

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 9:22 am

Low-End Laptop: Windows 10 S vs ChromeOS vs CloudReady

Hi Gents,

I have a laptop here with a CPU a little better than an N4100 (Dell Wyse 5470), a decent CPU with a PassMark more than 2600.

It comes with 4GB RAM and a 64 eMMC, and it appears both are upgradeable.

I want to pass this on to an older set of users.

What are your suggestions.
(1) Stay with Windows 10 S: Stock Install
(2) Move to ChromeOS
(3) Move to CloudReady

The goal is idiot-proof bloat-proof simplicity and a clean fast interface.

Primary Use:
Web Surfing

Thoughts, folks?

.

Jul 11th, 2021 1:09 pm

#2

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 1:09 pm

Nothing folks?

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Jul 11th, 2021 1:16 pm

#3

flyboy320: Deal Addict; Jun 13, 2008; 1761 posts; 826 upvotes; Up in the air

Jul 11th, 2021 1:16 pm

What about a Linux system, like Linux Mint?

Freedom Mobile $99/yr.
Fido 3GB data only plan

+1

Jul 11th, 2021 1:23 pm

#4

kramer1: Deal Addict; Apr 29, 2018; 2563 posts; 1917 upvotes; Vancouver

Jul 11th, 2021 1:23 pm

If it's just surfing, I would suggest Ubuntu. It is compatible with a wide variety of machines and is one of the most polished desktop Linux distros out there. ChromeOS would also be another good Linux based option.

Otherwise, if it were me, I would have loaded up Windows XP on it

Can't Stop. Won't Stop. Game Stop

Jul 11th, 2021 1:24 pm

#5

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 1:24 pm

flyboy320 wrote: ↑ What about a Linux system, like Linux Mint?

In theory, yes.

In practice, I want a broadly market tested solution, because I want to avoid troubleshooting this device once gifted.

I prefer to stick to my three options.

Is it messy to install ChromeOS on a Windows laptop? Is CloudReady a cleaner solution?

I'm told ChromeOS is the easiest platform for older adults.

P.S. This may seem prejudiced, but no Linux distros please. I've spent 20 years playing with them and they don't match ChromeOS for the above simple use case users. Yes, ChromeOS is technically based on Linux, one exception.

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Jul 11th, 2021 1:28 pm

#6

kr0zet: Deal Fanatic; Jan 16, 2011; 7205 posts; 9218 upvotes; The NORTH

Jul 11th, 2021 1:28 pm

Can you get ChromeOS as a stand alone OS to install on the Laptop? I thought ChromeOS was installed exclusively on Chromebooks.

Jul 11th, 2021 1:31 pm

#7

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 1:31 pm

kr0zet wrote: ↑ Can you get ChromeOS as a stand alone OS to install on the Laptop? I thought ChromeOS was installed exclusively on Chromebooks.

I believe you can through something called Brunch.

I'm also told this method of install is not as clean as CloudReady, and may even produce a slower ChromeOS experience.

Thus my dilemma.

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Jul 11th, 2021 1:33 pm

#8

kr0zet: Deal Fanatic; Jan 16, 2011; 7205 posts; 9218 upvotes; The NORTH

Jul 11th, 2021 1:33 pm

redflagdealsguy wrote: ↑ I believe you can through something called Brunch.

I'm also told this method of install is not as clean as CloudReady, and may even produce a slower ChromeOS experience.

Thus my dilemma.

I'd skip on the chromeos at this point. If it doesn't play well you are screwed for support... I stuck with Windows S mode on my HP Stream 14 and have had no issues.

+1

Jul 11th, 2021 1:34 pm

#9

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 1:34 pm

kr0zet wrote: ↑ I'd skip on the chromeos at this point. If it doesn't play well you are screwed for support... I stuck with Windows S mode on my HP Stream 14 and have had no issues.

I should check out some YouTube videos on Windows S.

.

+1

Jul 11th, 2021 1:43 pm

#10

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 1:43 pm

No Chrome or Brave on Windows 10 S via the Windows Store.

Yeah... no.

ChromeOS or CloudReady.

I've found a ChromeOS system out of the box.

I may go that route, but it's a little more expensive. A little more.

Selling for $450 at some stores, I can get it for less than $200, still more than the OP Windows laptop though.

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Jul 23rd, 2021 12:25 pm

#11

Coolloser: Jr. Member; Nov 20, 2013; 186 posts; 167 upvotes; Calgary

Jul 23rd, 2021 12:25 pm

For what it's worth; I've installed Brunch/Cloudready on a few laptops and it really makes them fly! Cloudready is the most dummy-proof way to accomplish the task but Brunch will have Android apps.

+1

Jul 23rd, 2021 2:53 pm

#12

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 25376 posts; 33696 upvotes

Jul 23rd, 2021 2:53 pm

Coolloser wrote: ↑ For what it's worth; I've installed Brunch/Cloudready on a few laptops and it really makes them fly! Cloudready is the most dummy-proof way to accomplish the task but Brunch will have Android apps.

Good stuff. I went with CloudReady and I'm satisfied, for the intended users.

I'll keep Brunch in mind if I want more functionality.

.

+1

Jul 23rd, 2021 2:58 pm

#13

Coolloser: Jr. Member; Nov 20, 2013; 186 posts; 167 upvotes; Calgary

Jul 23rd, 2021 2:58 pm

redflagdealsguy wrote: ↑ Good stuff. I went with CloudReady and I'm satisfied, for the intended users.

I'll keep Brunch in mind if I want more functionality.

Awesome! Glad to hear that it's working out for you. So many old laptops are still perfectly usable today!

+1

Jul 24th, 2021 8:15 am

#14

darethehair: Member; Jun 10, 2006; 478 posts; 141 upvotes

Jul 24th, 2021 8:15 am

Sounds like you have settled on a choice that works for you

Just wanted to add that I have converted numerous UEFI firmware-based computers to Brunch, which works great and provides some extra functionality beyond that of CloudReady (e.g. Android apps) -- but, yes, it takes more initial setup effort.