HP 14" 16GB Chromebooks (2014 Model)

I’m on one right now and i like mine. The only issue for me was the lack of skype support for chromebooks unless you port over a fairly specific Android version (version <= 4.9) to run on the chromebook using a program called ‘ARC Welder’

For usage of basic internet, netflix, email and basic documents, it’s a great computer.

Natively? no but download an app from the webstore (AquaMail) then yes

We’ve had the 14", 2g, for a few years. No problem with speed. Great for a secondary computer; web surfing, streaming, google docs. Not for excel, photoshop, etc. One of the best benefits is superfast startup. Both teens in my family would rather use it instead of the “nicer” windows 7 laptop. One drawback, battery only good for about 1 movie if streaming (2hrs) and we had to replace the battery after about 2 years.

It is true that you can’t run VBA scripts, but there is a javascript scripting functionality that is equally useful. Plus, it is very easy to tie your sheet scripts into google’s entire software platform.

Can you install Microsoft Office on these?

Normally, I’d suggest CloudMagic, but they only support IMAP. However, there is a workaround: You can use GMail as a web-based email client, as described here: http://chromebooks.support/productivity/e-04-gmail-email-client/ and then use the GMail Offline app to cache your email locally.

No. It is not a Windows operating system.

No, you can’t. The operating system is not Windows but rather Google’s Chrome OS, and Windows software doesn’t run on that.
Google’s answer to that is Google Docs, which can open and save Word files, and creates files that are Word-compatible.

No, but you can use Microsoft Office Online through the browser.

Can the ram be updated to 4 or 6 or 8 GB

I have 2 Toshiba’s…older one with 2GB…newer one with 4GB (“HD” screen). I don’t notice any performance differences between the two. I do like the higher resolution screen.

Bern

My only complaint is printing from a Chromebook. Other than that…absolutely love them.

It’s fixed, on board so no but in my experience using my chromebook (same model), I haven’t required any extra ram yet.

These are great. I have 2. They automatically tie together and I run my entire real estate business with them, including all of the internet based programs.

I own the 4gb verson and the battery life is excellent. After a year of use I still get 8+ hours of moderate use from it, no problem.

would someone who owns one of these provide details as to streaming - specifically, can I connect to HuluFREE using a Chromebook (not paid Hulu)
I have an older laptop hooked up to my TV that I’d like to replace. With it, I stream Hulu (Free), Netflix and a few others.
Unless using a ‘real’ computer, Hulu blocks connection (paid is OK, free is blocked), I know I can’t connect using my tablet so need to verify if this will be an issue with the Chromebook as well.

I don’t Hulu…but have had no problems with Netflix or Amazon.

Bern

P.S. Why not get a roku?

Hulu is the only service that block content on a tablet/non-computer, all the rest work fine… and I have a Roku, on my other TV.
On the TV that this would be hooked up to, I also want other surfing/internet options that are only provided by hooking up a computer and using the TV as a large monitor (OK, yes… I’ll admit, it’s for porn)
** nice auto-correct Woot

Will this run word press & plug-ins.
I can’t get my android tablet to function W WordPress reliably.
Thanks!

does anyone know if it will run slingbox or slingplayer? thanks!

T-Mobile will give anyone 200 MB per month for free on a tablet with a SIM card. Now can that be massaged into working on a Chromebook? I keep buying up those little SIM cards when they’re on sale for a dollar or so.