Chromebook - Research Assistance?

[HikerJ0y50]

I have an ACER Chromebook 15 (Model: CB515-1HT-P39B, manufactured 10/17/2017). The AUE (auto update expiry) passed in June 2024 and I have not yet accepted the update extension. Acceptance terms seem to suggest that I will lose browser extension capabilities and I assume this means that I could lose my password manager extension capabilities--which is a deal breaker.

Question: Should I accept the software update extension or look for a new Chromebook?

My current machine specs:
4GB RAM
Pentium N4200 processor
32 GB storage
15.6" screen (IPS display, 1920x1080 Full HD)
Backlit keyboard
AUE: 6/2024

If time to replace my Chromebook....
Use Case: I'm retired. I use my current Chromebook daily, primarily for web-based activities like YouTube, Bogleheads, Online bill pay, Online shopping, finding recipes). No need to support tax prep software. I would say that overall, I've been happy with my current chromebook. In particular, I LOVE the large 15.6" screen and don't want to go to smaller screen size. I LOVE the backlit keyboard. I like that the speakers are upward facing. No doubt things are not optimal when I have multiple windows open (in terms of performance) but, honestly, if my AUE date had not passed, then I would definitely stick with what I've got awhile longer.

When I look on Acer's website, it seems like their mid-range 15.6" Chromebook models (<$400) do not have a backlit keyboard and currently to get backlit keyboard, I'd have to jump to a model with a $749.99 pricetag. Double ugh!!! I went to Best Buy and also called Acer and didn't really feel like I was talking to knowledgeable or helpful customer service reps. Searching online has been difficult given all the varied model numbers and unclear specs listings regarding backlit keyboard.

I would love any advice dear Bogleheads might give me on how to proceed. Many thanks, in advance.

[fabdog]

Costco has an HP model with backlit keyboard, 8gb memory, etc... only hitch is 14" screen. But you could see what else HP has on their site. Costco has only 14:" screens in Chromebooks

https://www.costco.com/hp-14%22-chromeb ... 60598.html

on Bestbuy's site, backlit keyboard is one of the selection criteria you can use to screen machines... for the 15.6" screen one choice at $599.99

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-ga ... Id=6597158

My take is if 15.6 screen with backlit keyboard is a dealbreaker for you, you can find, but not at a less than $400 price point

Mike

[roamingzebra]

I have an ACER Chromebook 15 (Model: CB515-1HT-P39B, manufactured 10/17/2017). The AUE (auto update expiry) passed in June 2024 and I have not yet accepted the update extension. Acceptance terms seem to suggest that I will lose browser extension capabilities and I assume this means that I could lose my password manager extension capabilities--which is a deal breaker.

Can't advise you on the computer, but I did notice this the other day (wrt the Chrome browser):

Google claims that uBlock Origin is no longer available for Chrome: but that is not true

IOW, when it comes to Google, don't trust and always verify.

[bogles the mind]

This is mine . No complaints. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-ide ... ource=feed

This is a good price. Years of updates.

[HikerJ0y50]

Costco has an HP model with backlit keyboard, 8gb memory, etc... only hitch is 14" screen. But you could see what else HP has on their site. Costco has only 14:" screens in Chromebooks

https://www.costco.com/hp-14%22-chromeb ... 60598.html

on Bestbuy's site, backlit keyboard is one of the selection criteria you can use to screen machines... for the 15.6" screen one choice at $599.99

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-ga ... Id=6597158

My take is if 15.6 screen with backlit keyboard is a dealbreaker for you, you can find, but not at a less than $400 price point

Mike

Thanks so much for the input. I went and looked at some 14" screens and just don't think I'd be satisfied the size. I did see that Samsung you linked at Best Buy. I've never bought a Samsung laptop/chromebook. I think they make good TVs and bad refrigerators. I wonder what kind of Chromebooks they make.
When I bought my current Chromebook 7 years ago I think it cost $150-ish. I guess I just got sticker shock looking at what Chromebooks with my desired specs. Sigh

[HikerJ0y50]

This is mine . No complaints. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-ide ... ource=feed

This is a good price. Years of updates.

Thanks! I just can't get past the move from 15.6" to 14" screen size. I appreciate the input though!

[HikerJ0y50]

I have an ACER Chromebook 15 (Model: CB515-1HT-P39B, manufactured 10/17/2017). The AUE (auto update expiry) passed in June 2024 and I have not yet accepted the update extension. Acceptance terms seem to suggest that I will lose browser extension capabilities and I assume this means that I could lose my password manager extension capabilities--which is a deal breaker.

Can't advise you on the computer, but I did notice this the other day (wrt the Chrome browser):

Google claims that uBlock Origin is no longer available for Chrome: but that is not true

IOW, when it comes to Google, don't trust and always verify.

Thanks! Point taken about Google! They most likely own me at this point.

[gtd98765]

The Wirecutter has some Black Friday deals on Chromebooks in an article on PC deals today.

[volstagg]

OP, like you I had an older 15" Acer Chromebook, but mine went EOS and I had to upgrade in 2020. One thing to be aware of about current 15" Chromebooks that isn't overly obvious until you start using them, starting in 2019/2020, because the 15" models also have a dedicated keypad, they've moved the touch pad from the center of the laptop so that is was to the left, centered under the space bar.

This caused me no ends of annoyance. Back in 2020 I tried several models of 15" Chromebooks from various manufacturers and didn't like ANY of them because of this change (all of them had it). Reason, while typing, I would accidentally hit the touchpad and it would cause the window I was in to lose focus or switch somewhere else randomly on the screen, it was super annoying. It might be more because I am left handed, but if you are going to get a new Chromebook, I suggest you visit a BestBuy or similar and actually take it for a test drive.

I tried 3 or 4 15" models, bought from Best Buy, Amazon, etc and returned them all. What I ended up with was the 14" Acer with the same 1920x1200 FHD resolution my 15" had, plus a good pair of reading glasses and have been happy with that setup.

[HikerJ0y50]

OP, like you I had an older 15" Acer Chromebook, but mine went EOS and I had to upgrade in 2020. One thing to be aware of about current 15" Chromebooks that isn't overly obvious until you start using them, starting in 2019/2020, because the 15" models also have a dedicated keypad, they've moved the touch pad from the center of the laptop so that is was to the left, centered under the space bar.

This caused me no ends of annoyance. Back in 2020 I tried several models of 15" Chromebooks from various manufacturers and didn't like ANY of them because of this change (all of them had it). Reason, while typing, I would accidentally hit the touchpad and it would cause the window I was in to lose focus or switch somewhere else randomly on the screen, it was super annoying. It might be more because I am left handed, but if you are going to get a new Chromebook, I suggest you visit a BestBuy or similar and actually take it for a test drive.

I tried 3 or 4 15" models, bought from Best Buy, Amazon, etc and returned them all. What I ended up with was the 14" Acer with the same 1920x1200 FHD resolution my 15" had, plus a good pair of reading glasses and have been happy with that setup.

This is REALLY helpful. Thank you for the info! I, too, am left-handed and will likely encounter similar issues. I'll be sure to test drive some in person, as suggested.

[HikerJ0y50]

The Wirecutter has some Black Friday deals on Chromebooks in an article on PC deals today.

Thanks! I'll take a look.

[runr]

It's a really bad idea to use any computer that has not received updates since June. You will have a lot better luck getting a good Chromebook online, 16 gigs, m.2 ssd, 400 nits, and 1 finger open (my pet peeve). Chrome Unboxed site is a good place to start. Even though Google killed UBO extension, you can install UBO Lite. Personally, I have upped my cybersecurity game and included more privacy as there can be overlap, and Google is too invasive for me, as they should be since there an ad company, my 2 cents.

[Gadget]

The Samsung galaxy chromebook plus on sale for 600 at best buy is awesome. As long as you don't need a touch screen, I think it's the top 15 inch chromebook you can get. It's super lightweight.

[HikerJ0y50]

The Samsung galaxy chromebook plus on sale for 600 at best buy is awesome. As long as you don't need a touch screen, I think it's the top 15 inch chromebook you can get. It's super lightweight.

Thanks for the tip!

[HikerJ0y50]

It's a really bad idea to use any computer that has not received updates since June. You will have a lot better luck getting a good Chromebook online, 16 gigs, m.2 ssd, 400 nits, and 1 finger open (my pet peeve). Chrome Unboxed site is a good place to start. Even though Google killed UBO extension, you can install UBO Lite. Personally, I have upped my cybersecurity game and included more privacy as there can be overlap, and Google is too invasive for me, as they should be since there an ad company, my 2 cents.

Thanks! Yes, I'm looking to purchase this weekend. Strangely, I got the first notification that AUE expired 2 days ago...despite Google's website saying that my make/model AUE was June 2024. Not sure what happened there but I've given myself a crash course in AUE and at least now I know to check that when deciding on my purchase. I've gotten a lot of good tips in the responses to this BH query, including yours, and I'm grateful! I know you are right about Google being too invasive and why. It's just hard to go back to a traditional laptop given how nimble and reliable my current Chromebook has been.