As of this weekend, I’m the proud owner of a new ASUS Chromebook Flip C213
For around 450 $CAN, you get a laptop with
- The “flip” form factor (i.e. keyboard folds under screen so you can use it like a tablet)
- A touchscreen (as well as a trackpad)
- 12 hour battery life
- 2 USB-C ports as well as two as two regular USB3 ports
Obviously, there are limitations, like unexciting screen resolution and limited storage, but I can honestly say that this machine is as responsive as my MBP, for all of the basic tasks I do day to day, and now that ChromeOS can run Android apps as well, I’ve been able to find all the missing features I need (like 1Password support) too.
Let me be clear: This machine is *fun* to use. And that’s even before you factor in the linux app support that is incoming — I’ve already heard of at least one person who has gotten Scrivener for Windows running on WINE. 😉
As an aside, I did eventually try the linux support and it works quite well. They’re still working on significant missing pieces like USB support and accelerated graphics, but it definitely works. I was able to run Gimp and the Scrivener 1.x beta (under Wine).
I’m still quite pleased with this machine, and it’s easy to find bigger/faster/cheaper chromebooks now.