Anyone have any experience with Chromebit?

[KSRBEvans]

Saw this deal on Amazon today for $69:

http://smile.amazon.com/CHROMEBIT-RockChip-3288-C-LPDDR3L-Google/dp/B0181JTPCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457462912&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+chromebit+chrome+os+mini+pc

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QajSVM3UL._SY450_.jpg

The idea is that you plug this stick into any HDMI TV and you have a computer. Thought it might be cool to take on travels, etc. Take along a foldable bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you have a small system you can take anywhere and have Netflix, cloud services, etc.

[PedroDaGr8]

Being ChromeOS it will REQUIRE an internet connection. Most of the ChromeOS is cloud based which means if you can't access the internet you can't access most, or possibly any, of your programs. Let alone your files and what not. It is basically a ChromeBook in dongle form. You might want to make sure it is powerful enough to handle Netflix, I know some of the older ChromeOS devices were not.

[KSRBEvans]

Thanks--I read the reviews on Amazon and Newegg and decided for $69 to give it a shot. It looks like an entry-level device without much power, but it seems to have enough in most cases to run Netflix/YouTube/email/web surfing. I'll report back on how it works.

[KentuckyWildcat]

Please do let us know

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[Doc]

Thanks--I read the reviews on Amazon and Newegg and decided for $69 to give it a shot. It looks like an entry-level device without much power, but it seems to have enough in most cases to run Netflix/YouTube/email/web surfing. I'll report back on how it works.

But can you download porn?

[KSRBEvans]

^No one downloads anymore--they stream.

...or so I hear....

[Doc]

^No one downloads anymore--they stream.

...or so I hear....

Will it stream porn?

[KSRBEvans]

Um...I'll go with "not sure"....

[KSRBEvans]

So I bought this and an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard w/ trackpad (http://smile.amazon.com/1byone-Ultra-Slim-Bluetooth-Multi-touch-Rechargeable/dp/B00VRC6U2C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00). I like the Chromebit (I think) but don't like the keyboard (I think).

The Chromebit does fine for basic web surfing/email, and also does OK streaming video (Netflix, Amazon, etc.). But using the keyboard was painful. The trackpad moved like molasses and the keyboard would do a lottttttttttttttttttttttt oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooof thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiis. So actually navigating around was tough. Once I got to the site I wanted to visit, the Chromebit worked well.

Another method is to use a usb wireless keyboard and usb mouse. The Chromebit has 1 USB connection, so you have to use a powered USB hub if you want to go that route. I ordered one (http://smile.amazon.com/Sabrent-Individual-Switches-included-HB-UMP3/dp/B00TPMEOYM?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00) and it should arrive tomorrow, so I'm hoping that works better.

[Darrell KSR]

Just goes to show that "star ratings" aren't everything (cue TerryBlue? :)). The keyboard is 4.0, the Chromebit 3.9. Close enough to each other, but your own personal review has Chromebit closer to a 5* blue-chipper, and the keyboard more of a Tubby-two-star.

I'm still interested in your comments and use. We don't travel that much, so I may be looking for a solution in search of a problem that doesn't really exist, and with my Surface Pro, it's awfully dang portable. If I need to consider casting, I can bring my Chromecast, I guess.

But still interested...

[KentuckyWildcat]

Just goes to show that "star ratings" aren't everything (cue TerryBlue? :)). The keyboard is 4.0, the Chromebit 3.9. Close enough to each other, but your own personal review has Chromebit closer to a 5* blue-chipper, and the keyboard more of a Tubby-two-star.

I'm still interested in your comments and use. We don't travel that much, so I may be looking for a solution in search of a problem that doesn't really exist, and with my Surface Pro, it's awfully dang portable. If I need to consider casting, I can bring my Chromecast, I guess.

But still interested...
You travel with the Surface? You can mirror/extend it for about $50 with the Microsoft hdmi wireless adapter. Has worked well for me.

edit to clarify wireless adapter

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[KentuckyWildcat]

Roku mirroring the Surface has worked well so far also.

I actually have a Windows 10 laptop. Not a Surface but same concept.

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[KentuckyWildcat]

The Chromebit does fine for basic web surfing/email, and also does OK streaming video (Netflix, Amazon, etc.).

So you would recommend this for me to use in youth group? We often show youtube, rightnowmedia, Godtube, etc...It can be a hassle getting the laptop out of the office every time.

[KSRBEvans]

^I'd say "yes," but as I stated above, I had an issue with interface, which I believe relates to the Bluetooth keyboard/Mouse I use. I hope I have better luck with a USB keyboard & mouse, and I'll report back when I try it.