Chrome OS and Productivity

[Tsaar]

Edit: I put this here because it is related to mobile productivity.

Every review I see talks about the lack of productivity with Chrome OS. Most people I know have a computer that stays at home. On this website I am sure 24/7 overclocked beasts are the norm.

What my point is...Chrome Remote Desktop. Full disclaimer: I do not own a Chromebook.

I did some tests tonight. I installed Chrome Remote Desktop on a Windows 8 virtual machine. I then did the same on my 2009 MBP. Using the MBP I took control of the Windows 8 virtual machine (I have access to MSDN so I have many licenses to burn on stupid stuff). The performance was phenomenal considering the situation. I even pulled up a YouTube video and it was smooth.

This is video running inside a virtual machine being transmitted through the internet to my old MBP. Needless to say I was blown away.

After seeing this I truly believe my next laptop will be a Chromebook. Most of the time while on the road all I need is a browser and the basic Drive toolset. If I need more I can always remote into my machines at home.

My next test is going to be controlling a Linux virtual machine using a virutalized Windows host (yes...a VM inside a VM), since their is no native Chrome Remote Desktop to Linux. I have never tested a VM inside of a VM anyway, so it should be fun.

FYI I am paranoid and keep all network transactions blocked via firewall outside of my VMs. This is why all my testing takes place using a VM.

 

[paperwastage]

I did some tests tonight. I installed Chrome Remote Desktop on a Windows 8 virtual machine. I then did the same on my 2009 MBP. Using the MBP I took control of the Windows 8 virtual machine (I have access to MSDN so I have many licenses to burn on stupid stuff). The performance was phenomenal considering the situation. I even pulled up a YouTube video and it was smooth.

you did your testing on local LAN?

You need to test remote connecting from else where (eg internet cafe/starbucks). either your provider's upstream bandwidth isn't enough, or your internet cafe doesn't have enough download bandwidth. unless you have an unlimited tethering plan, don't think you can always tether your phone

 

[Tsaar]

you did your testing on local LAN?

You need to test remote connecting from else where (eg internet cafe/starbucks). either your provider's upstream bandwidth isn't enough, or your internet cafe doesn't have enough download bandwidth. unless you have an unlimited tethering plan, don't think you can always tether your phone

I assumed the test used a secure tunnel through Google servers and not direct through the local LAN.

Regardless...I had my parents install it on their computer and used it over the web. I didn't do any video, but it was more than good enough if I had needed to use Office. I don't like programming without two monitors, but don't see why this wouldn't work either if you can stomach programming on a small laptop screen (not a Chrome specific problem).

 

[agfkfhahddhdn]

People who complain about Chrome OS not being productive enough are either Microsoft employees or too stupid to grasp the concept that it's not supposed to be as productive as Windows. The vast majority of average PC users just browse the internet. Chrome OS is for those people. If you need to do more than that then buy a Windows laptop. Remote desktop is a pretty clunky solution.

 

[poofyhairguy]

People who complain about Chrome OS not being productive enough are either Microsoft employees or too stupid to grasp the concept that it's not supposed to be as productive as Windows.

Objectively it is pretty sad that Google's "desktop" OS is like ten times less capable than their "mobile" OS. I get the point of Chrome OS, but I think its fair to consider it the equivalent of a child's sandbox.

I will never forget that one Pixel review I read that said it was perfect for a CEO because basically a CEO only needs a computer to impress upon his underlings that he is "with" new trends and not to do actual work.

Edit: Here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3VRG9U...cm_cr_rdp_perm

That is the legacy of Chrome OS- just for show and the most basic users.

 

[bearxor]

You sound like a pretty advanced kind of guy.

I might recommend a Surface 2 and then setting up a Server 2012R2 machine with RDWeb publishing the apps you want. Then, you can assign the server in the Remote Apps control applet, and basically launch any windows program on the Surface and have it "look" like it's running natively on the Surface.

http://www.daveamenta.com/2012-11/using-remoteapps-on-surface-rt-windows-rt/