I have run Linux on a few Chromebooks. I started with the MrChromeBox method but that stopped being maintained. Newer models have better support for normal Linux. Most recent I have completely removed all chromesOS, it is full Linux. Had an arch family distro at one point but now low powered Debian distro. I got the device for $50, I think it was a discontinued education model that flooded the market. Have had it for 2 or 3 years now.
This model is not too bad for hardware quality. I recently replaced the battery which was an ambitious repair for me. Was very proud of myself to get it done!
Then I dropped it on the kitchen tile floor and the hinges have become misaligned so it can't close. Very frustrating. But can't blame anybody but myself. It still works otherwise.
It should be possible to get a working netbook for under $100. Ensure it comes with a charger and consider cost of SD card if you don't have one to use. Freegeek usually has some "barebones" laptops or netbooks available for fair price.
I recommend installing all or part of the system partitions to an SD card because the 8 or 16 GB internal storage is used very quickly. However many consider this unsafe due to potential catastrophic failures on SD cards. If you want to do this, try to get a model where the SD card is completely inserted rather than sicking out halfway! And have a backup plan if your system is not disposable. (I have not had any issues with this.)
Performance wise, you have to moderate your expectations of course. There will be no miracles. But if you manage your tasks properly and run appropriate software, its very serviceable. A netbook is NOT a daily driver replacement for many people. It is better as an ancillary device. Trying to do much work on it would become frustrating due to low resources.
I love Linux netbooks. Actually its how I got back into Linux after a decade away. A much better (re)introduction than dual booting. Far less disruptive, risky. Would suggest to anyone looking to give Linux a spin. Especially if the initial install can be done by someone with more experience. :)
On Sun, Feb 15, 2026, at 11:18 AM, Colin McGregor via Talk wrote:
My computing is largely based around a classic style mini-tower and
some Raspberry PI computers. But I sometimes need to take things on
the road, for which I have a low-end laptop that originally came with
Windows 10, and I replaced that with Debian GNU/Linux. When it comes
to computing on the move, I see it as an accessory to my desktop, no
heavy duty tasks. This mobile arrangement all works for me (your
mileage might vary). When I was getting that laptop I ignored the
Chromebooks as they didn't seem capable of doing anything other than
ChromeOS.
Well, live and learn, below is a video about installing Linux on a
Chromebook, Yes, there are some ... somewhat ugly hoops ... you have
to jump through to get Linux on a Chromebook. Then you have to deal
with the limitations of a Chromebook, limited RAM, sluggish CPU, and
limited storage. Still, it can be done, using a lightweight Linux
distribution, and well, knowing everything is limited. I am in no rush
to replace my current laptop (it is running just fine for what I want
to do), but next time I have to shop for a laptop, I will at least
consider a Chromebook (at least as long as I am confident I can put a
Linux distribution on the device). So, anyone looking for portable
Linux on a VERY tight budget may want to consider this.
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Description: GTALUG Talk