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What is the OS on these? Is it Linux based but very limited? Can you install a normal Linux distro on it without hacking an entire universe?

• jeffbee 3y ago
  It's Linux and not limited in any tangible way.
  • pjmlp 3y ago
    Only selected models support Linux environment, which is anyway executed on its own containarized VM. Plus 128 GB SSD is a severe limitation for modern day storage requirements.
    • jeffbee 3y ago
      Is there an x86 Chromebook you can buy today that won’t run it?
      • pjmlp 3y ago
        The few I see on European shopping malls, being discounted until someone picks them up. Always have Linux support disabled on the settings pane, as "this device is not supported" kind of message.
        • danans 3y ago
          Here are the list of models that support the Linux VM, basic everything released since 2019. https://sites.google.com/a/chromium.org/dev/chromium-os/chrome-os-systems-supporting-linux https://sites.google.com/a/chromium.org/dev/chromium-os/chro...
          • pjmlp 3y ago
            I am fully aware of that list, does not change the reality of devices in Media Market showing lack of support.
            • danans 3y ago
              They are likely old inventory then.
• dmazzoni 3y ago
  It's Chrome OS. It runs a Linux kernel but by default it's designed to be a very simplified, locked-down OS that runs the Chrome browser and Android apps. It also has a built-in Linux development environment that you can enable, which runs in a mini VM. It gives you a full Debian system, without any risk of messing up the built-in OS. If you don't want Chrome OS at all, it's definitely possible to just install Linux.