Old Chromebooks are usually a bad idea
So, you need a used laptop - as cheap as possible. You go on any website of any second-hand computer store, sort by price and you see an old Chromebook. For example, the one that is the most popular in Poland at the moment - HP G4 (4/16 GB).
Old Chromebooks have their pros and cons. Of course, they are not fast, but no one expects that. Chromebooks' worst catch is their "expiration dates".
On the one hand, after the end of support, "they can still be used". YouTube will open, and you can log in to your Google account, and your Facebook/Instagram account. Even some apps from Google Play can be downloaded with a little bit of tinkering. Generally, for 180 PLN (~40€) you get a (mostly functional) window to the outside world.
But on the other hand, the lack of up-to-date security (in the case of G4 for over 2 years) is a serious problem. Of course, banking applications are out of the question. Government websites may not open either. And the question remains whether even if we can, should we log in to a Google or Facebook account on a device without any security updates for the past 2 years. In my opinion no.
Someone will say that laptops with Windows will face a similar fate because in 2025 support for Windows 10 will end, and the end of security for all poor people will come. In theory yes, but in practice there are ways to keep using such a laptop securely. You can always force install Windows 11 even on unsupported devices. Or maybe Windows will be gracious and give, for example, another 2 years of extended support for the Windows 10 Enterprise version. And there is always the option to install other systems, be it Linux or the CURRENT Chromium OS.
So in terms of security and functionality (despite the impending problem of 2025), even the oldest Windows laptop completely blows away Chromebooks that are half its age.
In my opinion, it is definitely worth paying 20 PLN (~4.50€) extra for laptops with Windows such as:
HP ProBook 6470B 14" Intel Core i3-3310M 8 GB DDR3 / 120 GB SSD
The third-generation Core may not impress anyone today, but it is in a different league than Celeron 2000 when it comes to performance. Windows 10 with options set to performance will easily open several tabs in the browser, including YouTube and Facebook. You will also be able to safely access online banking and government websites. And if someone has children, Intel HD 4000 with DirectX 11 support will handle Minecraft, Valorant, and CS GO on low settings.
It is also sold by a legitimate store, free shipping is also included, and it is also in a similar condition (possible scratches and dents but no cracks and the screens are fully functional). This is not a one-time offer and they currently have 14 in stock.
In the case of bargain hunting, you can find old Chromebooks for much cheaper than 180 PLN (~40€). So someone might say - if you are on such a tight budget, why not get a Chromebook for 100 PLN (~22.50€) instead of a Windows laptop for 200 PLN (~45€)?
But this bargain-hunting situation also applies to Windows laptops. And I maintain my position that a hypothetical Windows laptop for 120 PLN (27€) will still be a better option than a hypothetical Chromebook for 100 PLN (~22.50€)
Check out the laptops mentioned in the article here:
(reflinks)