Chromebook vs. NUC

[mfeller2]

I am thinking about a dedicated PC for things like paying bills online, etc., where security is the main goal. Linux would be the OS, but maybe Chromebook, with the idea that I would be more immune to various security issues.

Because of the limited use, this can be a relatively low-end machine. For cost and space reasons, I am thinking about either the Chromebook or the Intel NUC. The Chromebook is cheaper and "contained", but I think I should have more flexibility with Linux. I am not sure what kind of options I would have to tweak the ChromeOS and apps if it doesn't have everything I need out of the box. The Intel NUC should also be faster, but I think that may be a secondary consideration.

On the NUC...while a laptop/netbook might be a more comparable option to the Chromebook, my experience with installing Linux on laptops in general has been poor...lots of tweaking needed to get things working. I'm tired of having to work to make things go with Linux, and "Desktops" generally have been easier.

Anyway...given the above, thoughts / comments / advice?

Thanks!

 

[yinan]

While i love the NUC as a HTPC, this seems like overkill. You could do this same thing in a VM, for much less cost/hassle.

 

[mnewsham]

Yeah, do you have a current PC you can use to just get a VM running?

 

[Essence_of_War]

I've heard good things about Chrubuntu on the Acer Chromebooks. And they're VERY affordable to boot.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Just install Linux onto a USB flash drive (a big one), and then install VirtualBox, and install Windows 7 32-bit inside the VM, and then you can just plug it into your existing machine and boot off of it, and you will have a secure environment for bill pay, etc.