Chromebook crapping bed again

The Gateways from walmart i’ve gotten over the last year have been fine for the uses you’re asking about…were around $279…one was for wife as she’s a mac user and needed a windows machine for an image printing application. The other one i got as a spare for general business needs as a secondary laptop when needing an additional computer for troubleshooting onsite.

Have also bought 2 GMKtec micro pcs off amazon that have done great for $130-150. Can pack and be portable but dont have the laptop usability features. But definitely a cheap option for kids needing a pc at home or meadia pc.

You might be buying old Chromebook models. Google now supports devices for a maximum of eight years. So if you buy a lower priced brand new Chromebook that the OS is 5 years old then you have 3 years until its End of Life.

In 2016, Google introduced an End Of Life (EOL) policy that offered support for five years. About a year later, it changed the name to something that didn’t imply planned obsolescence – Auto Update Expiration (AUE) – and extended support for new Chromebooks to 6.5 years.

In 2020, Google extended its AUE for newer Chromebook models that have platforms launched in 2020 or beyond. Starting from the device platform release date, all Chromebooks using that platform will receive auto-update support for eight years.

How To Check when your Chromebook's updates will stop.

Chromebooks and Chromeboxes automatically manage updates so that your device has the latest software and security features. To check your Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date:

1. At the bottom right, select the time and then the Settings (gear symbol).

2. At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS.

3. Select Additional details.

In the “Update schedule” section, you’ll find when your Chromebook will receive its last update.

The latest version of Chrome OS on Chromebooks

Platform - 15359.58.0
Platform Version - 112.0.5615.134
Version Release Date - 2023-04-20

If you decide to buy another Chromebook or Chromebox, look for one with the latest Chrome OS.