Can I use a Chromebook?

[bobdabuilder]

Hi all,

new user and grateful to be a part of such a vibrant community.

I’m not very technical but wanted to have a simple calendaring, to-do list, and perhaps photos displayed on a MM in my kitchen. I also would like to have it as touchscreen. In order to simplify my build and have a supported device, I wanted to run Magic Mirror on a 14" Lenovo Chromebook 3. Will magic mirror work on such a device? If so, will it run natively or will I have to do anything fancy to the OS?

thanks!

Bob B.

[sdetweil]

@bobdabuilder u need to install an open OS on the chromebook… and you ‘can’ dual boot between chromeOS and whatever.

I use Gallium on my chrome book and chromeBOXes …

https://wiki.galliumos.org/Installing

the biggest thing is you have to remove the write protect screw from inside the case to allow writing the new boot firmware
but then its up to you…

I dual booted for about 6 months then wiped chromeOS completely and boot gallium now…

I just replaced my Jetson Nano in the hall mirror with an hp Chromebox.

dual core Intel, HDMI and display port, 4k output. 4 USB ports, wifi and Ethernet. no fan required. installed Gallium Linux. and mm runs great. box is 4x4x1.5. expandable ram, 16 gig ssd disk. $40 (see them for <30 too)

Also have Gallium on my Toshiba chromebook

[bobdabuilder]

@sdetweil said in Can I use a Chromebook?:

remove the write protect screw

Thank you @sdetweil !

I suspect these screws are within the chassis itself and their locations vary with each model then? Are there any simpler options given I wish to have touchscreen? Ideally I’d like to have at least 14" screen but prefer 24 inch or so.

[sdetweil]

@bobdabuilder yes take the cover off and remove the screw. 5 minute job, this was my first time (Chromebook). I used it in the hospital w covid jan-feb…

I don’t have a touchscreen model, so I don’t know about that. mm won’t run under chromeOS

[bobdabuilder]

@sdetweil - thank you!

[sdetweil]

@bobdabuilder here is two different dial boot methods
https://au.pcmag.com/linux/89550/how-to-install-linux-on-your-chromebook