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this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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Sustainable Tech
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Sabaidee, Welcome!
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My 2015 MacBook got its last major update last year - that’s 7 years. It still gets security updates.
This article says the Chromebooks get 3-6 years.
Anyway, now that I know this I’m going to look out for second hand chrome books. Think I could run a Plex server on one?
You can refer to https://mrchromebox.tech/ for a listing of what chromebooks that firmware can be flashed on to (refer to Supported Devices on the left). Chromebooks ship with a modified BIOS that will only work with the Chrome OS that installed on those devices. Their BIOS/firmware is also in read only mode but that can be disabled usually by removing a screw somewhere on the motherboard. After that, you have to flash that alternative firmware over so that the computer can have a BIOS that is compatible with other operating systems (consequently making the computer unable to run Chrome OS).
The FAQ (linked below) mentions that there is a "handy spreadsheet" compatibility list as well. Notably, some Chromebooks are not quite compatible with Linux and show this by literally frying their speakers (supposedly) if you try to use Linux on them... so you may have to be selective in what you purchase.
https://mrchromebox.tech/#faq
Nice. I love modding stuff. I still have a PSP3001 running some home brew OS in my closet from way back.
As a Plex guy myself, I'm sure you could, you will need to transmit over WiFi or get a USB nic. Inversely is you are looking to make a Plex server I would suggest looking at used HP elite desk mini's, they have much beefier CPU's, 6th and 7th gen i5 processors and gigabit nics. You also have the added benefit of m.2 slot and typical data 2.5" caddy
https://www.govdeals.com/