I'm in a rare situation where I don't have a work laptop! I've just joined the fire service and could do with a laptop to help me with my training (videos, e learning etc...). I would also use the laptop for surfing the web, and managing the odd spreadsheet, pretty basic stuff!

 

I was looking at the chromebooks https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-chromebook-r-11-cb5-132t-2-in-1-white-10156150-pdt.html

 

But will I be able to access excel spreadsheets on this?

 

I found this as an alternative https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-transformer-mini-t102-10-1-2-in-1-white-orange-10154879-pdt.html

 

I think a lot of the time I will be using the touch screen tablet over the laptop mode.

 

Any help much welcomed!!!

Hi,

 

if you use Office O365 then you can access the applications from any device it will not matter what OS you have on the device.

 

John

1 hour ago, jjc said:

Hi,

 

if you use Office O365 then you can access the applications from any device it will not matter what OS you have on the device.

 

John

 

Thanks for the info, I'll pop into my local curry's and take a look at both.

 

Cheers

Mike

Google Docs, that you will get when  you create your account on the Chrome device, will allow you to open and adjust Excel but it will save it as Sheets. The majority of the functionality will be the same just some of the more advanced features of Excel that won't but most people don't use them. 

^ wot he said.

 

If your spreadsheets are basic then Google Docs will handle them just fine.

 

Office Apps will be available in the Play store as well, but I'm not sure about compatibility with ChromeOS. You'd need to check that out yourself.

If you want to use it for work (e-learning etc) I would avoid the Chrome Book like the plague.

 

I work in IT for the NHS and we have to do e-learning stuff, it requires windows with certain JAVA versions, and Adobe Flash/Shockwave.  I'm assuming your Fire Service E-learning may be similar.

 

Just go to any reputable PC manufacturer's website (Lenovo, HP, Dell) and look at their basic kit.  You should get something serviceable for around 300-400 quid.

 

Even if you want to look at alternative options - at least check with your E-learning provider what the requirements are, whether ChromeBooks would work etc.  Most people stick with windows as there's less compatibility issues if using them for work - though I commend you for going slightly "indie"

i went for the ASUS R11 chromebook and am really happy with it. I've been able to download word and excel, takes a bit of getting used to but its worked so for for all me eLearning.

 

Cheers