Category: Chromebook

There is a new, optional security update for Chrome OS that fixes a vulnerability with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in the majority of Chromebooks.  To apply the update however, you will need to Powerwash your device.

The vulnerability has to do with hackers potentially being able to brute force the RSA keys generated by your TPM.  This, in theory, could give the the opportunity to plant malicious code on your device or take it over.  For those not familiar, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a specialized chip on an endpoint device that stores RSA encryption keys specific to the host system for hardware authentication. It essentially makes sure that the hardware and software on your device are secure and encrypted and what has access to the keys generated by it.  Thus, you see the problem.  If the TPM gets compromised, it can lead to a lot of issues for end users.

Right now, over at Amazon, you can pick up the entry level Google Pixelbook for $975.  While it is not a massive discount, only $24 off the regular price, it falls under the category of “better than nothing”.

And “entry level” is a bit misleading because we are talking about one of the most powerful Chromebooks out there.  The price is for the Intel i5 powered unit with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.  It is certainly powerful enough to do anything you would need, be it in Chrome OS or Android apps running on the device.

Following on the release of a new Dev channel build for Chrome OS, there is now a new Beta channel build too.  Build 64.0.3282.101 (Platform version: 10176.54.0) has been released for most devices and can be downloaded now, if you are in the beta channel, by typing chrome://help  in the omnibar in the browser.

The update has a laundry list of fixes and improvements that you can read here if you are so inclined.  Ultimately there are a lot of general improvements to the platform.

For those of you who have a Google Pixelbook and Pixelbook Pen, Google is offering you a free loop to attach to your Chromebook to hold your Pen when it is not in use.  The company has setup a site where you enter in your information and they will ship you the loop in a few weeks.

While the reviews of the Pixelbook have been gushing, one complaint from reviewers and users has been what to do with the $100 Pixelbook Pen when it is not in use.  This free loop seems to be Google’s answer to the problem.

Chromebooks have come a long way these past six years both in overall design and function as well as Chrome OS itself.  While there are still plenty of budget friendly, sub-$200 options out there, there are also more powerful devices out there aimed at being your daily driver of a laptop.  The pinnacle of this is, of course, the Google Pixelbook.  But at a base price of $999, it is out of the reach of some who still need something as powerful or close to it.  That is where the ASUS Flip C302CA could prove to be a viable option.

The base model of the C302CA is price at $449 with the top-end, Intel m5 equipped model topping out at $609.  While the mCore processors don’t have the same grunt as the iCore processors, for the majority of users it will get the job done.  Is it also lightweight, has an excellent screen and solid, all day battery life.

I was recently sent an ASUS Flip C302CA to review and having used it as my primary laptop device for the past couple of weeks, I believe it is the second best option out there in the current lineup of high-end, power Chromebooks behind the Pixelbook.  Yes it has some compromises but I do not think they are deal breakers for the majority of people reading this review.

Today’s Deal is for anyone who needs a HDMI port or USB-A port for their USB-C powered devices.  On most new Chromebooks, like the Google Pixelbook, you have just USB-C ports.  The same goes for the new MacBook Pro from Apple.  Sometimes you need a HDMI port to connect to a monitor or projector, or need to access that older USB flash drive.  That’s where the AUKEY USB-C Hub can come in handy.  Priced at $34.43, it gives you plenty of ports to work with to get your day done.

In all, the hub (model CB-C60 for those that are curious) gives you six ports and connects to your Chromebook or MacBook Pro via the connected USB-C cable that is just under 6″ (150mm) in length.  You have one USB-C port which works as a pass through for charging your device while you are using the Hub (up to 60W).  You have four USB-A ports that support USB 3.0, giving you up to 5GB of data transfer speed.  Finally, you have a 4K HDMI port to connect your Chromebook or MacBook Pro to an external monitor.