Web App Alternatives For Chromebooks Without Android Support

In 2016, Google announced Google Play store support would be coming to Chromebooks. It took a while, but now if you go out and buy a Chromebook produced in the past year you're guaranteed it will support the Google Play store. For those of you lucky enough to have such a Chromebook, you can find more details about using the Play store on your Chromebook at https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/7021273 .

For those of us whose Chromebooks don't support the Play store, here is a list of web apps you might find useful as alternatives to Android apps:



Utilities:

Offline Notes
Numerics Calculator & Converter



Communication:

Telegram
Skype


Games:

Snes Party - Online Multiplayer SNES Emulator!
Sudoku


Graphics:

Pixlr


Music:
Spotify




Notes:

Selection criteria:

MUST use https.
MUST NOT have intrusive ads.


Do you know of a good web app that should be listed here? Please submit its details in a comment below.

How to change your Chromebook password

This one is simple but can be confusing for new users. The important thing to remember is that your Chromebook password is the same as your Google password, and for that reason can be changed from any computer that can access https://myaccount.google.com .

Once logged in at https://myaccount.google.com (using the same gmail address that you use on your Chromebook!), you can click 'Signing in to Google', then 'Password'. This will allow you to change your password.

Chromebook FAQ #2: How do I right click?

Another easy one once you know it: you simply hold the Alt key and click your mouse/trackpad.

E.g. when you do this when hovering over a link on a web page the right click menu will appear.

How to take a screenshot on your Chromebook

Often asked, easily done :)

Simply hold Ctrl and click the    key.

A moment later you will see the following pop up notifying you of the new screenshot:

Getting more life out of your Chromebook battery

Chromebook battery life is, in general, exceptional for the price. Everybody loves to squeeze out a bit more time from each charge though, so here are some ways to achieve this:

1. Use the brightness dimming key    to dim the screen's brightness.
2. Always shut your Chromebook's lid when you're not using it.
3. Turn off Bluetooth if you're not using it.

Chromebook FAQ #1: How do I Skype?

UPDATE 2018: Skype for web now exists

As yet (Jan 2015) there is no way to Skype from a Chromebook. That's the bad news. The good news is that Google Hangouts is available, and a very convincing alternative. Like with Skype, you can chat, voice call, video call, and use on it on desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS etc.). It even offers some features that Skype doesn't (like Off The Record chats), and requires no extra software installation on the desktop or Android devices.

To try it out please visit the Google Hangouts intro page and share your experience in the comments below.

Why choose a Chromebook?

Why Choose a Chromebook? It's a question I'm often asked, so what better a subject for this blog :)

1. Security. Chromeos is seriously secure compared to other Desktop operating systems such as Windows, those found on Macs, and even other Linux distros. Check out ChromeOS security design notes.  Some highlights: fully encrypted disk (no need to worry about data theft if your Chromebook is stolen), verified boot, secure sharing, even an incognito guest mode. Some of these features are available on other OSes but with Chromebooks they're always there.
2. Hardware value for money. My current Chromebook is the first generation Toshiba 13.3 inch Chromebook (model CB30). Even now, months after I purchased it, I'd struggle to find any non Chromebook laptop that is as lightweight, long lasting (battery lasts 10 hours!) and adequately performing. This thing handles way more browser tabs than I'd ever use.
3. Boot time. There's barely any difference between booting and resuming from suspend with Chromebooks as the boot up is so fast!
4. Low/no maintenance. The only maintenance you'll ever do is restarting the Chromebook occasionally when Google pops up the little 'Update Avalable' arrow icon in the status bar.

Thoughts? I'd love to hear from other Chromebook users.