I have an 11" Chromebook (Intel CPU) with the Linux extension enabled (you get a Debian VM), I can run any Linux program on it, even programs that require graphics. It is perfect for travel (battery is good for about 8 - 10 hours, depending on usage). If you decide to go on this route, make sure that you buy a supported machine (as in it will receive updates for at least a few years from now).
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I also have a windows VM on my laptop. That doesn't make my laptop a windows machine. A from-the-bios-up linux install is a fundamentally different security scheme than having the ability to run linux software in a VM.
In this case I'd argue the Chromebook is much more secure from the firmware up
That would depend on how much you trust google. I don't trust any vendor enough to lock myself into particular OS. I prefer the ability to ditch one flavor of linux for another on a moment's notice.
If ultimate control of the machine was the top consideration then I agree.
On the other hand, if the goal is to have a small, light, portable, good-on-battery laptop that can run Linux console apps (with the ability to powerwash to firmware if the user suspects malware) then maybe a chromebook would be better
It's much more owned by someone other than you, and so neither you nor I can say much of anything about it's security.
You can’t do as much as you suggest because you’re inside Crouton and sharing 4GB of ram with Chrome.
I also run this config as a daily. The Debian container experience is seriously lacking compared to native.