Recommend me a current Chromebook (for Crouton/Linux)

First off, I have had a Chromebook for a while, so I know all about the inherent limitations. Mine is some years old now, however, and having a Rockchip processor, it cannot run Linux through Crouton (it did initially work, but then Crouton updated and it stopped). I really want to have a fully functioning Linux option, which means I need a newer, Intel-powered, Chromebook. I'd like something bigger than my current 11" model. I'm considering this one, which seems pretty well-spec'd, and is $100 off until tomorrow.

Sadly, it's difficult to sort through the myriad models and subspecifications of everything that's out there, so I'm not at all confident in my selection. Recommendations of other similar models (with 14 or 15.6 screens) that will work with Crouton (so must have an Intel chip) would be appreciated.

In reply to 02Pilot :

Can't help you with a new one but I might be interested in your old one if you want to sell it. 

In reply to Stampie :

I'd be happy to sell it on once I have the new one. FYI, the old one is an ASUS C201PA. I'm sure we can come to a mutually agreeable price if you decide you want it.

Well, I decided to pull the trigger on the Acer in the first post, as the sale was expiring tonight. Fingers crossed it does what I want it to. I will update one way or another in case the info is relevant to anyone down the line.

I realize you already bought, but the Lenovo C630 is what we've been getting at my office. They are about $600. We like them more than the more expensive pixelbooks.

02Pilot said:

Well, I decided to pull the trigger on the Acer in the first post, as the sale was expiring tonight. Fingers crossed it does what I want it to. I will update one way or another in case the info is relevant to anyone down the line.

I have the 14" Acer from a few years ago and it's happily ticking along. I bought a cheap refurb Asus Win10 laptop and wiped it for my Linux (Mint) machine. I'm just using the built-in "run linux apps" on the chromebook and some of the google apps through the Chromium on the Linux machine instead of LibreOffice. It works out for me. 

This is one I'm considering. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L25B814/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Also Acer, but more expensive and no touch screen... But it's got a back-lit keyboard and apparently a pretty decent touchpad and screen. 

How do you like the one you got so far?

In reply to AWSX1686 :

OK, I can finally update this. FedEx screwed up my delivery a bit, so I only got the machine this morning. So far all is well. Nice metal construction, everything running as expected. I especially like the fact that this machine has a proper number pad and a Delete key.

I decided to run Linux via Crostini, at least for starters. While there are some known issues, for my usage these may not be a factor. It's a fairly seamless integration, so for example I'm typing this in the Linux (desktop) version of Firefox, rather than the mobile app (which I also installed, but find somewhat limited when I have a full keyboard to work with). I was also able to install the full LibreOffice suite, which adds a lot of functionality, especially offline. I may mess around with Crouton or trying a full Ubuntu install via Crostini later on, but for now I'm good to go.

And I'm looking forward to my new to me Chromebook. I've been thinking about one but hesitant about pulling the trigger. This will let me play with one cheaply to see if I like it. Thanks 02Pilot.

In reply to 02Pilot :

No backlit keyboard though right?

In reply to AWSX1686 :

Good question. According to the sticker on the machine, it does indeed have a backlit keyboard. Alt+brightness up/down pops up a slider on the screen. But as far as I can see the keyboard is not lit. Documentation on this is fairly limited. Maybe it's keyed to ambient light? Not sure. Will update if I discover anything. For reference, it's an Acer CB715-1WT-39HZ.

EDIT: According to this, this particular variant does not have the backlit keyboard for whatever reason. Not a major issue for me, but it does seem very odd. Makes me wonder if they just left the bulb out to decontent the Walmart version. I'm going to try to resist the urge to open it up and find out.

In reply to 02Pilot :

Ok, thanks!