Linux apps on Chrome OS debuted on the Google Pixelbook at Google I / O this year. Since then, support has quietly come to more Chromebooks, new and old. Here is a list of all Chromebooks that support the feature.
Linux apps on Chrome OS
This is a new feature that allows users to start Linux apps from Chrome OS without hacks or the dreaded Developer Mode. What it doesn’t give you (yet?) Is a full desktop environment like Unity or XFCE.
Linux apps on Chrome OS are still a long way from being a complete product. Google calls it Project Crostini, and they’re still developing it seriously.
Running Linux apps on Chrome extends the Chrome OS toolset to support running Firefox, VSCode, Crossover, Android Studio, and more. Google originally marketed to developers for the initial launch, but the DIY community of / r / Crostini have pushed the boundaries with different apps.
At the bottom of this page, we also have a list of Chromebooks that habit receive support for the Linux application.
Confirmed Chromebooks with Linux Application Support
Google Pixelbook
The cream of the crop was the launch pad for Linux applications. If you want the best Linux experience, start saving. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM, but prices start at $ 1,000 retail. The processor is fanless, which means it can slow down under extreme workloads.
Samsung Chromebook Plus (1st generation)
The Samsung Chromebook Plus is a 2-in-1 with a 2400 Ã 1600 3: 2 display and a Wacom EMR stylus input. It has a fanless hexa-core ARM processor and comes with a maximum of 4GB of RAM. It’s not a workaholic, but if you want a Chromebook to use the occasional Linux app, this is your cheapest option. If you have a specific workflow, verify that all the apps you need are compatible with ARM. The Plus received Linux application support on June 4. Note that this is not the new version that Samsung announced earlier this week.
HP Chromebook X2
The very first 2-in-1 Chrome OS device, the HP Chromebook X2 packs a usable punch with a fanless Intel Core M3 7Y30 processor and 4GB of RAM. The display panel is the same as that of the Samsung Plus and also supports Wacom EMR pen input. An 8GB device was announced at launch but has yet to be spotted in the wild. Support arrived this week.
Asus Chromebook Flip C101
The Asus Chromebook Flip C101 is the successor to the hugely popular C100, inheriting the same 10-inch form factor but with an upgraded 6-core processor, brighter display, and USB-C charging ports. The device shares the same plinth as the Samsung Chromebook Plus, so it’s no surprise that it supports Linux apps.
Chromebox generation 2018
Support for Linux applications on the latest generation of Chromebox (code name Fizz) arrived in may, therefore, they are a viable product for those looking for a standard workstation. You can get slightly different variations on the Chromebox 2018 from Acer, Asus, Viewsonic, and HP, ranging from low end to high end. A Redditor on / r / Crostini confirmed that support is available on his HP Chromebox G2.
Acer Chromebook Tab 10
The very first standalone Chrome OS tablet, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10, supports Linux applications according to Liliputant.
Upcoming devices with support, not yet verified by XDA
All Apollo Lake Generation Chromebooks
OEM | Model | Code name | Baseboard |
---|---|---|---|
Lenovo | Lenovo Thinkpad 11e Chromebook / Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e Chromebook | Pyro | reef |
Lenovo | Lenovo 500e Chromebook | Robo360 | coral |
Lenovo | Lenovo 100e Chromebook | Robot | coral |
Acer | Acer Chromebook Spin 11 R751T | Electro | reef |
Acer | Chromebook 15 CB515-1HT / 1H | Sand | reef |
Acer | Acer Chromebook 11 (C732, C732T, C732L and C732LT) | Astronaut | coral |
Acer | Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311-8H and CB311-8HT) | Santa Claus | coral |
Acer | Acer Chromebook Spin 11 (CP311-1H and CP311-1HN) | Wash | coral |
Asus | ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA | Reef | reef |
Dell | Dell Chromebook 11 5190 | Nasher | coral |
Dell | Dell Chromebook 11 2-in-1 5190 | Nasher360 | coral |
They are average rangers, but don’t let that get in the way of a GIMP session. During a big start, the developers of Chrome OS enabled support for the entire generation of Apollo Lake Chromebooks under the Coral and Reef baseboards. If your Chromebook isn’t in the table above but has the ubiquitous N3350 or N3450 processors, you have Linux app support. We are awaiting confirmation in the wild before moving this to the confirmed list.
Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and Chromebook 13
The upcoming Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and Chromebook 13 are high-end, professional-grade devices that rival the Pixelbook. Configurations run up to 16GB of RAM and Intel Core i5-8250U. Along with a host of other corporate devices from other OEMs, we expect the Acer 13 to launch with Linux apps out of the box. Since they house more powerful ventilated processors than the Pixelbook, we recommend that you wait for these models if your workflow is particularly intensive.
Others are in preparation
Many other devices are expected to support Linux apps. The underlying technology requires a new Linux kernel, so newer Chromebooks will have it by default.
Older devices will have some kernel modules backported so that they can support Linux applications. There are bugs open in the Chromium bug tracker for backport to 3.18 devices, including ARM devices. We can expect that devices dating back to 3.14 will eventually get Linux apps, as the 2015 Google Chromebook Pixel is targeted for support.
Devices that will never be supported
Unfortunately, some devices do not do the trick. Bay Trail devices (a particular generation of Intel processors) do not have the required hardware. Devices with kernel versions prior to 3.10 will also not receive support, here is a non-exhaustive list from the horse’s mouth. If you are still unsure, head to the official documents for material requirements.
Code name | Model |
---|---|
banjo | Acer Chromebook 15 (2015) |
Candy | Dell Chromebook 11 (2015) |
beating | Lenovo N20 Chromebook |
glow | Lenovo Thinkpad 11e Chromebook (2014) |
rodent | Acer C730, C730E, C735 |
kip | HP Chromebook 11 G3, G4 |
ninja | Aopen Chromebox Commercial |
orco | Lenovo 100S |
whines | Asus Chromebook C300 |
whines | Asus Chromebook C200 |
sumo | Aopen Chromebase Commercial |
chic | Toshiba Chromebook 2 |
wink | Samsung Chromebook 2 11 |
butterfly | HP Pavilion Chromebook 14 |
lumpy | Samsung Chromebook 5 Series |
parrot | Acer C7 Chromebook |
stout | Samsung Chromebox Series 3 |
x86-alex | Samsung Chromebook 5 Series |
x86-alex_he | Acer AC700 |
x86-mario | Google CR-48 |