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The Chrome Cast 238 was a September 9, 2023, episode about Google’s upcoming October hardware event and an experiment running the Lacros browser on ChromeOS Flex. Its account suggests Lacros worked in one setup, but it does not establish that Google officially supports Lacros on Flex today.
What the episode covered
Chrome Unboxed published The Chrome Cast 238 on September 9, 2023. Its first segment looked ahead to Google’s October 4 hardware event, after Google had already revealed information about the new Pixel phones and Pixel Watch 2. The second segment discussed the publisher’s experiment running the decoupled Lacros Chrome browser on a Windows laptop with ChromeOS Flex, followed by a discussion of e-waste from education-focused Chromebooks.
This is a historical episode, not a current roundup of Google hardware. For a later point of comparison, Google’s October 1, 2024 announcement named the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, with a 15.6-inch OLED display and a starting price of $699. That announcement came more than a year after the episode; the quoted price is not a current-price claim. Google’s 2024 Chromebook announcement
Does Lacros work on ChromeOS Flex?
The episode summary says the Lacros experiment “worked” on the publisher’s Windows laptop running ChromeOS Flex. That supports only a narrow conclusion: Chrome Unboxed reported a successful experiment in that particular setup in 2023. The summary does not provide a repeatable installation procedure or establish present-day availability, and it is not an official Google support statement.
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- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
Google’s Flex documentation does not establish Lacros support. Treat the episode as an anecdote, not a compatibility guarantee. If Lacros is essential to your setup, do not assume it is supported on Flex based on this episode alone.
Check whether your computer is suitable for ChromeOS Flex
Google says Flex can run on many Intel- and AMD-based computers, but not on ARM architecture. Google guarantees support only for models on its maintained certified list; other computers may work, but their operation is not guaranteed. Check the certified models list for the exact make and model, its status, and its certification end-of-support year. The list is updated, so check it close to the time you plan to install or buy.
Rank #2
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Certification does not mean every feature works identically across devices. Google notes that support can vary by model, including for fingerprint readers, active pens, Thunderbolt functionality, and other hardware features. Before switching, compare the features you rely on with Google’s ChromeOS Flex differences and limitations.
Try Flex before replacing your operating system
Google provides instructions for using USB media to try ChromeOS Flex without erasing the existing operating system, as well as to install it. A USB flash drive is therefore useful for testing a computer before committing to an installation; Google’s instructions do not establish a required brand, speed, or capacity. Follow the current ChromeOS Flex USB installation instructions, and confirm the computer’s model eligibility separately.
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Rank #3
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Flex is not identical to standard ChromeOS
ChromeOS Flex can be a way to repurpose supported hardware, but it does not provide every capability of a standard ChromeOS device. Google’s comparison notes differences involving Android app support, device trust and attestation, and verified boot.
Those distinctions matter particularly in managed or security-sensitive environments. Google says Flex devices lack the Google security chip and verified boot capability found on standard ChromeOS devices. That can affect services that require verified access or verified mode. Check the requirements of your organization’s apps and management policies before deploying Flex.
Rank #4
- Experience smooth multitasking and speedy performance with the IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, perfect for work or play on the go. The fast, secure operating system built by Google comes with AI tools to make hard work feel easy. Write like a pro, design unique backgrounds, and reimagine photos with generative AI.
- Intel Celeron N4500 Processor (2 cores 2 threads, base clock speed 1.1GHz, max turbo to 2.8GHz, 4MB Cache); 4GB LPDDR4x-2933 (onboard) RAM, 128GB Storage (64GB eMMc + 64GB SD Card); With the Google One AI Premium Plan, you get Gemini Advanced for 3 months at no cost, 2TB of cloud storage, and Gemini in Gmail, Docs, and more - all on us when you purchase a Chromebook.
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) NON-touch TN 220nits Anti-glare display; HD 720p Webcam with Privacy Shutter; Integrated Intel UHD Graphics, expandable to external 3 digital monitors via HDMI and USB-C, External monitor resolution: FHD (1920x1080) @60Hz.
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, microSD card reader, Headphone / microphone combo jack, Kensington Nano Security Slot; Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2; Super long battery life, up to 10 hours.
- Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date: Jun 2030. Chrome OS, popular apps for streaming, gaming, creating, and staying organized are all available on Google Play. Easily access Microsoft 365, Minecraft, Adobe Express, and more. Chromebook is secure, fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple. Ideal for Online course, Online school, k12 & k9 & College students, Zoom meeting, or Video streaming.
What Google said about ChromeOS after the episode
On June 12, 2024, Google said it would incorporate portions of the Android stack—including the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks—into ChromeOS to help deliver AI features and simplify engineering. Google also said consumer-facing changes would take time, while regular ChromeOS updates and innovations would continue in the meantime. This platform direction statement does not announce a Lacros-on-Flex plan or commit Google to supporting Lacros on Flex. Google’s ChromeOS platform statement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing between Flex and a Chromebook
If you are deciding whether to reuse an existing computer or buy a Chromebook, compare the factors that affect your actual use rather than relying on the 2023 Lacros experiment:
Best Value
- PORTABLE DESIGN - HP Chromebook 14 is a versatile laptop designed for daily basic tasks, education, and entertainment. With a long-lasting battery life of up to 14 hours and a lightweight design at just 3.35 pounds, it’s perfect for on-the-go productivity and fun. A great choice for users seeking a reliable, portable device for work, studies, and leisure
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - Powered by an Intel Celeron N4120 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 600, the HP Chromebook delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. With 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB storage, it offers efficient multitasking and ample space for your files, apps, and media
- EXCELLENT VISUAL- Features a 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display with Micro-edge technology. Expand your workspace by connecting to 2 external monitors via HDMI and USB-C, supporting resolutions up to 4K (3840x2160) @30Hz. HP True Vision 720p HD camera ensures crisp video calls with enhanced clarity
- RICH CONNECTIVITY - Featuring versatile connectivity options, including a USB 3.1 Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, and an HDMI 1.4 port. Enjoy enhanced connectivity with the bundled IST Computers 7-in-1 Hub, featuring HDMI (4K@30Hz), USB-C 2.0, two USB 2.0 ports, Type-C Power Delivery, and an SD/TF card reader; Also includes a headphone/microphone combo jack. With Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast wireless connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals
- CHROME OS - Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps, built-in cloud backups and Google Assitant. It is secure, fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple. Ideas for Online courses, Online school, k12 & k9 & College students, Zoom meeting, or Video streaming
- Model and support horizon: Check the exact device on Google’s certified list and note its end-of-support year.
- Architecture: Flex does not support ARM computers; Google describes compatibility for many Intel- and AMD-based models.
- Hardware features: Confirm support for the peripherals and capabilities you need, especially features Google identifies as potentially limited.
- Security and management: Determine whether your work or school requires verified boot, a Google security chip, or capabilities tied to standard ChromeOS.
- Purpose: Flex is an option for repurposing a compatible computer. If you need standard ChromeOS capabilities or predictable support for a particular configuration, evaluate a Chromebook against those requirements.
Google reported over 600 certified ChromeOS Flex devices in its 2025 Chrome Enterprise posts; that is Google’s own company-reported figure, not an independent count. Its posts also described enterprise features such as automatic enrollment and manufacturer firmware updates, and later remote deployment for most managed Windows devices. These statements concern Google’s enterprise offerings, not Lacros compatibility. Google Chrome Enterprise
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