How do you shut down Chrome OS?

Chrome OS: Would a Chromebook or Chromebox be a good computer for my grandfather?

• My one grandfather is 83 years old. Around 2007, I encouraged him to get a computer and I steered him toward a 13" white MacBook at the time. I think he wanted a laptop, over a desktop, more for the aesthetic reasons and lack of cables than for practical usage reasons, as it hasn't really left his desk since he has gotten it. His use case for a computer is exclusively Internet-based: mainly overseeing finances online and researching solutions to problems he might face (e.g. finding a part for an appliance, or doing product comparison, etc.). He uses it for little else, but it keeps him actively engaged from day-to-day. In 2007, I thought Mac OS X made the most sense for someone who had never touched a computer before and had this use case, but if Chrome OS existed then, I think I would have recommended that. My only real concern with the Chromebook is the screen size and I'm not sure how adjustable the resolution is on it. His eyesight is okay, but small text and controls might be difficult to read and interact with. With a Chromebox, I thought it might make sense to connect it to their 46" (if I recall correctly) television and use it with a wireless keyboard/trackpad combo, but I'm concerned about readability from a distance of 10 or 12 feet. It seems like the Chrome OS devices will simply maximally scale the resolution to fit the screen, which in this case isn't the most desirable, as it would be ideal to underutilize the screen size in order to increase readability. Using a Chromebox as a desktop solution might work, except for the lack of aesthetics given the potential mess of cables. Also, it's unfortunate that the Chromebox keyboard accessory seems non-existent, as the native keyboard mappings would be nice, especially for more intuitive interaction than what a standard keyboard would provide for it. So, to those who have interacted with the new Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and/or have a solid knowledge of Chrome OS, would you recommend a Chrome device as a replacement for my grandfather's aging MacBook? I know it's a rather young, and perhaps unrefined/experimental product, but I think it could be an ideal solution for this use case, given how limited its scope is, and in other words, given all of the things it _doesn't_ try to do.

• Answer:

  I have recently purchased a Chromebook, I have used it for over a month now and have been astonished at its natural ability to be so easy to use. In your case, We have major factor to combat before even thinking towards purchasing a Chromebook. 1. His Cloud-Based Background This meaning, Does your Grandfather use Googles Services such as GMail, Calender etc. And does he heavily browse the web above Applications he already uses such as iPhoto on the Mac OS X. If he isn't very heavily reliant on the Cloud, I wouldn't recommend the Chromebook until he is at a stage at where he can not worry to much for Local Storage on a device such as the Macbook Air. In my opinion I think the Chromebook is the best purchase I have ever made as it is Fast, Light and really easy to use and would be perfect for the elderly generation as it is the future of Computing. However I would study your Grandfather's use of his current laptop and see if he spends more than 80% of time on the web and then you could consider purchasing one. Anymore help please ask.