Getting a Cheap Linux-Ready Computer 💻

You don't need to spend $1,000 on a new laptop. Here's how to find something that works for under $80.

The secret: used Intel Chromebooks

Chromebooks are cheap, durable education computers that most people think are locked into Google's ecosystem. They're not. With a free tool called MrChromebox, you can replace the entire operating system and install real Linux — turning a $40 school surplus laptop into a fully capable sovereignty machine.

The catch: it must be an Intel or AMD Chromebook. Chromebooks with ARM chips (made by MediaTek, Qualcomm, or Rockchip) won't work with this method. Always verify the CPU before buying.

Recommended models

Model RAM Typical used price Notes
HP Chromebook 14 G6 4–8 GB $50–80 Best all-around pick — seek the 8 GB config
Acer Chromebook 314 (CB314-1H) 4–8 GB $50–80 Easy to flash, well documented. Avoid the CB314-2H — that's ARM.
Dell Chromebook 3100 4 GB $35–65 Cheapest entry point. Very common in school surplus bulk lots.
Lenovo 300e Gen 2 (Intel variant) 4 GB $40–70 Rugged 2-in-1. Common in school surplus. Must verify Intel — same model ships with ARM chips too.
HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE 4–8 GB $40–75 Durable education build. Seek the 8 GB/64 GB config.

Where to buy

What you'll need to do after you buy it

  1. Disable hardware write protection — requires a physical step (removing a screw or disconnecting the battery). Instructions are specific to each model at docs.mrchromebox.tech.
  2. Flash the MrChromebox UEFI firmware — replaces Google's bootloader with a standard PC one
  3. Install Linux — Ubuntu, Debian, or Linux Mint all work well
  4. Install NanoClaw — your agent handles the rest

Don't worry — we walk through all of this at the sovereignty workshop. You don't need to figure it out alone.

Audio note: Sound sometimes needs a fix after installing Linux on a Chromebook. The chrultrabook community maintains audio fix scripts — your agent can find and run these automatically once it's set up.

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