> If you're just going to install a Linux distro doesn't that defeat the point?
It doesn't defeat the point for the buyer, since its often the most cost-effective way to get basic hardware for a linux laptop.
It doesn't defeat the point for the hardware vendor.
Heck, it doesn't really even defeat the point for Google. Sure, it may not be as good for them as you using ChromeOS, but its better for them than you either using Windows or MacOS (or paying for Windows or MacOS to get a Linux box.)
The intended method of use is Chrome OS, there will be geeks who buy it as a cheap Linux laptop but that's not really the target market or how they are mostly used.
It doesn't defeat the point for the buyer, since its often the most cost-effective way to get basic hardware for a linux laptop.
It doesn't defeat the point for the hardware vendor.
Heck, it doesn't really even defeat the point for Google. Sure, it may not be as good for them as you using ChromeOS, but its better for them than you either using Windows or MacOS (or paying for Windows or MacOS to get a Linux box.)