If your old laptop is slowing down or collecting dust, Google may have a surprisingly affordable solution. The company has partnered with Back Market, a platform known for refurbished electronics, to launch the ChromeOS Flex USB Kit.
For just $3, you’ll get a USB drive with ChromeOS Flex – Google’s free, lightweight operating system – plus simplified instructions and video tutorials to walk you through the entire process.
Since Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 last October, millions of people have been left with a choice: spend hundreds on a new device or continue running an increasingly vulnerable computer. This $3 kit is Google’s answer to that problem.
What does ChromeOS Flex actually do and why is it worth a try?
ChromeOS Flex is a stripped-down version of the operating system that runs on Chromebooks and is specifically designed to breathe life into older hardware. It works on a number of PCs and even some Macs, running smoothly on computers that would otherwise have problems.
Installation is also pretty easy. You turn off your laptop, connect the USB stick, start the computer and install the operating system from the drive. The kit includes all the instructions you need, and since ChromeOS Flex itself is free, the $3 only covers the physical drive and instructions.
An initiative with sustainability in mind
Manufacturing a new laptop has a significant carbon footprint, and Google points out that ChromeOS also uses around 19% less energy on average than comparable systems.
The USB drive itself is reusable and is subject to a waste credit program through a partner called Closing the Loop, which collects and recycles an equivalent amount of e-waste per drive sold.
This is currently a pilot program with a limited number of kits available. Google says it produces more when demand is strong.
You can also download ChromeOS Flex for free and create your own USB drive, but the kit simplifies the process for regular users. Before ordering the USB kit, you should check whether your device is included in the list of compatible models.
