OCTOBER 2020 PCWorld 91scenario is to find your
laptop on Neverware’s
list of certified devices
(go.pcworld.com/crde),
which clearly outlines
support for features like a
webcam or touchscreen.
(Click on the model’s
name to see those
details.) We lucked out
that our test model, a
2013 Lenovo ThinkPad
X240, had full feature
support across the board.
Note: On the
compatibility list, you’ll
see desktop systems like
iMacs and NUCs listed as
well—so if you have a
spare monitor, mouse,
and keyboard, you can
instead spin up a Chromebox. Systems
running integrated graphics work best.
If your laptop meets the hardware
requirements but isn’t on the certified devices
list, don’t worry. You can try out CloudReady
from the flash drive you’ll create next, which
will allow you to test out how well it works
without having to nuke your system.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: Before you begin
installing CloudReady, back up any files within
your existing OS! The process is the same as a
clean install of Windows, Linux, or macOS
and will completely wipe your drive.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE FLASH
DRIVE FOR INSTALLATION
To install CloudReady, you’ll need an 8GB
USB drive (at minimum) and a PC, Mac, or
Chromebook to create the installation media.
The process takes about 20 minutes.
We’ll be using CloudReady Home edition
(go.pcworld.comchme), which is free and will
work even if you plan to use this Chromebook
for school. You can ignore any notes or
warnings about restrictions related to
management licenses—they’re for the
CloudReady Enterprise and EducationWe lucked out with our test machine, a Lenovo ThinkPad X240: All of its
major features are supported.