37C3 - Turning Chromebooks into regular laptops

Transforming Chromebooks into powerful and flexible laptops through custom firmware, Linux, and overclocking. Unlock new features, bypass kernel limitations, and explore the community-driven movement modifying Chromebooks.

Key takeaways
  • Chromebooks can be transformed into regular laptops using custom firmware.
  • Hackers can override the Chrome OS kernel to run Linux on Chromebooks, but this requires expertise.
  • Google upstreams code for Chrome OS, but it doesn’t always work perfectly due to differences in API and lack of patches.
  • The community is working on modifying Chromebooks, including using core-boot, which is an open-source firmware.
  • Core-boot is used to bypass the Chrome OS kernel and run Linux natively.
  • Chromebooks can be made more powerful and flexible by overclocking the CPU and disabling management engine.
  • Some Chromebooks have soldered RAM, while others have socketed RAM and M2 slots.
  • New features like USB-C, HDMI, and touchscreen can be enabled through firmware modifications.
  • Chromebooks can be purchased cheaply on the second-hand market and are often durable and fast.
  • The Chrome OS audio server can be replaced with a custom implementation.
  • Some Chromebooks have broken screens and can be purchased for a few euros.
  • There is a community of hackers working on modifying Chromebooks and creating custom firmware.
  • Some Chromebooks have open firmware, while others have blobs, which are closed-source code.
  • Chromebooks can be hacked to run Android applications and have a more traditional laptop experience.
  • The community is working on creating a more open and flexible Chromebook platform.
  • Chromebooks can be made more powerful by using a CPI table and overclocking the CPU.
  • Some Chromebooks have a management engine that prevents users from modifying the hardware.
  • Core-boot is an open-source firmware that can be used to bypass the Chrome OS kernel.
  • Chromebooks can be purchased at a low cost and are often durable and fast.
  • The community is working on fixing issues with Chromebooks and creating custom firmware.
  • Some Chromebooks have a management engine that prevents users from modifying the hardware.
  • Chromebooks can be used as a platform for developing custom software and hardware.