Since, I have tried to do all this on an ARM based Chromebook and concluded that maybe it can be done, but just don’t. This was written for Intel/AMD based Chromebooks. I will try to help you both by giving you the steps you need to do and explain what is going on in these steps to help demystify the process. Once these steps are completed, the use of RStudio on a Chromebook is as easy as using any other app on your Chromebook (mostly). So here’s a step by step guide to help you set up and run Linux on your Chromebook, and install R and RStudio. And to install R and RStudio, you will have to use Linux and it can be super intimidating at first. (Yes, Chromebooks have the ability of running an entire Linux install in the background with all the facilities Linux has to offer.) Of course, I have over 20 years of Linux experience.

I love the Chromebook simplicity but I also like the flexibility that an on demand Debian Linux installation offers.

The Pandemic unfortunately drove me back to the classic platforms for specialized tasks that are related to the new realities of teaching but I still prefer a Chromebook as my daily driver. Chromebooks have been my preferred platform for years. Recently someone (a seasoned instructor of R) asked me if I have tips for his student on installing R and RStudio for a Chromebooks. It is now my daily driver.) But are Chromebooks good for quant-minded people like myself? TL DL they are! Read to get the details. Try getting all this in a Windows machine for $350. It has a new i3 chip, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, a good screen with touch and USI pen compatibility, it’s light with a flip design, good keys with backlighting and am awesome looking red chassis. (I am typing this on an incredibly premium feeling 2nd generation Samsung Galaxy Chromebook that was recently on sale for $350 in the US. You get a lot of value for money with a Chromebook. Chromebooks are great computers for students.

Updating r in rstudio