When comparing ChromeOS Flex vs SparkyLinux, the Slant community recommends SparkyLinux for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for an old machine?” SparkyLinux is ranked 14th while ChromeOS Flex is ranked 39th. The most important reason people chose SparkyLinux is:
You have access to a large user repository, Ubuntu guides can mostly be applied since both are based on Debian.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Lightweight and fast
This is basically just Chrome OS which already runs on Cheap chrome books. It works well for web browsing and file storage on low end computers.
Pro You can try it via bootable USB
Pro Based on Debian
You have access to a large user repository, Ubuntu guides can mostly be applied since both are based on Debian.
Pro Rolling or Stable Choice
You have the option for Sparky to be based on Stable or Non-Stable, bringing greater flexibility to user priorities.
Pro Lightweight core
Sparky is designed to be lightweight in it's core. It is based on Debian but optimised for old hardware, meaning you can run a full heavy desktop environment on a lightweight foundation, bringing greater performance compared to similar Debian or Ubuntu-based distros.
Pro All vanilla desktop environments available
Any Linux desktop in it's vanilla form can be installed on top of Sparky, whether that be alongside a pre-existing environment, or on top of a basic command line system. Furthermore, the command line system is easy to operate due to Sparky's advanced installer utility, from which you can choose whichever desktop environment you desire, straight from the Debian repositories. Guidance is on their website.
Pro Rolling Release
Cons
Con Limited hardware support
There is a list online of about 100 or so computers that officially support Cloud Ready, but it can also work on a laptop not on that list, results may vary.
Con Only really meant for web browsing
To use the software, you need to have a Google account and log in. Because it's meant for web browsing and researching, you won't find software like Steam, Office, Adobe Photoshop, Aftereffects, etc; or even a 3rd party browser other than Google Chrome.
Although there are plenty of alternative web browser online, and in the Chrome Web Store, which is still supported by Chrome OS.
