Would have been nice to include basic specs like processor, ram, sad. ::)

Chrome OS is on Debian Buster since version 80

Chromebooks "came of age" for me with the Dell Inspiron 14 Chromebook. It seems to do everything this one does.

It's a super fast 2-in-1, it has unbelievable all-metal build quality, it has a fabulous and bright 1080p touch screen at 320 nits, it has a great keyboard and touchpad, it has an i3 with 4GB ram and 128 SSD, it has flawless Android and Linux integration as well, USB-C, it's expandable by SD... and I only paid around $400 for this thing.

Are Chromebooks just getting more expensive for the hell of it?

This is a great chromebook, and one of its selling points for me has been the very affordable price! I purchased my Acer Chromebook 715 (i3 model) for $320 from Walmart.com (in Dec 2019).

I just checked and they only have the Intel Celeron model and Pentium models in the $300's (which I would pass on). I couldn't see the i3 model (which is substantially faster then the Pentium which in turn is faster than the Celeron, note never buy a Celeron!).

However Amazon has the i3 model new for $400 and renewed for $300 (I'd get the renewed at that price, plus renewed items on Amazon have a 90 day no questions asked return polo).

I wouldn't even consider this chromebook over $400. Though, in my opinion, this is the best 15.6" chromebook (i3 model that is) for the price (<$400)!!!