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Sandeep,

So in your opinion is there any difference using log me in, windows remote desktop or chrome remote desktop using either a regular laptop/desktop from home versus using a chromebook with any of these connections?

From my research, I cannot find a difference but if you care to comment I would appreciate it.

Microsoft RDP leverages a few benefits over Chrome RDP. Microsoft's RDP protocol is better integrated with Windows as such it can work better with lower bandwith. Unlike most remote access protocols, it can pass information regarding specific windows and whether or not they've been updated which results in reduced bandwith. LogMeIn/VNC etc simply pass the full screen. Microsoft's RDP can also adapt to your resolution, sound, and access your local printers. Printing is a big one where Chrome RDP still needs some work.

In summary, for the mobile user, either one will suffice. Chrome RDP/LogMeIn/TeamViewer/etc. will do the trick on the go. However, if you are looking to replicate your workstation (e.g. printers, monitors, etc.) at home or some other fixed location (e.g. a second office or multiple offices). Microsoft's RDP is the better choice.

Sandeep and Indy,

Thank you both for all the fantastic information!!!!

You're welcome

One other thought that is running around my brain is to get a couple of cheap flat screen TV's with HDMI ports for each exam room, get a couple of Chromecasts and then as I am remoted in to my AC with the patient, they can watch on the TV screen which will mirror my opened chart in exam room. I think this can be done fairly inexpensively. But would there be any security issues using a Chromecast in this fashion?

Go for it jimmie!

Just make sure the other exam rooms aren't getting your show.

Dan,

I have not purchased a Chromecast yet, so your point is well taken!!!

I hope to be able to mirror one TV at a time, if not I will just have one exam room with the TV.

To me the best plan would be having to bring only one chromecast with you from room to room, but I don't know how long or difficult it is to start up when you come into a new room. That may be easier than switching connections on the chromebook with a different chromecast in every room.

The problem is in occasionally forgetting, whether it is forgetting to remove the device or forgetting to switch connections to a different chromecast on moving to a new exam room.

Dan,

I like your idea better than mine

I think I will head to Staples and get one and try it out a bit, and give some f/u later.

Jim,
I got a Chromecast last week, so have only played with it a little.
Your Chromecast device will have a number when you set it up. When you ask the computer to cast to a TV, you pick the correct device. So, I think if you had multiple Chromecasts, it would not be a problem. It would be a bit of a pain to move the Chromecast, it needs to be placed into the HDMI port and connected to a power source, either USB or a regular outlet. The Chromecast uses your wireless network to receive the input from your computer.

Donna,

Thanks for the input. Just got my 13 year old Chromecast/Chromebook genius to help. So I just started experimenting, but can remote into office and AC shows up nicely with the Chromecast device plugged into big screen TV at home.

I agree, if I do end up getting flat screen TV's in both exam rooms, switching out one chromecast between 2 TV's would be too time consuming.

I would be able to sign on, I think, and pick one or the other chromecasted TV's, with the icons up in the right tab area. However, I am not 100% sure about this. But this would require keeping the chromecast (2), one in each TV and choose the correct icon to mirror AC in the exam room.

There are some Chromebooks that do not work with Chromecast, but my 14 inch HP pavillion Chromebook works.

Now it is time to stream in "Lilyhammer" on Netflix to see which poor Norski Frank "the fixer" will corrupt tonight.

Donna,

I forgot to mention the Nerd Herd geek at Staples told me that unlike the Apple TV the Chromecast streams directly from the cloud and your mobile device acts as a trigger, whereas Apple TV runs the content on your mobile device and will drain the power more quickly.

I tried casting Netflix from my HP Pavillion 14 inch Chromebook to my big screen TV last evening. It is easier to get Netflix up and running compared to streaming in with the Xbox or Wii. However the picture is choppy, not ready for prime time in my opinion.

I have been asking my patients this week about implementing a big TV to mirror chart viewable in exam room. I think most would rather prefer the old fashioned approach. At this point I am scrapping the idea but I doubt the current Chromebook/Chromecast combination would work as well as just plugging an HDMI cable into TV/Chromebook and mirroring by pushing control and F4 button.

It sounds like one can use apple devices to cast with Chromecast now. http://www.macrumors.com/2014/01/15/google-play-movies-ios/

Jimmie,
There are two ways to view Netflix through your Chromebook. In one, you open a tab on the laptop, you to Netflix, and stream. The second is to use the Netfix app on the Chromebook. The second way gives a better, less choppy picture. Which way were you doing it?

Jon,

I went to the app store on my Chromebook and "downloaded" the Netflix onto Chromebook. So I then clicked on app icon and then clicked on Netflix. Signed in to Neflix, then clicked on the Google cast tab in the upper right hand corner of screen. It seemed doing it this way the screen on the TV was a bit fuzzy, not crisp and would be a bit choppy, but doable. Later I just streamed Netflix onto my screen of the Chromebook, and it was crisper and not choppy, better quality.

I casted You tube onto big screen TV from the same Chromebook the other day and it was just fine.

While visiting the in laws 70 miles away realized there is no 3G with the 14 inch HP Pavillion Chromebook, so if you are on the go a lot there are other Chromebooks with 3G capability. Otherwise, I suppose you could tether to a smartphone to create a wi-fi hotspot, if you want internet capability. Without the internet, the Chromebook is about as useful as a capon around a henhouse.

Jim,
You must have gotten the HP 14 inch with wi fi only.
For only $50 more, you can get the HP 14 inch 3G version which includes 2 years of T mobile service, although the data cap is 200 mb/month

Donna,

You are right, the 14 inch Pavillion HP I got does not have the 3G. I have had it for about a month, and this is the first time I realized not having 3G could be an issue. So for me who travels very little, it is not an issue.

For only 50 dollars more, I may consider it though when I get another one.

The 14 inch screen, solid state drive with quick upstart/downstop, and great remote desktop function are the big selling points for me. It works great at office and surfing the net at home, and watching Netflix up at grandma and grandpas.

I am a bit excited to see what Lenovo churns out in the next 6 months and may be the time to upgrade to the 3G model.

I am trying to understand the cloud managed concept in conjunction with a Chromebook better, so if my office lost internet capacity/electricity with my future Chromebook with a 7 hour battery/3G capacity, I could see a few patients in my Vanagon out in the parking lot as long as I am in range of the Verizon towers and get cell service.

So by having my whole practice managed in the cloud, I could still function with 3G, a bit slower, than with the internet in a power outage but still somewhat functional.

And even better, wherever I had internet or 3G access, I have a "portal" to my entire practice, so whether in or out of office, with my Chromebook or desktop I can manage and run things.

Am I grasping this correctly?

Jim,

One of the option is using your 4G/LTE phone to provide network bridging to your Chromebook. When I am on the road and need connectivity, I have been known to drive to where I am getting decent signal [top of an off-ramp] and connect via my phone. Two cautions; you need to have your phone plugged in because using it as a data modem eats battery, and that sucker is going to get HOT if you need to stay on for a while. But it works.

Jim, you are correct about the core concept. Network connectivity becomes essential, but power becomes much less of an issue [battery operation, backup power, power converters].

Ever since a client had the unpleasant revelation that Amazing Charts backup service consists of no more than 6 backups, we have seen an uptick in clients having us archive and curate their backups.

This accomplishes both long term storage as well as enabling us to bring that client up from their last backup in the event of a catastrophic event [hurricane, fire, flood, theft, etc] or an extended power outage. We can then transition them back onto their local equipment when they are ready to resume operations there (or a new location).

Indy,

I hope that the issues of backup, surviving a disaster, etc., will be a topic for discussion in San Diego. I am extremely interested in that as well.

After about a month of use in office, I have to concur with the assessment put forth by robtweed.

http://robtweed.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/chromebooks-the-ideal-healthcare-desktop/

P.S. Near the end of the article the term "crosh" is used. What does this mean and is it a way to connect securely to another computer?

How easy is it to attach a Chromebook to two monitors?

jimmie,

I don't have any experience with chromebooks, but I think it has two meanings.

1- a stripped-back terminal OS shell client (known as crosh), with OS for operating system, so think thin client
2- a man crush toward a chromebook requiring possible intervention

Dan,

Thanks, just trying to wrap my mind around the functionality, realizing it does have limits. I have been more impressed with it as a secondary device to interface with the patient more so than I had expected, or maybe I am still in the titillated stage!!!

Jon,

I think this might answer your question, but I have not tried it out.
http://www.geek.com/chips/chrome-os-update-brings-dual-monitor-support-1529496/

I need a laptop for my office for my staff to input information [and not being locked to a desktop.] So as I explore options, let me ask this:

1-Does the 'remote desktop' chromebook use a dedicated user account on a pc ?
2- Can multiple users be signed onto different chromebook units [can you run concurrent sessions from a single pc?

or, maybe I should ask, does a chromebook replace a Laptop running MS Remote Desktop Connection ?

Roger,

I think yes to all of your questions. I would recommend the 14 inch screen and if you are on the go a lot, 4G LTE now available so would allow connectivity outside wi-fi coverage. Here is a link to answer your questions.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/...gjlekmpjp?utm_source=chrome-app-launcher

And this app runs off line too.

Jon,

I just realized I did not answer how easy it is to hook up to another monitor, so this link describes the process. When I mirrored to the TV the other day it was quite easy. https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/1060909?hl=en

However, I am not sure if you can hook up two monitors, but you can hook up one additional monitor.

Roger,

I should add corrections to how I answered your questions, I am not sure about your #2, I do not know for sure. And the chromebook lacks the processing power of a laptop. I defer to the tech gurus on your questions.

There are two different ways to use the Chromebook being described and they are both straightforward to implement.

One is the Chrome remote desktop that is singular, the other is using a RDC client Chrome App like 2X that uses a standard RDC session. The second is in use in several of our client locations as a inexpensive portal tool for taking patient vitals, etc.

Thanks all for your input.

Jon,

I was able to convince Lisa to take a trip to Costco, it is a 90 mile drive one way and has to be one of the most beautiful interstate drives in the lower 48 between Great Falls and Helena. For about 20 dollars got 2-6 foot HDMI cables, one wall mount for 69 dollars, and a 22 inch Samsung screen/TV for 169 dollars. Plugged in the one HDMI cable to the 14 inch HP Pavillion Chromebook to the TV and was able to actually get 2 separate screens quite easily and have included a you tube video that explains how to.

So I definitely have a "man crosh" for this intriguing device. Very easy to do and will be incorporating this in the exam room and if successful will replicate in my other exam room. If not will bring it home for personal use, either way will be fully utilized.

http://chromespot.com/2013/11/18/chromebook-dual-monitors-glowing-indicator/

Jimmie has also demonstrated that he does video conferences with his ChromeBook. But I'll let him regale us with the latest of his Chrome crosh achievements.

I got really desperate and put a shout out to Indy!!! No, seriously Indy on short notice was able to meet with my partners and I over a Hangouts call with the Chromebook. It was a very effective way to have Indy introduce himself and his services to the group and a very meaningful back and forth discussion ensued which I think was productive for all parties involved. The video stream and audio was quite adequate for this type of encounter.

.... and I didn't have to pay a co-pay since it wasn't actually an office visit. I was required to wear my hat though.

Indy,

I may have forgotten to mention we were using Helpouts with the Google Hangout so your co-pay bill will be arriving shortly!!!!

http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/20/g...ut-video-consultations-with-your-doctor/

We may consider your hat in lieu of wages.

I changed the above link from the original I posted, as this one is more informative and does not have the live feed identifying those who view the link, which I did not realize when I originally posted.

On the double screen issue, my experience is a bit different than with the you tube video above and may have to do with difference in Chromebooks, but I am not sure.

But the method that works is if I open two tabs on the screen of my chromebook and at the very top of either tab just left of the little x I place my cursor and hold down the left click button at the same time move with my touch pad the entire tabbed page to the next screen. I can then work on the AC user board and stream in Netflix on the 22 inch TV screen while I work.

Also, as robtweed suggested in his article above, I think 2 step authentication is a must. I had not heard of this but implemented this extra precautionary measure, so that if anyone else obtains my password to my gmail account, he will also have to have my phone and get the 6 digit # texted to my phone when he signs on with the password. Unlikely to occur without my help, so lessens the risk of unauthorized users of my gmail/chrome account. Using the chromebook in the office changes how I use my gmail on other devices, I will use the chrome browser on other computers not mine, but will not sign to gmail unless either on my chromebook or my office computer. I also disabled my gmail account on my phone. These are just steps of extra security I am taking personally, probably just being paranoid, but.....

I just tried the Acer 11 inch Chromebook, that use to be mine, now the kids', and just a minor modification to get the dual screen function. It has an HDMI port as well so, hooking the HDMI/HDMI cable up to TV and chromebook, then going to menu on TV and select HDMI selection. Since the acer does not have the right and left click bar at the base like the HP Pavillion, you have to depress the touch pad on the side closest to you or its base with your left thumb, while you have the cursor on the tab just left of the x, and then while keeping the base of touchpad depressed, use your right index finger to drag tabbed page to the TV screen by pulling right.

I lost my 22 inch Samsung TV to one of my exam rooms today. It took about an hour and a half to find a stud, mount the TV holder, and get the TV leveled and attached correctly. But for about 260 for those parts and 279 for the chromebook have a nice setup to mirror AC on the 22 incher while in exam room. It may be technology overload for some folks, but will give update in the next week or two. I am a bit reluctant to use chromecast, and chose to use HDMI cable for now. Dr Mel showed me how to stream the Prevnar video on to the 22 incher, so will find out uses for this setup as time goes.

So thought I would try something different on the big screen TV at home, got the HDMI cable hooked to chromebook, and opened up 3 different tabbed screens on TV. On TV, Listening to Billy Bragg streaming on Pandora, Fox news, and AC and on chromebook, have CNN and netflix streaming.

Not sure why one would need so many tabs opened up at once, but it can easily be done.

Jim, thanks for keeping us updated on your trip down the Chromebrick Highway.
I am considering using Chromebooks (or a Chromebox, if there still is such a thing) as a client for our office staff in our our peer-to-peer network (hence my question about using two monitors, which would be one for AC and one for Updox, as we do with PC's). Any thoughts on this?