What's a shame is not the rpice or the spec or the OS, but that people feel the need to comment without understanding the market for the product.
Chromebooks, some are nice, some are less so, are a product for a certain demographic - people who can think outside the need for Windows or OSX - or even Linux. They (Chromebooks) are small, fast, good on battery and can meet the needs of a huge number of computer users.
I find as I use mine, I need a 'Proper PC' ever less. Haven't booted my Ubuntu Desktop for some months now as I've just not needed to. OK - I use the Chromebook to read El Reg and browse the web mostly, but also manage and edit project plans, spreadsheets, documents.
If I played games or stole pirated content (more than usual) then I'd need a PC - but for 99% of the time I can just grab the CB and crack on without worrying about viruses, updates, licensing etc etc.