Hi Richard,
* Richard A. Smith richard@laptop.org [140710 19:45]:
http://ctl.net/education-chromebook/
Anyone know if these run coreboot and how locked down they are?
All new Chrome OS devices run coreboot and depthcharge, a payload that implements a verified boot process. Chrome OS devices with an Embedded Controller also run Open Source EC firmware.
The devices have a part of their firmware write protected (root of trust) and the RW firmware portions are cryptographically checked. Flash write protection can be circumvented by opening the device and removing the "write protect screw".
In "Normal Mode" Chrome OS devices will only run Chrome OS signed by Google. In "Developer Mode" (built-in "jailbreak" mode) you can install your own software (and run SeaBIOS or any other payload)
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Stefan