I just installed Linux Mint on a large ACER Chromebook that I bought used on EBay for $70, and have been quite happy with it. This was a "bare metal" install that required me to disassemble the Chromebook and unplug the battery during the install. It was well worth the trouble, however, as I do more on this little laptop than on my others.
I've also got Kubuntu on my main workstation, which is great for bells-and-whistles, and I've installed the lighter weight (aka. No translucent windows) on a new server I just stood up, and I find that to be the perfect fit for that use.