It might well be so for Chromebook (I don't have access to one or any knowledge about using Arduino Cloud with Chrome OS machines), but for PCs using other operating systems there is no problem using the cheap derivative boards with a general purpose USB to serial bridge chip like the one shown in the second image you shared.
I'll provide instructions for configuring Arduino Cloud for use with that type of board:
- Start Arduino Create Agent if it is not already running.
- Open a sketch in Arduino Cloud Editor.
- Connect the board to your computer with a USB cable.
- Click "SELECT DEVICE" on the Cloud Editor toolbar.
The "Select device" dialog will open. - You will see the serial port of your board in the dialog, labeled "Unknown", click on it.
The "Unknown Device Found" dialog will open. - Search through the list of boards in the dialog until you find the name of your board (or of a functionally equivalent board, which in this example would be "Arduino Uno"). Click on it.
The dialog will close.
You can now compile, upload and use Serial Monitor in Arduino Cloud Editor with your board.