Tag Archives: Chrome OS laptop
Video: Introducing the Chromebook
Posted on 11. May, 2011 by Daniel Cawrey. 
1 Comments
Here is the introduction video for the Chromebook that was played during Google I/O’s Chrome keynote.
The New Tab Page Gets a New Look
Posted on 21. Mar, 2011 by Daniel Cawrey. 5 Comments
The overall look of the new tab page in Chromium is being changed, possibly to reflect an addition of touch capabilities. You can see the new look in this screenshot taken from a recent Chromium build with the “Experimental new tab page” switched on in “about:flags”. The main differences appear to be larger icons, a toggle system for multiple pages of app and a garbage can to get rid of unused icons.
This may be an indication that Google wants Chrome to offer touch for hardware devices. A hybrid gadget that entails both a laptop and a tablet may be in the works, but most computers like that are priced somewhat high. I’m not sure that the price point of Chrome OS will allow for a device like that, at least not in the near future.
One of the most challenging things about this is making the operating system work with both touch and a mouse. Designers must find a balance between the two and there are nuances to consider when doing this. Nevertheless, a product like the Samsung Sliding 7 would be a great fit for Chrome OS.
Would you buy a hybrid Chrome OS device?
via ConceivablyTech
Chrome VP: No More Cr-48s, Chrome OS Devices This Summer
Posted on 11. Mar, 2011 by Daniel Cawrey. 129 Comments
Google has been very tight-lippped about the supply of Cr-48s, who they are going to and when shipments will stop. But in a tweet sent out by VP of Product Management Sundar Pichai, the shipment of Cr-48s to users is over, and that we can expect commercial devices to be arriving in the next few months.
For those who did not get a chance to try out a Cr-48 through the Pilot Program, there should be opportunities this summer to purchase Chrome OS devices. It appears that Google is still focused on the U.S. market since although there has been talk of the Cr-48 going international that never materialized.
During the December Chrome event, Pichai announced that both Acer and Samsung would be the first manufacturers to release Chrome OS gadgets. And by all signs despite the rumors, they are going to be laptops.
While Apple clearly has a hold on the tablet market, it’s possible that Chrome OS could find a place in the consumer gadget space that is somewhere in between a more complex Windows machine and the simplicity of a slate device.
Surely the information overload that is Google I/O in early May will provide a lot more details about Chrome OS. Until then, are you ready to buy yourself a Chrome OS device?
A Collection of Cr-48 Photos by Users
Posted on 09. Dec, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 3 Comments
I’ve yet to have a Cr-48 arrive at my door, but a number of users have been posting some really great pictures of the test Chrome OS laptop issued by Google. They did start showing up on people’s doorsteps today, and the device really looks quite nice. Here are some of my favorites so far.
Video: A User Shows Off His Cr-48
Posted on 09. Dec, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
Here is the first video I’ve been able to find of someone getting their Cr-48 out for the first time. Looks exciting.
via Chrome Story
Cr-48 Machines Begin Arriving Today
Posted on 09. Dec, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
Many outlets are reporting that Google’s test pilot Chrome OS notebook called the Cr-48 have begun arriving today, mostly to members of the press. Google announced that they would be getting a Chrome OS device into the hands of those who can best help the company develop the platform, and a flood of 60,000 of these notebooks will be hitting people’s doorsteps.
First impressions by some who have got their device? The build quality, with the product being made by Inventec, is said to be pretty good, with the machine built around rubberized plastic. For some reason, the battery is large doesn’t sit flush with the bottom but could explain why the device has such a long life without a power adapter (8 hours). [...]
More Details on the Cr-48, and How to Get One
Posted on 08. Dec, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 3 Comments
It appears that Google has ordered up and has on hand around 60,000 of their pilot Chrome OS device called the Cr-48. More details are emerging on the specifications of this device.
The processor in this 12.1″ machine has an Intel Atom N455 running at 1.66GHz. No word on the size of the solid state drive, but some speculate it will be 8GB. It has 802.11n, built-in 3G, a long-lasting 8 hour battery with a full keyboard and large trackpad. Oh, and a webcam. It runs Chrome OS and has a jailbreak switch for what really we’re expecting to see – some interesting customizing of this machine.
If you want to get your hands on one, many will see a box on the top of their new tabs in Chrome leading them to a form.
You might also want to check your inbox. I received a message containing this in my email, and I think that was because I signed up for some Chrome OS-related mailing list. Interesting to note is the expiration of this offer, only a three day window here from when I got the message.
Additionally, there is a sign-up page. You can them make your case whether you are a business, educational institution, non-profit, developer or an individual. It’s open until December 21. Good luck with your application!
Cr-48 specs via Lilliputing, NetbookNews
Google Announces the Cr-48 Chrome OS Netbook for Early Adopters
Posted on 07. Dec, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 14 Comments
Google announced today a number of Chrome OS-related developments, including the launch of the Chrome Web Store, a partnership with Verizon and Citrix as well as the Cr-48 netbook. Here are photos and specifications of this early adoption device.
-12.1″ Display
-SSD Hard Drive
-Full size keyboard
-Intel Atom processor
-World mode 3G with Verizon
-8+ hours of active usage
-8+ days of standby
-Webcam
Sign up for the pilot program here.
Intel is Taking a Backseat with Google’s Chrome OS Netbook
Posted on 02. Nov, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 7 Comments
Could the real reason why Google wants to go through trying to release another hardware product be because they want to shake up the computer hardware industry?
As if it’s not enough forgoing Windows as the standard operating system for a device, Google is trying to change the culture that makes up the core components of a notebook-like device. As has been rumored, that may include using an ARM-designed chipset instead of one of Intel’s Atom processors.
eWeek Says Chrome OS Tablet Unlikely So Soon
Posted on 19. Aug, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
In the consideration of taking both sides of a story into account, eWeek’s Clint Boulton says that it would be very unlikely that a Chrome OS tablet would be arriving so soon. This comes a day after DownloadSquad set off a slew of articles based on this topic when they posted that an unknown source has tipped them an HTC tablet with Chrome OS would go on sale through Verizon on November 26.
Boulton’s eWeek article does have some merit, pointing out that Google had said that a netbook/laptop device would arrive first which is what was clearly said by Sundar Pichai earlier this year, who is the executive overseeing the Chrome OS product.
Yet I’m struggling with the logic of a hypothetical here, because Boulton can’t get past the fact that since the Chrome OS netbook/laptop has yet to arrive, there is no possible way a tablet could be released on November 26. However, further along in the article it cites a source with knowledge of Google says that there is no tablet set for release on that date.
Lee Mathews, the editor at DownloadSquad had this to say on his Twitter yesterday when prodded about the accuracy of reporting from a source of his.
“He’s a good guy, and he’s been right before. I’ve also got a bit of validation from others“, he posted.
Two sources. Two different responses. Stay tuned.
Nexus One’s Faults Just Mean Better Strategy for Chrome OS
Posted on 23. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
Lilliputing’s Brad Linder has a piece posted today talking about what happens for Google devices in the aftermath of the Nexus One. GigaOM’s Ostatic blog also had an article on this topic as well, so we’re going to write our take on the whole situation.
Suffice to say, the Nexus One did not exactly take off as planned but that doesn’t mean immediate failure for any impending Chrome OS devices.
Let’s face it: Google tried an experiment whereby another manufacturer built the phone, but it was up to Google to support it. In hindsight that may not seem like the best idea, but it was worth a shot. Now Google knows that they need to work with hardware partners and let those with the expertise design and build the devices under certain specifications.
There’s a whole list of companies that are working with Google on this, and this way of putting a Chrome OS product on the market will be successful: by letting Google provide the platform and the manufacturers developing great products based on the hardware requirements.
Bottom line: we will see Chrome OS tablets and laptops before the end of this year. It may take some time for the products to gain traction, but judging by people’s desire for something between a smartphone and a full-fledged computer, it will be successful.
