Google has unveiled the first Chrome OS laptop, the Samsung Series 5. The 'Chromebook' will be available for purchase in the UK on 24 June.
Chrome OS is Google's cloud-based operating system. Chromebooks will run all of your software on the Web.
Acer is also making Chromebooks. The first Chrome computers will arrive in the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands in June. Google will offer discounted Chromebook packages to schools and businesses.
The 12.1-inch Samsung Series 5 packs a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N570 dual-core processor, 2GB of DDR3 RAM and 16GB of storage. The battery will last 8.5 hours, and the whole shebang weighs around 1.4kg. It sports two USB slots, an SD card slot and space to bung in a SIM card for 3G connectivity when there's no Wi-Fi about.
The computer will start up in under 10 seconds and wake from sleep almost instantly. Indeed, one of the main selling points of Chrome OS is that, because you work online, you don't have a computer full of software slowing things down. Google also reckons that cloud computing gets rid of the danger of viruses and spyware installing themselves on your computer.
Below is a handy video that explains the Chrome OS concept in words of few syllables.
We particularly like the part in the video where Google claims you can use the Chromebook on a train or boat. Good luck getting a data connection while riding the rails or sailing the seven seas -- some train operators offer Wi-Fi, but most don't, and neither do most boats that we've come across.
That's the problem with the Chromebook concept -- it requires a decent Web connection. That's all very well in Silicon Valley, but what about the Rhondda Valley? There are still plenty of places in Britain and around the world that don't have a decent Internet connection.
The Samsung Chromebook will be available from Amazon and PC World. The 3G and Wi-Fi model will cost around £400, and the Wi-Fi-only model £350.
Are you ready to live your life in the cloud? When Google first announced Chrome OS, we questioned whether the world and his wife was ready to wave goodbye to Windows. A couple of years down the line, though, and we're used to using an assortment of operating systems and keeping our stuff in the cloud. Tell us whether your think this cloud has a silver lining in the comments section below or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 18
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deepsukhwani 12 May, 2011 14:58
Its going to be a fully Internet Dependable device.. If ever internet connectivity is not present with this device, this is nothing but a piece of Junk which I think would remain of no use.. Except charging your gadgets using USB while the computer is on!
Its hard to believe that we are ready to depend on internet to this extent still, as Internet is really not so strong in various parts of many developed countries, leave far the developing nations.
All I can say is... Lets wait and watch!
Anonymous 12 May, 2011 15:07
I've been on a ferry with WiFi!!
The Hong Kong - Discovery Bay ferry and it was free....
Beats Virgin Trains laughable attempt any day.
deepsukhwani 12 May, 2011 15:17
After watching few more videos of Chromebook on youtube, on a channel named GoogleChrome. The only thing that comes in my mind is, its a whole new ERA of Computers.
Just like Google Bought a whole new era of Internet, with its amazingly awesome Google Search, its bringing a whole new concept of computers.
Nothing to Install, No Antivirus Software to Install, no softwares needed, everything works online, you can plugin USB Drives and access your files just like normal, watching videos, photos, documents, presentations, etc. etc.
The another thing that now hits my mind about this is... What about Computer Geeks, like programmers, Software Developers, or might be people like professionals, who have to stick to a particular software to do their work? Like Sage / Quickbooks for Accountants? Adobe Photoshop, or other Image Stabilisers, etc. for photographers, journalists?
By this, does google want to say, that is device is not for them? or they can't do there work? or can we expect that these people can in future see setup files for Chromebook OS, just like there are at present for Window, Mac Linux etc. and they can then install the softwares to their external Drives, as this computer doesn't have much of internal memory I guess.
There are loads of questions arising, but the only answer that seems to be viable is.. Lets wait for its release and then once CNET or anyone else reviewing such products gets it, let them give a proper review with pros and cons.. And then decide if its whether the money it is currently Priced at...
Sometimes I think, why is Google in such a deal / collaboration with Samsung? I mean why Samsung ? why not some other better company? or why not like Apple, do it through some cheap manufacturers in China or some other part of world, and just brand it with the name of Google? I mean, for an Internet Giant, which is now coming into serious computer business, this is no where a big task, its just a matter of considering this as a new opportunity to grow, Samsung is such a useless company, their after-sales service is so damn useless, they customer support or even pre-sales inquiry counters / telephone lines really suck hard time... They are just not worth Google is giving them, THEIR BRAND IMAGE.
Anonymous 12 May, 2011 16:23
You can work offline with Gmail, Docs and couple of other apps -- watch the presentation.
Hopefully this will put a bunch of useless lifesapping, bloodsucking IT helpdesks/network people out of business. They have been milking microsoft and managements incompetence for way to long owing to information asymmetry.
Anonymous 12 May, 2011 16:24
.
I'm sure Beijing will love this concept. And if Google persists in being uncooperative:
Expect Baidubooks. All your data are become ours. All your photos, emails, thoughts, dreams.
All your dissent.
But I'm sure Google will come to its senses eventually.
.
Anonymous 12 May, 2011 16:57
Irrespective of the software, if it is to take off then it would need backing from the laptop manufactures.
The key question is: will supporting low spec cloud based laptops be shooting themselves in the foot as it would probably drastically slow down the hardware upgrade cycle. OR will they be able to charge laptop prices for bare bones netbooks with massive profit margins.
ace9988 12 May, 2011 20:48
what about entertainment ?
ChromeShark 12 May, 2011 21:11
I think these things will sell great, perfect for kids and old people who still can't get their heads around Windows (or Mac). Even if the majority of current computer users can't bring themselves to fully switch straight away, and I think a lot of people will want them just as a more portable alternative to their PC. I'll personally be keeping my Windows laptop in my room for work and getting one of these to carry around.
It's early days for Chrome OS and adoption might be slow at first, but from a hardware POV Samsung and Acer must be on to a winner here in an untouched and attractive market.
Naryan 13 May, 2011 14:29
You haters clearly haven't done your research. It's not "useless" without an internet connection. They're hoping on being able to access your docs, e-mails, photos and videos all offline by the release date. And it has an SSD, so it's storing something.
RobertB123 13 May, 2011 16:45
Its A Good Idea, But £400 really? That's The Same Price As An Average Laptop That Is Fairly Fast And has Alot Of Features And Capability Of web Browsing Already. If The Price Is Too High, People Just Wont Think Its a Good Idea =/
Anonymous 14 May, 2011 16:53
Do i really want all my files photos and other personal information on somebody elses harddrive/ server or so called cloud based tech ? No whats wrong with keeping it safe on my own harddrive.. I also love windows 7 and snow leopard and kubuntu, and im looking forward to webos on my laptop one day. I dont think ill bother with this chrome os. Those of you who do good luck
Grace Aldena 17 May, 2011 06:01
Apple's Mac OS has made its place in the market, now it is the time for Google. The day is not too far when Windows computers will be replaced by Mac and Google OS. Getting started under 10 seconds and weighing only 1.4kg is exactly what is expected from Google. The battery life is great and it sounds very good if everything comes out to be the same as told till now by Google.
DCF 25 May, 2011 16:52
Is this a solution to a problem that doesn't exist? Google docs is a weak application, most proffesionals use MSOffice. Road warriors need to have files, data and apps available & can get by with wi-fi and GPRS. It has 16Gb of storage, nah, that's no use. So, it's an Ipad with keys, no HDD and cannot listen to music, watch films or do much else with it... So what is it's purpose? I am bamboozled...
Anonymous 26 May, 2011 20:31
What is the point of this. The price is also silly for £400, you can get a descent windows 7 PC for that price which can do everything that the chrome will do and you can use all your software when there is no net. There is no market for this; if you need to just browse the net then you can get net books or tablet for less.
And no one really needs cloud computing right now unless you are doing really intensive work, or back up.
No one can really right windows out, they are doing great and they always have new tricks. Who cares about boot up speed as long as its not minutes it fine; most of the time my PC for the whole day.
Windows and Mac offer users choice for wide range of programs and peripherals which google can not offer instantly.
Google also doesn't have a good formula for apps as well; I have an android phone and it pains me to say that in terms of the whole app market and the overall Google package it is over rated.
Anonymous 10 June, 2011 21:17
I have the beta laptop and I really like it and the concept but it isn't worth $400 to $500, for that kind of cash i would get an iPad. I would throw down $100 for something like the beta notebook I have but not much more than that.
Anonymous 10 June, 2011 21:50
Waste of time, why would I spend £400 on a glorified netbook when the Internet is so crap in the uk? I would just buy a decent laptop and dual boot windows and Linux. Let's face, Linux is fast and virus and ubuntu offers a decent cloud package for free. Chrome books will bomb because there is no compelling reason for them. The question is, what's the real added value and do the so called advantages out weight the disadvantages?
Anonymous 17 June, 2011 08:16
@deepsukhwani internet not developed in many developing nations! So again our progress should be held back to help those who can't help themselves?
Anonymous 17 June, 2011 16:20
If someone wants to try what cloud based os is, try Jolicloud. It has been on the market for 2 years already, and now there is a 1.2 stable version. It is great as a 2nd os on your HDD, but I can't rely on it 100%.
The great thing about this OS is the battery life - my Acer Aspire 751 9 cell battery runs for 13-14 hours with video playing - during long haul flights it is what you need (10-11 hours with wifi on and web surfing).