This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/oct/19/samsung-google-chromebook-laptop

The article has changed 42 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Google and Samsung launch Chromebook laptop Google and Samsung launch Chromebook laptop
(35 minutes later)
With the PC market receding ahead of the launch of Windows 8, is this the right time to launch a new laptop? Samsung and Google reckon so, announcing a new ultrabook-style Chromebook laptop which will cost $249 (£155) in the US and rely on the search company's cloud-based Chrome OS.With the PC market receding ahead of the launch of Windows 8, is this the right time to launch a new laptop? Samsung and Google reckon so, announcing a new ultrabook-style Chromebook laptop which will cost $249 (£155) in the US and rely on the search company's cloud-based Chrome OS.
With an 11.6in screen – smaller than the previous $449 model – and based on an ARM rather than Intel CPU and with minimal onboard storage of about 16GB and 2GB of RAM, the newest Chromebook is a fresh attempt by Google to attract businesses and users which want to store their data in the cloud rather than on their computer.With an 11.6in screen – smaller than the previous $449 model – and based on an ARM rather than Intel CPU and with minimal onboard storage of about 16GB and 2GB of RAM, the newest Chromebook is a fresh attempt by Google to attract businesses and users which want to store their data in the cloud rather than on their computer.
In effect, the new Chromebook is a laptop only useful when it is connected to the internet – and particularly to Google's cloud services. The search giant is offering 100GB of storage on its servers to go with each device. However, the new model does not have built-in 3G connectivity, though it does offer Wi-Fi connections.In effect, the new Chromebook is a laptop only useful when it is connected to the internet – and particularly to Google's cloud services. The search giant is offering 100GB of storage on its servers to go with each device. However, the new model does not have built-in 3G connectivity, though it does offer Wi-Fi connections.
A 3G-capable version priced at $330 is listed on Amazon, which says it includes 3G Service from US carrier Verizon with up to 100MB of data per month for two years.A 3G-capable version priced at $330 is listed on Amazon, which says it includes 3G Service from US carrier Verizon with up to 100MB of data per month for two years.
The higher-end Samsung 550 model offers 3G connectivity as an optional extra.The higher-end Samsung 550 model offers 3G connectivity as an optional extra.
The laptop is designed to hook up directly to Google's services such as YouTube, Google Drive and Gmail.The laptop is designed to hook up directly to Google's services such as YouTube, Google Drive and Gmail.
Google first introduced the Chromebook line in May 2011, and began shipping in June. Initially it targeted businesses, offering them for hire at $28 per month, though the laptops were also on sale for about $449 in Best Buy stores in the US and through Amazon. Those were Intel-based models.Google first introduced the Chromebook line in May 2011, and began shipping in June. Initially it targeted businesses, offering them for hire at $28 per month, though the laptops were also on sale for about $449 in Best Buy stores in the US and through Amazon. Those were Intel-based models.
Now it is offering the new ARM-based models at a significantly lower price. Made by Samsung, it is less than 0.8in thick, weighs about 2.5lb (1.1kg) and Google says it will have about 6.5 hours of battery life.Now it is offering the new ARM-based models at a significantly lower price. Made by Samsung, it is less than 0.8in thick, weighs about 2.5lb (1.1kg) and Google says it will have about 6.5 hours of battery life.
"This is a big step in the journey for us," Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Chrome and apps, told journalists at the launch on Thursday. "I think it's generally an exciting time in the computing industry.""This is a big step in the journey for us," Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Chrome and apps, told journalists at the launch on Thursday. "I think it's generally an exciting time in the computing industry."
The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."
At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…" and, with a picture, "this is the product Samsung and Google are releasing, months after Samsung got dinged in a lawsuit for creating products that look too similar to things made by Apple" – a reference to the billion-dollar award made against Samsung for patent infringement against Apple iPhones and software.At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…" and, with a picture, "this is the product Samsung and Google are releasing, months after Samsung got dinged in a lawsuit for creating products that look too similar to things made by Apple" – a reference to the billion-dollar award made against Samsung for patent infringement against Apple iPhones and software.
So far Chromebooks have had minimal impact on the PC market, partly because they do not run apps written for the dominant Windows platform and partly because they require constant connectivity to the internet to be useful. Google has not released any sales figures or cumulative user numbers.So far Chromebooks have had minimal impact on the PC market, partly because they do not run apps written for the dominant Windows platform and partly because they require constant connectivity to the internet to be useful. Google has not released any sales figures or cumulative user numbers.
Microsoft saw revenues and profits in its Windows division slump in the third quarter as consumers and businesses awaited the launch of new computers with Windows 8 built in next week. The PC market overall has also slowed down substantially while tablet sales have risen. Apple is expected to push that trend next week with the launch of a new, smaller iPad, while Microsoft has seen strong interest from consumers in its ARM-based "Surface" tablet, due to go on sale at the end of this month.Microsoft saw revenues and profits in its Windows division slump in the third quarter as consumers and businesses awaited the launch of new computers with Windows 8 built in next week. The PC market overall has also slowed down substantially while tablet sales have risen. Apple is expected to push that trend next week with the launch of a new, smaller iPad, while Microsoft has seen strong interest from consumers in its ARM-based "Surface" tablet, due to go on sale at the end of this month.
CommentsComments
101 comments, displaying first 107 comments, displaying first
19 October 2012 8:55AM19 October 2012 8:55AM
The Samsung & Google ChromeBook is very similar to Microsoft's Surface RT, but costs half the price.The Samsung & Google ChromeBook is very similar to Microsoft's Surface RT, but costs half the price.
Is a detachable keyboard (that seems required, it's in all the press shots and adverts) worth the premium that Microsoft is asking for its ARM device?Is a detachable keyboard (that seems required, it's in all the press shots and adverts) worth the premium that Microsoft is asking for its ARM device?
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 8:56AM19 October 2012 8:56AM
The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."
Yeah that thin, light design is really revolutionary. Who ever thought about making things smaller and lighter before Apple came along. If I was Apple I'd litigious on their ass.Yeah that thin, light design is really revolutionary. Who ever thought about making things smaller and lighter before Apple came along. If I was Apple I'd litigious on their ass.
'Unleash the lawyers' I hear echoing down from Mount Sinai.'Unleash the lawyers' I hear echoing down from Mount Sinai.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:02AM19 October 2012 9:02AM
These things are only useful if you are sitting in an area that has wifi. So if you want to carry on working on a document on the train you can forget it? I just don't see the pointThese things are only useful if you are sitting in an area that has wifi. So if you want to carry on working on a document on the train you can forget it? I just don't see the point
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:02AM19 October 2012 9:02AM
Come on ..Come on ..
OK, leaving aside that the Chromebook is almost useless without an internet connection, it lacks many of the features of the Surface RT.OK, leaving aside that the Chromebook is almost useless without an internet connection, it lacks many of the features of the Surface RT.
Aside from ommiting support for legacy applications, the Surface RT is running actual Windows and all the functionality and business support that entails.Aside from ommiting support for legacy applications, the Surface RT is running actual Windows and all the functionality and business support that entails.
There is a huge value difference that justifies the price difference. Not just a detachable keyboard.There is a huge value difference that justifies the price difference. Not just a detachable keyboard.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:03AM19 October 2012 9:03AM
No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:04AM19 October 2012 9:04AM
The chromeBook has obviously breached Apple's "thin computer" and "space age silvery looking computer" patents. Apples busy lawyers have even more work coming their way!The chromeBook has obviously breached Apple's "thin computer" and "space age silvery looking computer" patents. Apples busy lawyers have even more work coming their way!
On a serious note it will be interesting to see how well this concept does. Most people have wifi at home and many only use their laptops at home - so this could potentially do quite well. Apple products are expensive and the iPad is much better at consuming media (web surfing, music, films, etc) than it is at creating media. Current windows-based laptops suffer from the usual bugbears (viruses, third party apps that conflict and crash, relentless windows updates that end up making your computer so slow it's almost unusable, etc). Perhaps Google has found a middle way.On a serious note it will be interesting to see how well this concept does. Most people have wifi at home and many only use their laptops at home - so this could potentially do quite well. Apple products are expensive and the iPad is much better at consuming media (web surfing, music, films, etc) than it is at creating media. Current windows-based laptops suffer from the usual bugbears (viruses, third party apps that conflict and crash, relentless windows updates that end up making your computer so slow it's almost unusable, etc). Perhaps Google has found a middle way.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:07AM19 October 2012 9:07AM
In what way is it similar to Surface RT?In what way is it similar to Surface RT?
Specifics please.Specifics please.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:09AM19 October 2012 9:09AM
There's thin and silver, and there's "looks almost exactly like a MacBook Air".There's thin and silver, and there's "looks almost exactly like a MacBook Air".
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:11AM19 October 2012 9:11AM
Well at least they've finally realized that charging more for a PC that does less isn't going to work so this might have more of a fighting chance.Well at least they've finally realized that charging more for a PC that does less isn't going to work so this might have more of a fighting chance.
I'm still not sure I see the point though, Stick Chrome on your PC / tablet / whatever and you have all the functionality this offers and more.I'm still not sure I see the point though, Stick Chrome on your PC / tablet / whatever and you have all the functionality this offers and more.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:18AM19 October 2012 9:18AM
If you want to keep all your data on other people's servers, because 'The Cloud' seems like a hyped up concept (nevermind that memory is dirt cheap these days) then more fool you.If you want to keep all your data on other people's servers, because 'The Cloud' seems like a hyped up concept (nevermind that memory is dirt cheap these days) then more fool you.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:28AM19 October 2012 9:28AM
My instinct says it's dead in the water but maybe my instinct is bad. The only desirable factor here is the price. As everyone does the cloud now the only other reason for buying one of these would seem to be redundant.My instinct says it's dead in the water but maybe my instinct is bad. The only desirable factor here is the price. As everyone does the cloud now the only other reason for buying one of these would seem to be redundant.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:30AM19 October 2012 9:30AM
It really is hard for me to see what benefit this offers over, say, Ubuntu - especially a netbook running Ubuntu. Other than the fact that it comes pre-installed and ready to go, which is obviously a bonus for the non-techie user. But I can't believe that requiring Internet access all the time is well suited to the non-techie user.It really is hard for me to see what benefit this offers over, say, Ubuntu - especially a netbook running Ubuntu. Other than the fact that it comes pre-installed and ready to go, which is obviously a bonus for the non-techie user. But I can't believe that requiring Internet access all the time is well suited to the non-techie user.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:32AM19 October 2012 9:32AM
The Samsung & Google ChromeBook is very similar to Microsoft's Surface RT, but costs half the price.The Samsung & Google ChromeBook is very similar to Microsoft's Surface RT, but costs half the price.
Is a detachable keyboard (that seems required, it's in all the press shots and adverts) worth the premium that Microsoft is asking for its ARM device?Is a detachable keyboard (that seems required, it's in all the press shots and adverts) worth the premium that Microsoft is asking for its ARM device?
Well, there's the fact that they both have a completely different OS.Well, there's the fact that they both have a completely different OS.
Are you part of the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Google Photos etc) or the Microsoft Windows ecosystem? That's the difference and the reason why people will buy one or the other. Although, I'm sure there's another player in the market, if I could only remember their name....Are you part of the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Google Photos etc) or the Microsoft Windows ecosystem? That's the difference and the reason why people will buy one or the other. Although, I'm sure there's another player in the market, if I could only remember their name....
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:34AM19 October 2012 9:34AM
@Vanillacide@Vanillacide
the fact it does way less than the Windows machine might have something to do with the price difference.the fact it does way less than the Windows machine might have something to do with the price difference.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:38AM19 October 2012 9:38AM
Macbook Air £850. Samsung chromebook £200 (potentially). Amazing value.
Google Docs offers an offline mode where you compose documents without web connectivity (is there such a thing?) - to be synced when next connected. Pretty sure the chromebook would have this so it isn't totally useless without t'interweb.		Macbook Air £850. Samsung chromebook £200 (potentially). Amazing value.
Google Docs offers an offline mode where you compose documents without web connectivity (is there such a thing?) - to be synced when next connected. Pretty sure the chromebook would have this so it isn't totally useless without t'interweb.
I'll have one. Add it to the rest of the almost completely unnecessary technology I own.I'll have one. Add it to the rest of the almost completely unnecessary technology I own.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:38AM19 October 2012 9:38AM
Are you part of the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Google Photos etc) or the Microsoft Windows ecosystem? That's the difference and the reason why people will buy one or the other.Are you part of the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Google Photos etc) or the Microsoft Windows ecosystem? That's the difference and the reason why people will buy one or the other.
I am heavy into the google ecosystem but I still see no reason to buy this - I can access all of those services with ease via windows plus have access to office and a range of other bits of software that are not available/mature on chrome OS.I am heavy into the google ecosystem but I still see no reason to buy this - I can access all of those services with ease via windows plus have access to office and a range of other bits of software that are not available/mature on chrome OS.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:45AM19 October 2012 9:45AM
One thing this does note.....With a virtual 98% coverage of smart phones and Tablets,and now encroachment into laptop Territory,not to mention that people are now beginning to build ARM based servers , and the fact that a new generation of kids will be programming on ARM chips via the Raspberry Pi all means one thing.......the continuing rise of ARM towards world domination..One thing this does note.....With a virtual 98% coverage of smart phones and Tablets,and now encroachment into laptop Territory,not to mention that people are now beginning to build ARM based servers , and the fact that a new generation of kids will be programming on ARM chips via the Raspberry Pi all means one thing.......the continuing rise of ARM towards world domination..
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:48AM19 October 2012 9:48AM
As everyone does the cloud now...As everyone does the cloud now...
They do? I would have thought it was relatively few users who know what it is, and even fewer who have the slightest interest in it.They do? I would have thought it was relatively few users who know what it is, and even fewer who have the slightest interest in it.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 9:53AM19 October 2012 9:53AM
No mention of the pitiful 6.5 hours of battery lifeNo mention of the pitiful 6.5 hours of battery life
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:00AM19 October 2012 10:00AM
What's the OS got to do with it? Only nerds and geeks care about that kind of stuff, it's what you use it for that matters.What's the OS got to do with it? Only nerds and geeks care about that kind of stuff, it's what you use it for that matters.
Besides Windows 8 RT is a new OS that has its own app store, old Windows software doesn't work; what's the new store got in it? The same versions of 'Angry Birds' and 'Cut the Rope' that the Chrome Store has, Twitter and Facebook clients, and all the usual stuff.Besides Windows 8 RT is a new OS that has its own app store, old Windows software doesn't work; what's the new store got in it? The same versions of 'Angry Birds' and 'Cut the Rope' that the Chrome Store has, Twitter and Facebook clients, and all the usual stuff.
So it could boil down to which flavour of Office do you like? Google's Microsoft compatible Office Apps or "Metro" Office that no-one has seen yet, but we know is cut down version of full Microsoft Office (i.e. you cannot run macros).So it could boil down to which flavour of Office do you like? Google's Microsoft compatible Office Apps or "Metro" Office that no-one has seen yet, but we know is cut down version of full Microsoft Office (i.e. you cannot run macros).
But more than that, it's price...But more than that, it's price...
Chromebook + Nexus 7 tablet = same price as Windows RT Surface
Even, Chromebook + iPad Mini (from next week) = same price as Windows RT Surface		Chromebook + Nexus 7 tablet = same price as Windows RT Surface
Even, Chromebook + iPad Mini (from next week) = same price as Windows RT Surface
Also, Chromebook is available in a 3G version so can be used out and about, so isn't tied to wifi network like the Surface.Also, Chromebook is available in a 3G version so can be used out and about, so isn't tied to wifi network like the Surface.
Plus, the version of Office that comes with Surface is "trial" and you have to pay for the whole software if you want to use it ... more expense.Plus, the version of Office that comes with Surface is "trial" and you have to pay for the whole software if you want to use it ... more expense.
But you can detect the keyboard from Surface and use touch screen for some apps, but not Office and even some of the Windows 8 RT Control Panel settings are better done with keyboard and mouse.But you can detect the keyboard from Surface and use touch screen for some apps, but not Office and even some of the Windows 8 RT Control Panel settings are better done with keyboard and mouse.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:01AM19 October 2012 10:01AM
pointless gadget, no internet, no use.pointless gadget, no internet, no use.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:01AM19 October 2012 10:01AM
What "way less" for example?What "way less" for example?
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:01AM19 October 2012 10:01AM
Probably very good as a school or business machine.Do you want an employee losing a laptop with the odd hundreds of thousands of personal details onboard,do you want to curtail "private programs' on a works machine,do you want fairly foolproof backup.Do you want to be able to easily control and restore the machine to a given state
Laptops etc are so cheap these days there is little excuse for mixing business and pleasure so restricting a machines ability for home is all to the good.		Probably very good as a school or business machine.Do you want an employee losing a laptop with the odd hundreds of thousands of personal details onboard,do you want to curtail "private programs' on a works machine,do you want fairly foolproof backup.Do you want to be able to easily control and restore the machine to a given state
Laptops etc are so cheap these days there is little excuse for mixing business and pleasure so restricting a machines ability for home is all to the good.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:06AM19 October 2012 10:06AM
I'm thinking of getting a tablet but might go for this instead.
I'll be using the tablet at home 99% of the time so internet is not an issue. This has some benefits of a tablet but with a bigger screen.
However, it's heavier and has less battery life. Obviously not a touch screen and it's more bulky than a tablet.
The keyboard is a nice addition but the surface has the removable version.		I'm thinking of getting a tablet but might go for this instead.
I'll be using the tablet at home 99% of the time so internet is not an issue. This has some benefits of a tablet but with a bigger screen.
However, it's heavier and has less battery life. Obviously not a touch screen and it's more bulky than a tablet.
The keyboard is a nice addition but the surface has the removable version.
I assume the UK price will be £200 or so. This makes it very attractively priced. Hmm, decisions, decisions.I assume the UK price will be £200 or so. This makes it very attractively priced. Hmm, decisions, decisions.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:07AM19 October 2012 10:07AM
Yawn. Google has been pushing their Chromebook so hard for so long. They seem incapable of accepting that people don't want it and just moving on,Yawn. Google has been pushing their Chromebook so hard for so long. They seem incapable of accepting that people don't want it and just moving on,
@CharlesArthur "My enemy's enemy is my friend" ;)@CharlesArthur "My enemy's enemy is my friend" ;)
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:08AM19 October 2012 10:08AM
No mention of the pitiful 6.5 hours of battery life
No mention of the pitiful 6.5 hours of battery life
The article does mention it. Worth noting that 6.5 hours is 9am - 3.30pm, which is roughly school hours.The article does mention it. Worth noting that 6.5 hours is 9am - 3.30pm, which is roughly school hours.
I would have thought that these would be ideal for a school environment. My daughter's old school was quite heavily involved with Google services, and having chromebooks would involve a lot less technical support than their current windows laptops - and the kids were always complaining about how slow the school computers were because the school didn't have the technical support to kepp them running well.I would have thought that these would be ideal for a school environment. My daughter's old school was quite heavily involved with Google services, and having chromebooks would involve a lot less technical support than their current windows laptops - and the kids were always complaining about how slow the school computers were because the school didn't have the technical support to kepp them running well.
Similarly, having restricted functionality could be quite compelling for a business environment, where you only want your employees doing what they need to be doing, so if that is covered by the chromebook then again you have the benefits of reduced technical support, easily replaceable hardware without having to worry about data loss, etc.Similarly, having restricted functionality could be quite compelling for a business environment, where you only want your employees doing what they need to be doing, so if that is covered by the chromebook then again you have the benefits of reduced technical support, easily replaceable hardware without having to worry about data loss, etc.
In this way the reduced functionality and onboard storage is a plus - eg if a MOD civil servant leaves his chromebook on the train it's going to have less data stored on it than a normal laptop would - though whether a business/government really wants to trust Google cloud services with business critical data is open to question.In this way the reduced functionality and onboard storage is a plus - eg if a MOD civil servant leaves his chromebook on the train it's going to have less data stored on it than a normal laptop would - though whether a business/government really wants to trust Google cloud services with business critical data is open to question.
I'm not convinced it works so well in the consumer market, at least not yet, but I think that the chromebook is going places, it's just a bit ahead of its time, so initial progress will be slow.I'm not convinced it works so well in the consumer market, at least not yet, but I think that the chromebook is going places, it's just a bit ahead of its time, so initial progress will be slow.
Wifi is becoming more and more prevalent too, and one can connect via the 3G on your smartphone. I always thought having 3G on such a device was a bit of overkill when one woudl tend to have it on a smartphone already.Wifi is becoming more and more prevalent too, and one can connect via the 3G on your smartphone. I always thought having 3G on such a device was a bit of overkill when one woudl tend to have it on a smartphone already.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:11AM19 October 2012 10:11AM
At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…"At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…"
Apple didn't invent laptops, aluminium or bevelling. It just gave us memorable designs in that format. Get over it people.Apple didn't invent laptops, aluminium or bevelling. It just gave us memorable designs in that format. Get over it people.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:11AM19 October 2012 10:11AM
They do? I would have thought it was relatively few users who know what it is, and even fewer who have the slightest interest in it.They do? I would have thought it was relatively few users who know what it is, and even fewer who have the slightest interest in it.
I think lots of people use it but probably do not realise they are using it. Anyone who uses a webmail account is using the cloud but I suspect if you asked people who used webmail if they uses the cloud many would say no. Similarly services such as dropbox, etc.I think lots of people use it but probably do not realise they are using it. Anyone who uses a webmail account is using the cloud but I suspect if you asked people who used webmail if they uses the cloud many would say no. Similarly services such as dropbox, etc.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:12AM19 October 2012 10:12AM
I believe the only "cloud" (in its widest sense) that has government approval for mobile devices (again in the widest sense) because of sufficient security levels is RIM.I believe the only "cloud" (in its widest sense) that has government approval for mobile devices (again in the widest sense) because of sufficient security levels is RIM.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:13AM19 October 2012 10:13AM
Seems like a cheap way to get an ARM based laptop that you can then install a full featured Linux based operating system on.Seems like a cheap way to get an ARM based laptop that you can then install a full featured Linux based operating system on.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:14AM19 October 2012 10:14AM
I assume the UK price will be £200 or so. This makes it very attractively priced. Hmm, decisions, decisions.I assume the UK price will be £200 or so. This makes it very attractively priced. Hmm, decisions, decisions.
As ever unfortunately there is a surcharge. The US price plus vat would be about £200 but the only place it appears you can buy these at the moment in PC world where its £229 online and £249 in store.As ever unfortunately there is a surcharge. The US price plus vat would be about £200 but the only place it appears you can buy these at the moment in PC world where its £229 online and £249 in store.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:14AM19 October 2012 10:14AM
I have had one of the new chromebooks since May.I have had one of the new chromebooks since May.
A great bit of kit, boots almost instantly, constant updates and improvements, no windows or viruses to worry about.A great bit of kit, boots almost instantly, constant updates and improvements, no windows or viruses to worry about.
It has offline email, offline google docs. Furthermore it can remotely access my windows machine at home should I need to do something that requires windows OS. In all honesty I spend 90% of my time when on a PC in a chrome browser anyway.It has offline email, offline google docs. Furthermore it can remotely access my windows machine at home should I need to do something that requires windows OS. In all honesty I spend 90% of my time when on a PC in a chrome browser anyway.
I asked myself do I ever really use a laptop when it's not connected to the internet, apart from for word docs the answer was no, everything I can do with a normal laptop I can do with a chromebook.
I have yet to be in a situation where I have failed to find wi-fi, mine has 3G SIM enabled so this is a non issue really.		I asked myself do I ever really use a laptop when it's not connected to the internet, apart from for word docs the answer was no, everything I can do with a normal laptop I can do with a chromebook.
I have yet to be in a situation where I have failed to find wi-fi, mine has 3G SIM enabled so this is a non issue really.
It looks and feels great and has quickly become my go to device. IPads. Nexus tabs are great etc and I have had both, but they are consumption devices. It is a chore to do work or compose email on them etc. Everything has its place!It looks and feels great and has quickly become my go to device. IPads. Nexus tabs are great etc and I have had both, but they are consumption devices. It is a chore to do work or compose email on them etc. Everything has its place!
The samsung model could have been a £100-£150 cheaper though and then they may have sold a few more, as other people have said. Fantastic for enterprise, schools and businesses. Almost zero maintenance and overheads from an IT perspective.The samsung model could have been a £100-£150 cheaper though and then they may have sold a few more, as other people have said. Fantastic for enterprise, schools and businesses. Almost zero maintenance and overheads from an IT perspective.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:14AM19 October 2012 10:14AM
it is refreshing to see advances that address different markets. In terms of a small business outfitting its staff with good email and office connectivity, it is a very good cost equation.it is refreshing to see advances that address different markets. In terms of a small business outfitting its staff with good email and office connectivity, it is a very good cost equation.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:15AM19 October 2012 10:15AM
Well, that's certainly true - but I don't think it invalidates the narrowly defined comment I made (which could be because I thought deeply about it and made sure I didn't overcook it - or I could have fluked it, you choose ;-) ), which is that I suspect hardly anyone apart from the likes of us who have a specific interest are even aware of it, let alone can be sold the concept.Well, that's certainly true - but I don't think it invalidates the narrowly defined comment I made (which could be because I thought deeply about it and made sure I didn't overcook it - or I could have fluked it, you choose ;-) ), which is that I suspect hardly anyone apart from the likes of us who have a specific interest are even aware of it, let alone can be sold the concept.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:20AM19 October 2012 10:20AM
Well, that's certainly true - but I don't think it invalidates the narrowly defined comment I made (which could be because I thought deeply about it and made sure I didn't overcook it - or I could have fluked it, you choose ;-) ), which is that I suspect hardly anyone apart from the likes of us who have a specific interest are even aware of it, let alone can be sold the concept.Well, that's certainly true - but I don't think it invalidates the narrowly defined comment I made (which could be because I thought deeply about it and made sure I didn't overcook it - or I could have fluked it, you choose ;-) ), which is that I suspect hardly anyone apart from the likes of us who have a specific interest are even aware of it, let alone can be sold the concept.
Ah but the original post your replied to stated that "everyone does the cloud", not "everyone knows what the cloud is". My point is that I agreed that a lot of people use the cloud but because of its 'fluffy' definition in most peoples mind they don't think of it as using the cloud.Ah but the original post your replied to stated that "everyone does the cloud", not "everyone knows what the cloud is". My point is that I agreed that a lot of people use the cloud but because of its 'fluffy' definition in most peoples mind they don't think of it as using the cloud.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:22AM19 October 2012 10:22AM
Oh that's true. Bugger. I hate you with a passion....Oh that's true. Bugger. I hate you with a passion....
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:23AM19 October 2012 10:23AM
I suspect the problem with chromebooks is getting people over the initial hurdle to accept that it could work for them.I suspect the problem with chromebooks is getting people over the initial hurdle to accept that it could work for them.
Once that is done like Buckley8219 above and a number of other reviews I have read from people who have used chromebooks for a reasonable period they are almost completely positive.Once that is done like Buckley8219 above and a number of other reviews I have read from people who have used chromebooks for a reasonable period they are almost completely positive.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:26AM19 October 2012 10:26AM
like this one:like this one:
http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-s5-550-chromebook-all-in-after-a-week-7000005814/http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-s5-550-chromebook-all-in-after-a-week-7000005814/
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:30AM19 October 2012 10:30AM
I believe the only "cloud" (in its widest sense) that has government approval for mobile devices (again in the widest sense) because of sufficient security levels is RIM.I believe the only "cloud" (in its widest sense) that has government approval for mobile devices (again in the widest sense) because of sufficient security levels is RIM.
I would be surprised if Google were not working on meeting the requirements for government security, but this is early stages for the chromebook, so it's not there yet.I would be surprised if Google were not working on meeting the requirements for government security, but this is early stages for the chromebook, so it's not there yet.
I expect that this general model of thin clients supported by centralised servers will be copied by other companies in the future, but perhaps in a wya that allows a large corporate/government to retain more control - eg by running the supporting servers themselves. This wasn't uncommon in, say, a Unix environment a coupel of decades ago.I expect that this general model of thin clients supported by centralised servers will be copied by other companies in the future, but perhaps in a wya that allows a large corporate/government to retain more control - eg by running the supporting servers themselves. This wasn't uncommon in, say, a Unix environment a coupel of decades ago.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:34AM19 October 2012 10:34AM
I bloody hate the cloud.I bloody hate the cloud.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:36AM19 October 2012 10:36AM
i can't wait to get one of these and run Linux on iti can't wait to get one of these and run Linux on it
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:36AM19 October 2012 10:36AM
The Chromebook does nothing you can't do from a browser on any laptop or PC.The Chromebook does nothing you can't do from a browser on any laptop or PC.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:37AM19 October 2012 10:37AM
This is a really good point - I haven't tried a Chrome book without wifi but I doubt it would be of much use as all the software on there is run off Google - Google docs, tweetdeck chrome app, gmail etc - not much room for doing anything offline.
That said I do like the Chromebooks (they are a bit slidey aroundy if you know what I mean?!) - they are fast - intuitive and simple - better than my old Dell netbook for sure. (And no I don't work for Google etc etc.) Anyone else used one and care to share their review?		This is a really good point - I haven't tried a Chrome book without wifi but I doubt it would be of much use as all the software on there is run off Google - Google docs, tweetdeck chrome app, gmail etc - not much room for doing anything offline.
That said I do like the Chromebooks (they are a bit slidey aroundy if you know what I mean?!) - they are fast - intuitive and simple - better than my old Dell netbook for sure. (And no I don't work for Google etc etc.) Anyone else used one and care to share their review?
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:42AM19 October 2012 10:42AM
Offline Chrome apps.Offline Chrome apps.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:42AM19 October 2012 10:42AM
I only use my laptop at home for shopping,email,surfing the web and occasionally writing a letter. If the chrome will do all those things and connect to my printer wirelessly and is priced at £200 I will buy one as soon as it apprears on Amazon.I only use my laptop at home for shopping,email,surfing the web and occasionally writing a letter. If the chrome will do all those things and connect to my printer wirelessly and is priced at £200 I will buy one as soon as it apprears on Amazon.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:48AM19 October 2012 10:48AM
It has offline mode for the more popular apps.It has offline mode for the more popular apps.
Wifi on trains?Wifi on trains?
Use your (Android) phone as a hotspot and get to connect that way.Use your (Android) phone as a hotspot and get to connect that way.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:48AM19 October 2012 10:48AM
If the chrome will do all those things and connect to my printer wirelessly and is priced at £200 I will buy one as soon as it apprears on Amazon.If the chrome will do all those things and connect to my printer wirelessly and is priced at £200 I will buy one as soon as it apprears on Amazon.
You can pick up the slightly older model from PCworld for £139 (with cashback).You can pick up the slightly older model from PCworld for £139 (with cashback).
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:52AM19 October 2012 10:52AM
Does it remove those really annoying fixed ads on both sides of the main Tech page, the ones that make the page almost unreadable?Does it remove those really annoying fixed ads on both sides of the main Tech page, the ones that make the page almost unreadable?
I abandoned the Independent because of those. I sincerely hope the Guardian isn't going the same way.I abandoned the Independent because of those. I sincerely hope the Guardian isn't going the same way.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:59AM19 October 2012 10:59AM
Yes, because the Microsoft offering will work without an internet connection, whereas the CromeBook will not.Yes, because the Microsoft offering will work without an internet connection, whereas the CromeBook will not.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
19 October 2012 10:59AM19 October 2012 10:59AM
Yes but that is not really point.Yes but that is not really point.
It's about the entire experience, I have an i7 windows laptop, it still takes a good 1-2 minutes to be useable from off and it times it is painful to use in comparison to the chromebook.It's about the entire experience, I have an i7 windows laptop, it still takes a good 1-2 minutes to be useable from off and it times it is painful to use in comparison to the chromebook.
I also get constant security and windows updates, have to sort firewalls, antivirus, hard drive defragmentation, registry maintenance etc..I also get constant security and windows updates, have to sort firewalls, antivirus, hard drive defragmentation, registry maintenance etc..
As with all windows products it seems to slow down over time and become less reliable. The list is endless. Why keep chasing more and more processing power, bigger hard drives and tech, when we are moving away from all of this in the long term anyway?As with all windows products it seems to slow down over time and become less reliable. The list is endless. Why keep chasing more and more processing power, bigger hard drives and tech, when we are moving away from all of this in the long term anyway?
You average user, surfs the web, looks at and edit photos, sends email and listens to music. You don't need a 1k ultrabook for that, nor a macbook pro, or a macbook air.You average user, surfs the web, looks at and edit photos, sends email and listens to music. You don't need a 1k ultrabook for that, nor a macbook pro, or a macbook air.

The chromebook is a great, lightweight, extremely quick device that definitely has its place in the market.
The chromebook is a great, lightweight, extremely quick device that definitely has its place in the market.
Link to this comment:Link to this comment:
Turn autoplay offTurn autoplay off
Turn autoplay onTurn autoplay on
Please activate cookies in order to turn autoplay offPlease activate cookies in order to turn autoplay off
Edition: UKEdition: UK
About usAbout us
Today's paperToday's paper
SubscribeSubscribe
Chromebook is the latest attempt by Google to attract businesses and users to cloud computingChromebook is the latest attempt by Google to attract businesses and users to cloud computing
With the PC market receding ahead of the launch of Windows 8, is this the right time to launch a new laptop? Samsung and Google reckon so, announcing a new ultrabook-style Chromebook laptop which will cost $249 (£155) in the US and rely on the search company's cloud-based Chrome OS.With the PC market receding ahead of the launch of Windows 8, is this the right time to launch a new laptop? Samsung and Google reckon so, announcing a new ultrabook-style Chromebook laptop which will cost $249 (£155) in the US and rely on the search company's cloud-based Chrome OS.
With an 11.6in screen – smaller than the previous $449 model – and based on an ARM rather than Intel CPU and with minimal onboard storage of about 16GB and 2GB of RAM, the newest Chromebook is a fresh attempt by Google to attract businesses and users which want to store their data in the cloud rather than on their computer.With an 11.6in screen – smaller than the previous $449 model – and based on an ARM rather than Intel CPU and with minimal onboard storage of about 16GB and 2GB of RAM, the newest Chromebook is a fresh attempt by Google to attract businesses and users which want to store their data in the cloud rather than on their computer.
In effect, the new Chromebook is a laptop only useful when it is connected to the internet – and particularly to Google's cloud services. The search giant is offering 100GB of storage on its servers to go with each device. However, the new model does not have built-in 3G connectivity, though it does offer Wi-Fi connections.In effect, the new Chromebook is a laptop only useful when it is connected to the internet – and particularly to Google's cloud services. The search giant is offering 100GB of storage on its servers to go with each device. However, the new model does not have built-in 3G connectivity, though it does offer Wi-Fi connections.
A 3G-capable version priced at $330 is listed on Amazon, which says it includes 3G Service from US carrier Verizon with up to 100MB of data per month for two years.A 3G-capable version priced at $330 is listed on Amazon, which says it includes 3G Service from US carrier Verizon with up to 100MB of data per month for two years.
The higher-end Samsung 550 model offers 3G connectivity as an optional extra.The higher-end Samsung 550 model offers 3G connectivity as an optional extra.
The laptop is designed to hook up directly to Google's services such as YouTube, Google Drive and Gmail.The laptop is designed to hook up directly to Google's services such as YouTube, Google Drive and Gmail.
Google first introduced the Chromebook line in May 2011, and began shipping in June. Initially it targeted businesses, offering them for hire at $28 per month, though the laptops were also on sale for about $449 in Best Buy stores in the US and through Amazon. Those were Intel-based models.Google first introduced the Chromebook line in May 2011, and began shipping in June. Initially it targeted businesses, offering them for hire at $28 per month, though the laptops were also on sale for about $449 in Best Buy stores in the US and through Amazon. Those were Intel-based models.
Now it is offering the new ARM-based models at a significantly lower price. Made by Samsung, it is less than 0.8in thick, weighs about 2.5lb (1.1kg) and Google says it will have about 6.5 hours of battery life.Now it is offering the new ARM-based models at a significantly lower price. Made by Samsung, it is less than 0.8in thick, weighs about 2.5lb (1.1kg) and Google says it will have about 6.5 hours of battery life.
"This is a big step in the journey for us," Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Chrome and apps, told journalists at the launch on Thursday. "I think it's generally an exciting time in the computing industry.""This is a big step in the journey for us," Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Chrome and apps, told journalists at the launch on Thursday. "I think it's generally an exciting time in the computing industry."
The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."The design of the product has already drawn comparisons from some commentators to Apple's 11in MacBook Air product. Joe Wilcox of Betanews commented: "There's no mistaking the design similarities to MacBook Air, which can't be accidental."
At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…" and, with a picture, "this is the product Samsung and Google are releasing, months after Samsung got dinged in a lawsuit for creating products that look too similar to things made by Apple" – a reference to the billion-dollar award made against Samsung for patent infringement against Apple iPhones and software.At the Wall Street Journal, its blogging team on the company's third-quarter results remarked "Google's new $249 Chromebook laptop reminds me of another prominent company's thin silver machines, but I can't quite put my finger on it…" and, with a picture, "this is the product Samsung and Google are releasing, months after Samsung got dinged in a lawsuit for creating products that look too similar to things made by Apple" – a reference to the billion-dollar award made against Samsung for patent infringement against Apple iPhones and software.
So far Chromebooks have had minimal impact on the PC market, partly because they do not run apps written for the dominant Windows platform and partly because they require constant connectivity to the internet to be useful. Google has not released any sales figures or cumulative user numbers.So far Chromebooks have had minimal impact on the PC market, partly because they do not run apps written for the dominant Windows platform and partly because they require constant connectivity to the internet to be useful. Google has not released any sales figures or cumulative user numbers.
Microsoft saw revenues and profits in its Windows division slump in the third quarter as consumers and businesses awaited the launch of new computers with Windows 8 built in next week. The PC market overall has also slowed down substantially while tablet sales have risen. Apple is expected to push that trend next week with the launch of a new, smaller iPad, while Microsoft has seen strong interest from consumers in its ARM-based "Surface" tablet, due to go on sale at the end of this month.Microsoft saw revenues and profits in its Windows division slump in the third quarter as consumers and businesses awaited the launch of new computers with Windows 8 built in next week. The PC market overall has also slowed down substantially while tablet sales have risen. Apple is expected to push that trend next week with the launch of a new, smaller iPad, while Microsoft has seen strong interest from consumers in its ARM-based "Surface" tablet, due to go on sale at the end of this month.