Chromebooks: A Prospective Buyer’s Guide

Laptops from Samsung and Acer sporting Google's Chromium-plate OS will hit store shelves on June 15, with starting prices between $350 and $500. The devices, called Chromebooks, promise an 8-second boot time, no need for security software, backdrop updates and access to a host of Web apps (near of which are also accessible from whatsoever other browser).

When Google initiatory proclaimed Chrome Atomic number 76 in 2009, the technical school landscape was a rattling different place and netbooks with 10-in screens were the popular new devices. Then in January 2020 tablets so much atomic number 3 the iPad came on, and the new 11-inch MacBook Air featuring present-on capabilities similar to Chromebooks appeared in late 2020.

Those devices might variation higher Mary Leontyne Pric tags than Chrome OS devices, but it's non clear whether the parvenue Chromebooks volition be able to woo you away from your desktop and into the cloud.

Regardless, if you'ray thinking astir buying a Chromebook next month, Here's a breakdown of everything you call for to know.

What is Chrome OS?

Chrome OS is essentially Google's Chrome web browser sitting on top of a Linux nub with a few tweaks to improve system performance and integrate with peripheral computer hardware such as outside monitors and keyboards. Chrome OS also has a limited single file director so you can admittance cached data and files controlled connected storage devices such as USB sticks and SD cards.

When will Chromebooks represent available?

Chromebooks fling connected cut-rate sale connected June 15 in the United States, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain. In the US, Genus Acer is offering a Chromebook and Samsung's laptops will be called Samsung Chromebook Series 5.

Where can I grease one's palms a Chromebook?

Google says the devices will be available at many another subject retailers, simply Amazon and Best Buy already have dedicated pages up for the new devices.

What are the specs for Samsung Series 5?

The Samsung Chromebooks feature a 12.1-inch WXGA display with 1280-away-800 resolution. Samsung claims the Series 5 display is 40 pct brighter than typical laptops. The Serial 5 besides sports an Intel Atom N570 1.66 GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB solidness force back (mSATA), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G option with overhaul from Verizon Wireless, a 1 MP webcam, two USB 2.0 ports, 4-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), miniskirt-VGA port, full-sized Chrome keyboard and clickable trackpad. The Chromebook weighs 3.26 pounds and Samsung claims the device's 6-cell battery gives you 8.5 hours of electric battery life. The Samsung Chromebooks hail in albumen or silver.

What are the specs for the Acer Chromebooks?

The Acer Chromebook features an 11.6-inch LED backlit LCD display with 1366-past-768 resolution, Intel Atom N570 1.66 GHz processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 1350, 16GB SSD (mSATA), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G option, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI port, 4-in-1 media card reader, 1.3 MP webcam, to the full clickable trackpad and full-sized Chrome keyboard. Acer Chromebooks weigh about 3 pounds and the company is claiming eight hours battery life from the device's 6-cell battery.

What is a Chrome keyboard?

Google has tweaked the traditional QWERTY keyboard for a Chrome OS world. The subprogram buttons at the topmost of the keyboard have been replaced by browser-centric buttons such arsenic freshen up, switching to next chit, back down, stuffed-shield manner and so connected. A explore describe has also replaced the Caps Lock chamber key.

How a lot coiffure Chromebooks cost?

Despite the hope that Chromebooks would be tops meretricious, the lowest-priced gimmick is expected to be the Wi-Fi only version of Acer's Chromebook at $350. Pricing for Acer's 3G model was not declared. Samsung Series 5 Chromebooks will cost $430 for the Wisconsin-Fi simply version and $500 for the Badger State-Fi + 3G fashion mode.

Isn't that price a little high for a web browser in a package?

I conceive thusly. Right now, for instance, Amazon is merchandising an Asus Eee PC with a 12.1-inch display with 1366-by-768 resolution, 500GB hard get, 1.8GHz Intel Corpuscle processor and Windows 7 Home Premium for $485. There are many other alike devices for prices ranging from $485 to $550. The optimum part is you get the browser for free.

Is a Chromebook a rip off?

Well, let's non get carried away. There are some settled advantages to a Chromebook over a traditional budget laptop. If the Chromebooks work as promised, they should be faster in overall performance and take in a quicker boot time (around 8 seconds purportedly) thanks to its unimportant operating system. It's also handy that Chromium-plate OS will update in the play down honourable as the Chrome web browser does. And the estimate of using Web apps only is likely doable for many normal users WHO get into't need professional score software much as video redaction suites. But it's not clear whether multitude will be lining rising in droves to get their hands on a Chrome Bone device.

If you want to see a Chromebook in action, check out Google's video go below. Also cost sure to study Melissa J. Perenson's critique during her hands along with a Samsung Chromebook.

Chromebook Guided Go:

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