Chromebook : Googles OS powered Laptop

Google launches its new cloud based laptop series called 'Chromebook' powered with the Chrome OS [Operating System]. The models currently available are Samsung and Acer. Before we go into the hardware we will take a quick look at the Google Chrome OS. 


Chrome OS:
The Chrome OS is a very light Linux derivative fine tuned by Google into a very thin and light OS. So we have an extremely fast boot time of just 8.5 sec and an amazingly long battery life on a single charge. The entire GUI [Graphical User Interface] sits inside the Chrome browser. So we literary boot into the familiar browser from where we begin our chores. Google has integrated Google Apps and Market into Chrome so that we have thousands of applications to choose from. The OS updates automatically as and when needed so that we don't have to. Email , Doc and Calender are integrated into each account so when each user logs in he/she is greeted with the custom apps and settings. Google claims the OS to be highly secure and virus free. Since the data is on the cloud there is no loss of data even if the hardware crashes or if you loose your laptop.


Hardware:

As on date Chrome OS is offered on two brands i.e Samsung and Acer. Here are the specifications of the two:

Specifications

• 12.1" (1280x800) 300 nit Display
• Starting at 3.06 lbs / 1.38 kg ¹
• 6 – 8.5 hours of continuous usage ²
• Intel® Atom^TM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• Webcam ³
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• Mini-VGA port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

Specifications

• 11.6" HD Widescreen CineCrystal^TM LED-backlit LCD
• 3.19 lbs | 1.45 kg
• 6 hours of continuous usage ¹
• Intel® Atom^TM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam
• High-Definition Audio Support
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• HDMI port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

What do I feel about it ?

It is absolutely certain that the future is in the cloud and more and more applications are going to be online rather than offline. These days all our computers and smart devices are integrated and interconnected. So the Chrome OS is the first of the many good things to come on the cloud. For those who want a dedicated OS with the Windows/Mac like interface and all applications residing locally, stick with your existing OS. This OS [at this point] is definitely not for Graphic designers or high end 3D Gamer's. It is not intended to be so either.  The Chrome OS is ideally suited for business men on the go and for sales teams. People who primarily work on documents and emails will find this a very neat and light way to work. One can take it as a close cousin of the netbook and they even share their second name :) for that matter.

Is there a way of trying out the Chrome OS ?

That will be my next blog.