Google '​ChromeBooks'

Google reckons that 2011 will be the year of the Linux desktop (or something like that).  There are a couple of ChromeBooks on the cusp of release at quite reasonable price points. 

Will you buy a ChromeBook?

I'll kick the ball off by saying that I wouldn't buy anything that was 100% dependent on the internet  (due to poor connectivity) but I would be curious to try it out (especially if Google wanted to send me one to blog on - no harm in asking).

http://www.google.com/chromebook/features.html

"3G models include a free 100 MB per month of mobile data "

LOL!

While ChromeOS is an interesting concept, these "chromebooks" are way too expensive. An internet appliance like a chromebook would have to be under $200 for me to even consider buying one.

"3G models"... implies there are wi-fi only models, no?

Honestly I would be leary of using Google for everything.  They have shown in the past that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get all of your personal information and use it for anything that will make them a buck.  The Android phone I had was the absolute worst phone I have ever used.  It was unreliable and buggy.  Their products always feel half finished to me.  I don't care if they were giving away Chrome Books for free.  I still wouldn't use it.

I will only buy a Chromebook if they were cheaper (Like less than $200).

But I rather stick with an OS that is more than just a web browser.

It's funny how when a company gets big it starts doing stupid things.

This doesn't pass the bang-for-the-buck test. It's like it was built for those that hate Microsoft just to hate. I can't see much use outside of that camp that an ordinary netbook or cheap laptop can't perform for the same price or less.

You'd think they'd learn from the pricing of Android tablets being an issue with their adoption.

As soon as I receive mine, I'm going to try to crack it open to see if the SSD is replaceable to something with enough capacity to install a real OS. If not, it's off the 'Bay.

Of course, even if the SSD is replaceable, I'll have to see if I can get used to having the function keys not actually having numbers on them. I can already see that there's no key that corresponds to F12, since there are only 11 function keys.

@Ian2: IFF it has build-in app store that features install/remove/rating system.

8 hours ago, cbae wrote

As soon as I receive mine, I'm going to try to crack it open to see if the SSD is replaceable to something with enough capacity to install a real OS.

So why even bother?  Why not spend the same amount of money (or just a little more) and get a real computer that comes with a real OS.

22 minutes ago, Heywood_J wrote

*snip*

So why even bother?  Why not spend the same amount of money (or just a little more) and get a real computer that comes with a real OS.

The same amount of money would be $0.

10 minutes ago, cbae wrote

*snip*

The same amount of money would be $0.

you missed  (or just a little more) . If you get Win7 Home OEM + volumn "rebate", it is like 40 bucks anywya.

They might actually find a niche in the Enterprise with this, especially if their security is as good as they say.

All Windows Notebook or Netbook is also a Chromebook,

Interesting, just discovered this: http://connect.microsoft.com/site1223. which i am going to try on one of my old laptops.

Wonder if MS will consider a 'Windows Live' prototype device along the same lines as ChromeBook?

6 hours ago, Ian2 wrote

Interesting, just discovered this: http://connect.microsoft.com/site1223. which i am going to try on one of my old laptops.

 

Wonder if MS will consider a 'Windows Live' prototype device along the same lines as ChromeBook?

what ?  the link does not work, what is the name of the project?

can you post a working link ?

@figuerres:

ahhh found it

http://connect.microsoft.com/site1223/program6994

WIndows Thin PC

@figuerres:Thought that was for VDI/RDS solutions only?