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Google has introduced a new thin and light Chromebook model at a price point that may finally attract an audience outside of curious geeks with a bit of extra disposable income. The new Chromebook is priced at $249 (or $329 with 3G), and while you can argue that's what previous models should have been selling for all along (and we'd agree with that), it's not too late to make a splash, especially now that netbooks are nearly extinct and with Ultrabooks hovering at price points three and four times as high.
Of course, Chromebooks are different animals than netbooks, Ultrabooks, or even standard notebooks. These systems run Google's cloud-focused Chrome OS built around a lightweight Linux kernel. Because it's basically a browser masquerading as a full blown system, Chromebooks don't require cutting edge (and expensive) hardware.
To wit, the new $249 Chromebook, built by Samsung, boasts an 11.6-inch display with a 1366x768 resolution, Samsung Exynos 5 dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of solid state storage. These items are flanked by a single USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, 3W stereo speaker, built-in webcam, 3-in-1 memory card reader, and a 2-cell battery good for up to 6.5 hours of run time.
The system measures 11.4 inches by 8.09 inches by 0.69 inches and weighs 2.43 pounds. It boots in less than 10 seconds, resumes instantly, and comes with 100GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years, Google says.
You can pre-order the newest Chromebook now and it will ship next week.
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Comments are closed on this article
dedgar
October 22, 2012 at 8:40am
So after looking at the specs, there's no hard drive? Not even a small SSD?
Sorry, not on my purchase list.
tony2tonez
October 19, 2012 at 4:37pm
I would be interested in a barbone ultrabook where i could load ubuntu or linuxmint. Although i could probably scrape around for parts. I remember dell had ubuntu in netbook form. This sounds tempting but if it was at least a 13" screen.
This is like tablet specs with a keyboard.
bobla90042
October 19, 2012 at 12:27pm
If it has HDMI output, could it serve as a media hub for streaming movies, etc. from Netflix, etc?
flyup
October 19, 2012 at 12:09pm
Can you unpack and install linux apps on here? Is the 3G option unlimited data? Can you tether it? Let's get a full on review here!
limitbreaker
October 19, 2012 at 1:07pm
Getting unlimited data depends on your provider and not the device you use the Sim card on. He can't make a full review unless he has one on hand but I'm sure if you google it that you'll find one online.
flyup
October 19, 2012 at 6:48pm
So, I am paying $100 extra dollars for a sim card. That's foolish. And I think you're wrong. You can't be right.
abowlofsoda
October 19, 2012 at 10:54am
I am interested for the wifey she just needs an internet for Facebook and email but the price is still a little steep IMO. After tax and shipping i'm sure its going to be over $300.
I'd get her a Nexus7 tablet but she likes to have a keyboard.
Trooper_One
October 24, 2012 at 12:19pm
Why not just get an Atom based netbook. They're now EOL priced (I've seen as low as $189CDN) but still runs great for email and facebook.
miked6875
October 19, 2012 at 10:22am
I gave my original CR-48 to my mother and she just loves it.They do have a purpose.
limitbreaker
October 19, 2012 at 8:19am
It's a good thing Paul is here to keep maximum PC alive. :-) keep up the good work bro!
That chrome book looks good, I may just buy it for my mother.
