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Google Announces 'Chromebook' Laptops, No Word on Chrome-Based Tablets

As a beta tester, this works pretty nicely for what it's trying to be. It's not trying to be a computer as much as it's trying to be an internet device. For example, my aunt is old and used PocketMail for email until last year, now she goes to the library to send email and look stuff up. This is something I'm going to get her for her birthday, because it's exactly what she needs. She's not going to game or edit video.
 
Useless if it needs constant connection to Internet to use. Sounds like a beta product that somehow is making it to the production line. I don't see how a regular netbook in the same price range can't trump it. The instant-on thing being toted is ridiculous. It makes it sound like it's the only product out there that can do it.
 
ppc_michael said:
As a beta tester, this works pretty nicely for what it's trying to be. It's not trying to be a computer as much as it's trying to be an internet device. For example, my aunt is old and used PocketMail for email until last year, now she goes to the library to send email and look stuff up. This is something I'm going to get her for her birthday, because it's exactly what she needs. She's not going to game or edit video.
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Agree. I will also get this for relatives who don't want to shell out $600 for mac mini and I don't want to give them a windows pc. Even though it's limited, it's not a limit for majority of average users.
 
vincenz said:
Useless if it needs constant connection to Internet to use. Sounds like a beta product that somehow is making it to the production line. I don't see how a regular netbook in the same price range can't trump it. The instant-on thing being toted is ridiculous. It makes it sound like it's the only product out there that can do it.
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offline gmail, google docs, google calendar coming. so no constant internet connection is required.
 
celo48 said:
Can we say FAIL?
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No, we can't! I tested the CR48 and it was great for what it was, a secondary laptop! Most people who would buy this would because

1) They want a small cheap netbook.
2) They don't do anything but be on the internet.
3) They want something like the iPad, but with a physical keyboard. (I know I prefer physical keyboards)

Just because it isn't suited to your needs/wants doesn't make it a fail!
 
Show me one for $249 or less and I'll think about it.

Why would I spend $300-$500 on this when I can get a Netbook and have a "web OS" experience on it for $249?

For $500 I would recommend an iPad 2 over a Chromebook.
 
I find it amusing that suddenly everyone starts talking about preferring to buy a low $ netbook instead of the Chrome laptop (in spec terms that is) while they obviously don't have the same function.

Reminds me of those people that said that they'd prefer a netbook over an iPad…
 
transmaster said:
D.O.A.
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Although it seems overpriced and under-capable on the surface, it's interesting to see you suggesting this. If I could be bothered, I'd dig up some posts from when the iPad was introduced. I remember a large population on this forum suggesting similar :rolleyes:
 
putting everything aside, Google has the benefit of controlling the hardware their laptops use, thus making it possible to take better advantage of them... no?
 
You can get a Windows netbook, and install Chrome for free on it.

And you have something far more capable than Chromebook....
 
InsanelyApple said:
No, we can't! I tested the CR48 and it was great for what it was, a secondary laptop! Most people who would buy this would because

1) They want a small cheap netbook.
2) They don't do anything but be on the internet.
3) They want something like the iPad, but with a physical keyboard. (I know I prefer physical keyboards)

Just because it isn't suited to your needs/wants doesn't make it a fail!
Click to expand...

But how is this any different from a Windows netbook, with the Chrome browser installed on it? Am I missing something? And those netbooks can be bought for well below $400, being as price competitive, and more capable.
 
Get ready for a lawsuit, Google...

...when buyers discover their computers don't do jack without a web connection! This is going to be hilarious.
 
alent1234 said:
As a beta tester, these suck

I can buy a real laptop or tablet for $500 that doesn't need Internet access to work
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First of all, as a beta tester you got one for free. So what are you complaining about?
And secondly, there is a reason why its called BETA. Is it really hard to understand the definition of word BETA?
 
I actually think these will be a great option as a secondary notebook for college. I've always wanted a small option for a notebook that was cheaper than a Macbook Air. I also love that these are centered around cloud storage, which makes me feel like my work will be safer. I'll likely be getting one of these exclusively for college. It is a pretty niche product though I must say. About them not doing anything with web connection, the videos clearly state that apps will allow you to work on things in apps offline, and they'll sync to the cloud the next time you're connected.
 
I have the CR-48 and I can tell you that ChromeOS is very underwhelming. You want the Chrome OS experience? Turn your laptop on, open up Chrome, maximize the window, and close everything else. But don't save anything to your harddrive, you can't do that. That's exactly what it feels like. It's great for browsing the internet, but sucks for doing anything else. The only thing really going for it is the quick on/off and battery life. It needs some form of basic storage to really gain mass appeal.

At the very most, it should be $250 and below. Anymore than that and you'll feel ripped off.
 
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