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Google Announces 'Chromebook' Laptops, No Word on Chrome-Based Tablets
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Notebook, netbook, PowerBook, iBook, ToughBook, Lifebook... What's wrong with another notebook having the "book" moniker?
Schizoid said:
Notebook, netbook, PowerBook, iBook, ToughBook, Lifebook... What's wrong with another notebook having the "book" moniker?
The iPad hasn't killed the netbook. The more I use my iPad the more I see its limitations. It is becoming more and more a toy everyday at my house which is not good.
Oh may be you didn't get the invite.
Google, a big competitor to Apple, releases ChromeOS based on the open-source Webkit browser.
Google releases chromebooks which are very similar in form and function to macbooks.
Google releases chromebox which just looks like an ugly form of MacMini.
It's not about a single moniker. It's about a series of developments at google, highly inspired by Apple products and Services.
Exactly. Some people on this site really need to remove their Apple branded blinders. It's not like Apple invented the Xbook notation or anything. These things have been called notebook computers in forever.
Next thing you know, someone will go and claim Apple created Webkit and thus Google is taking Apple's creation for Chrome. You'd have to really be ignorant of Webkit's history to do that.
Exactly. Some people on this site really need to remove their Apple branded blinders. It's not like Apple invented the Xbook notation or anything. These things have been called notebook computers in forever.
Next thing you know, someone will go and claim Apple created Webkit and thus Google is taking Apple's creation for Chrome. You'd have to really be ignorant of Webkit's history to do that.
Ah well, reply to the right comment, eh?
Everyone's aware of Webkit and Google is only a participant not the creator; nor is Apple in that regard. But if you think webkit is just a step up to KDE project's KHtml, then you're the one who's blinded.
Surely, you read and ignored my comment but its not that every company names products based on Apple's but the developments at Google that happened yesterday are a clear jab at Apple's mac line of products.
And If you cannot see that, I guess you are wearing those nice Google branded blinders.
Exactly. Some people on this site really need to remove their Apple branded blinders. It's not like Apple invented the Xbook notation or anything. These things have been called notebook computers in forever.
Next thing you know, someone will go and claim Apple created Webkit and thus Google is taking Apple's creation for Chrome. You'd have to really be ignorant of Webkit's history to do that.
So there's no other name to use for a laptop other than something involving 'book' ...
Sure there are other names, but there's nothing wrong with using "SomethingBook" either. Apple does it. Panasonic does it. Fujitsu does it. HP does it. And guess what ? Now Google does it. It's not like this is some super Apple exclusive notation or anything and now evil Google just stole it. It's industry modus operandi for laptops.
Saying Google is copying Apple here would be like saying Google isn't as involved as Apple in webkit, that Apple is the gatekeeper to Webkit, even though Google overtook Apple in source commits last year : http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/06/google-apple-webkit/.
And that somehow Webkit isn't all that related to KHTML at all and that KHTML wasn't really an advanced rendering engine when Apple forked it so the situation with Google using Webkit is evil, but Apple using KHTML was just fine and dandy.
But then again, I must be a Google fanboy because I'm not siding 100% behind Apple and bashing this ChromeOS notebook thing, even though I don't own a single product with Google software on it and only ever use their search engine and Gmail.
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Google's various announcements in that I/O just fail dramatically to induce any kind of excitement on me.
The problem is that Google as a company is less driven by innovation than by the need to keep their core revenue source (ads) growing. Therefore, there is nothing in the products they offer that adds anything new to what is already available to consumers. The only advantage they provide is cheap prices (Android devices) which is definitely something but not much of a contribution in shaping the technologies of the future.
It's a pity because they have the resources to do much better, if only they were consumer-centric rather than Google-centric.
The problem is that Google as a company is less driven by innovation than by the need to keep their core revenue source (ads) growing. Therefore, there is nothing in the products they offer that adds anything new to what is already available to consumers. The only advantage they provide is cheap prices (Android devices) which is definitely something but not much of a contribution in shaping the technologies of the future.
It's a pity because they have the resources to do much better, if only they were consumer-centric rather than Google-centric.
100% agree. For what the "chromebook" is, it is fine, but they missed the price point by about $100.
When your main revenue is ADVERTISING, what's the motivation to do anything exciting? Everything you make is the handmaiden of ads. It's all about motivation. Google's motivation isn't to delight or excite the consumer. Which is why Apple stands out from the rest.
Posted from my iPad 2.
I'm actually interested in these chromebooks. As a student, I wouldn't mind leaving my iMac or MacBook at home and just having a chromebook on campus. Take notes on it, do the occasional BlackBoard assignment, shut it off, hop in my car, drive home, and get back on my iMac/MacBook.
No sir, that's not a problem at all. I think ChromeOS is a wonderful solution. At first it sounds that Google is trying to mint on someone else's hard work, but Google in my opinion is way ahead of Apple in WebnKit development.
Even Mac OS X/Windows incorporates tonnes of open-source components and there's nothing bad.
But you are not trying to understand my point.
As far as I understand, Macbook is a very popular name. More popular than mac or mac os x. The product macbook is highly renowned and has a very good reputation in the market. Launching a new product with a similar name does symbolize - not copying exactly; but more of me-too kind of stuff. You get more advantage from the market if you market your names in a similar way. Not that the iPad has done really good, companies are coming up with ViewPad, LePad, TouchPad and so on...
[just look at the chrome webstore layout and you would know]
+ Google has been on a spree recently in supporting companies, copying Apple products. From Android smartphones to tablets and now these chromebooks; its quite evident in my view, but if you don't think that's a valid argument, then I don't have an issue.
I am happy to stay blind.
Google Changes Everything
Google causes a huge outpouring of worry, criticism, and hate from the Mac community... Fascinating
Google causes a huge outpouring of worry, criticism, and hate from the Mac community... Fascinating
At Google forums, people bash Apple.
At Apple forums, people bash Google.
Can't we all get along and all just agree that we all hate Microsoft?
At Apple forums, people bash Google.
Can't we all get along and all just agree that we all hate Microsoft?
So I skimmed thru the posts, very rapidly... but I noticed one thing right off the bat... MOST FOLKS ARE JUST PLAIN WRONG!
And then what do they do... they spread their misinformation around like it's from the bible.
Look folks, these are NOT just online machines. I mean that's a fact. There you go. /theEnd
First off... they are not just WIFI... you get 2 free years of 3g service when you get one (granted it's only 100mb/month)... but then it's something like $10/GB after that... or you can buy a day pass... for $9.99 for unlimited data for 24 hours.
Also, it's not like when you hit the power button the computer checks to see if it's on wifi, and if not, flashes "Screw off.. you're not on wifi.. I'm not booting up... goodbye" at you.... that's just a fallacy.
LOTS of programs right out of the gate are offline compatible... google docs, gmail, tons of apps on the google app market (or whatever it's called for now, pending apple's retarded lawsuit)...
So you work like a normal laptop, the second it picks up wifi things are then transferred to the cloud. If you ruin the laptop, do whatever, it's all on the cloud. Pluses and minuses to this, I agree... but that's how it is.
Then there's the price.... lets be real here... where else can you pay $332 (or $240) per year, to get all updates free (programs and OS), warranty, support... and here's the kicker... FREE HARDWARE UPDATES... yes, when samsung or acer release their new chromebook, you get it. Free. Just keep paying your monthly fee.
Now, it's $20/month for students or $28/month for business (I own my own web design/web consulting company... so I fall under this category)...
I mean, is it the best idea ever... no. Will I get one, probably, I'm a nerd like that. I certainly won't be replacing my dual SSD macbook pro anytime soon (or ever) with it... and hell I probably won't replace the iPad with it either... but I'm sure I can find a way to use it for my business... probably bring it to meetings etc. with clients... that way if they don't have wifi it's not a big deal, I have 3G access with it.... but $28/month is what... 90-something cents a freaking day... I think I can handle that... and for nothing else, the HARDWARE upgrades.
I honestly think they are not really caring much about the normal consumer with this product... they are aiming it at students and businesses... that much is rather clear.
I think this product will take over and own the netbook arena after too long... is that a good niche to own... only time will tell... but these "netbooks" will work, and work rather well.
I don't think they are in ANY competition with apple with this product at all. Somebody mentioned the macbook air... seriously? C'mon.. that's 3x as expensive and is outdated every single year, and you have to buy your new OS's and new machines when new ones come out... yeah it's a better machine, and will last longer for sure... but still... 3x as expensive. $1000 is a LOT for a college kid sometimes... but $240.... that's just a few nights skipping the bar.
Now, lets be fair... their are catches.
3-year subscription contract... and you need a minimum of 10 for business or education... so this obviously isn't for everybody... but for a business or a school... this will save them TONS of money in updates/maintenance/warranty/support/management.... as all that stuff is included.
I also must say, I'm rather biased... I work on the web all day long, and I specialize in SEO... so google and me are like buddy buddy haha.... but I do enjoy their stuff a lot... although I have all macs and an iPhone... I do keep an open mind on things.
And then what do they do... they spread their misinformation around like it's from the bible.
Look folks, these are NOT just online machines. I mean that's a fact. There you go. /theEnd
First off... they are not just WIFI... you get 2 free years of 3g service when you get one (granted it's only 100mb/month)... but then it's something like $10/GB after that... or you can buy a day pass... for $9.99 for unlimited data for 24 hours.
Also, it's not like when you hit the power button the computer checks to see if it's on wifi, and if not, flashes "Screw off.. you're not on wifi.. I'm not booting up... goodbye" at you.... that's just a fallacy.
LOTS of programs right out of the gate are offline compatible... google docs, gmail, tons of apps on the google app market (or whatever it's called for now, pending apple's retarded lawsuit)...
So you work like a normal laptop, the second it picks up wifi things are then transferred to the cloud. If you ruin the laptop, do whatever, it's all on the cloud. Pluses and minuses to this, I agree... but that's how it is.
Then there's the price.... lets be real here... where else can you pay $332 (or $240) per year, to get all updates free (programs and OS), warranty, support... and here's the kicker... FREE HARDWARE UPDATES... yes, when samsung or acer release their new chromebook, you get it. Free. Just keep paying your monthly fee.
Now, it's $20/month for students or $28/month for business (I own my own web design/web consulting company... so I fall under this category)...
I mean, is it the best idea ever... no. Will I get one, probably, I'm a nerd like that. I certainly won't be replacing my dual SSD macbook pro anytime soon (or ever) with it... and hell I probably won't replace the iPad with it either... but I'm sure I can find a way to use it for my business... probably bring it to meetings etc. with clients... that way if they don't have wifi it's not a big deal, I have 3G access with it.... but $28/month is what... 90-something cents a freaking day... I think I can handle that... and for nothing else, the HARDWARE upgrades.
I honestly think they are not really caring much about the normal consumer with this product... they are aiming it at students and businesses... that much is rather clear.
I think this product will take over and own the netbook arena after too long... is that a good niche to own... only time will tell... but these "netbooks" will work, and work rather well.
I don't think they are in ANY competition with apple with this product at all. Somebody mentioned the macbook air... seriously? C'mon.. that's 3x as expensive and is outdated every single year, and you have to buy your new OS's and new machines when new ones come out... yeah it's a better machine, and will last longer for sure... but still... 3x as expensive. $1000 is a LOT for a college kid sometimes... but $240.... that's just a few nights skipping the bar.
Now, lets be fair... their are catches.
3-year subscription contract... and you need a minimum of 10 for business or education... so this obviously isn't for everybody... but for a business or a school... this will save them TONS of money in updates/maintenance/warranty/support/management.... as all that stuff is included.
I also must say, I'm rather biased... I work on the web all day long, and I specialize in SEO... so google and me are like buddy buddy haha.... but I do enjoy their stuff a lot... although I have all macs and an iPhone... I do keep an open mind on things.
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Lets not forget, these things are FULLY jailbreakable... for lack of a better term. Literally, there is like a "switch" and you get full access to install/do whatever you want... and another good note... THEY ARE NOT SIM locked... you can freely swap around.
Just some plus sides... google is HIGHLY stressing the ability to "jailbreak" them.... and they encourage it.
Just some plus sides... google is HIGHLY stressing the ability to "jailbreak" them.... and they encourage it.