The newest computer from Google, the Chromebook, was just released. The Chromebook is a newer type of laptop that is entirely based off of the Google Chrome OS and its apps. The Chrome book might seem like a hybrid between a MacBook Air and a notebook at first glance. It features an 11.6” screen and weighs in at only 2.5 lbs. the price is as small as its size, just $249.
Chromebook makers are reaching out to a underserved area of technological needs. The Chromebook is designed to be quick and small like a tablet, retain greater power and speed than a notebook, but still offer what most Tablets lack: a keyboard. Tablets work great for on the go web surfing and general mobile use but for homework or other things involving a lot of writing its still nice to have a keyboard. The Chromebook offers just that, all the speed and convenience of a tablet without loosing the keyboard.
The Surface, which comes with a keyboard cover would be a competitor, however the cheapest version with keyboard included is more than twice the price of the Chromebook. For users who seek a cheap mobile platform for homework and correspondence, this computer is a great companion.
The only foreseeable downside to the Chromebook is its need for the internet. Although its operating system does have many offline abilities, it is a cloud computing device and for many processes relies on an internet connection. For most potential buyers that’s not a problem and Google is counting on it.
Google is planning on a large advertising campaign and is so confident in its new product that the senior vice president of the product said, “i”It’s the best computer that’s ever been designed at this price point,”. At the very least it is for the moment a fairly unique product on the market.