Google Chromebook Announcement from Samsung at Google I/O
At the 2011 Google I/O, the Samsung Chromebooks were announced. They are essentially netbooks, optimized to run the Chrome operating system through the Chrome browser. I have a WiFi version (rather than the 3G version), which retails for $430. Although the box shows a white Chromebook, I ordered the Titanium Silver Series 5 with 12.1 inch screen.
Titanium Silver Series 5 Chromebook took cues from MacBook
In the box, in addition to the Chromebook, is the power adapter and Video adapter (VGA to a proprietary port). The battery is not user-replaceable. Although I’m a MacBook user, I am not a fan of the apple glossy screen, so it’s nice to see the matte screen on this Chromebook. Like the MacBook, the Chromebook keyboard looks a lot like Macbook keyboards, although being plastic, not metal, there is noticeable minor flex. Like the MacBook Air, the Chromebook power button is part of the keyboard.
Other Key Chromebook Features
Since this computer is designed also as a netbook competitor, it bears note that the Chromebook has an above-average sized track pad, especially comparing to netbooks. There is a multicard reader up front, yet, most ports are on the left side (headphone, microphone, usb, power) with only USB and a SIM card slot for the 3G model on the right side.
First Boot-Up of the Series 5 Chromebook
Althought the instructions say I can get things started straight out of the box, they neglect to say the Chromebook doesn’t not come precharged and needs to be plugged in. No problem. The orange Indicator light next to the power port on the left side comes on right away, indicating the netbook is not yet charged. 18 seconds later, it has booted up to a welcome screen. A little over 20 minutes later, I was ready to browse.
The reason for the delay?
Part of the boot up process was the “Check for Updates”. That process took 20 minutes on my 20 Mb line.
First Look at the Series 5 Chromebook
Since this netbook computer operating system is essentially just a Chrome browser, it only works applications that work on Chrome. The Chrome App store is easy to get to and the Angry Bird app I downloaded worked immediately and nicely and the speakers seemed adequate.
Series 5 Chromebook In Sum
If you can get by just using a lot of google apps and logging everything in through google, this might be a budget idea for you. This company who got a lot of press claiming to do no evil will have a lot of your information if you use the Chromebook because you’ll be browsing, working documents, and communicating through Google systems. It certainly is easy to set up and get to work on. Also the Chromebook switches on and off easily and you can get to work (or play or browse) very quickly.
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