Google reboots Chromebook line with new Samsung offerings
updated 07:10 pm EDT, Tue May 29, 2012
Chrome-powered computing in desktop and notebook models
Seemingly undeterred by the lackluster sales of its prior efforts, Google has launched once more into the computing sphere, announcing a refresh of its Chrome OS computer line. The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 is an updated Chrome-powered notebook, while the Samsung Chromebox is a small form-factor desktop machine reminiscent of Apple's Mac mini.
The Chromebook has a number of advantages over its previous iteration, chiefly a significant upgrade in memory. The Series 5 550 sports 4GB of RAM, as well as 16GB SSD internal storage. The new Chromebook will come with a dual-core Intel Celeron processor running at 1.3GHz.
The Chromebox was previously leaked in a TigerDirect promotional video last week, and appears to sport the same specifications revealed in the leak. The Chromebox comes with a 1.9GHz, dual-core Celeron B840 processor, 4GB of memory, and a 16GB solid-state drive
Pricing for the Chromebook starts at $450 for a Wi-Fi model and ranges up to $550 for a 3G-enabled model. The Chromebox is available for $330. The Chrome-powered computers are available for purchase through Amazon and NewEgg, but Google has announced that national retailer Best Buy will also carry Chromebooks and Chromeboxes in the coming months.
