Google announces $249 Chromebook
updated 03:08 pm EDT, Thu October 18, 2012
ARM-based Samsung model to sport dual-core processor
Google announced today the latest version of its so-far-underperforming line of Chrome OS-powered Chromebooks, and in doing so significantly lowered the price for a Chrome device. The search giant unveiled a new 11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook in San Francisco, pricing it at $249. The new device will be available for pre-order today and will be available for purchase in physical retail locations next week.
The new Chromebook has a dual-core A15-based Samsung Exynos Dual Soc, 2GB RAM, 16GB of built-in flash storage, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth. Its matte display outputs at 1366x768. It's less than 0.8 inches thick and weighs less than 2.5 pounds. It has HDMI, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot and a SIM slot.
The new Chromebook will be packaged along with 100GB of free space on Google Drive. Google believes that its battery will get the average user through an average day, but has topped out the expected life at about 6.5 hours on a single charge.
Google says that the new Chromebooks will be available for pre-order starting today on Amazon, Best Buy, and Google's own Play Store. Electronista has taken a look at these retailers' websites, finding that their Chromebook listings do not yet reflect the new announcement. The devices are expected to be in physical locations next week.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: 09-17-10
I liked the video ad. I have 4 kids and a wife who uses Internet a lot, and I can see the appeal. However my kids already have iPad and iPods and Playbooks - they like the touch interface much more than a keyboard+touchpad or a mouse. In general I think that "consumption" devices do better with touch interface. Non-touch screens and keyboards will be left mostly for professional use... so I think that chromebooks do not have a future - you cannot use them professionally and they are not very good as consumption devices...