Google
Chromebook: Windows, iPad Killer or Just one more Tablet
Long
awaited and announced Google Chromebook will hit stores (Best Buy) on June 15.
So what makes Chromebook different than other tablets?
So what
Google is betting on? Let's take a quick look at its features.
Chromebook
is powered by the Google Chrome browser and everything will be cloud-based
including your personal information, photos, videos and documents.
Boot Time
One of
the key issue with Windows PCs is they take too long to boot. Google's Chromebooks boot
in 8 seconds and resume instantly. You must be connected to the Internet all
the time. So, I would compare it with other tablets and iPad 2 could still be
the winner.
Battery Life
Next
key point is longer battery life. Chromebook can run all day without any
charging. That is a nice feature to have.
Cloud
Powered
Your apps, documents, and settings are stored safely
in the cloud. So even if you lose your computer, you can just log in to another
Chromebook and get right back to work.
Web
Apps
Every Chromebook runs millions of web apps, from games
to spreadsheets to photo editors. Thanks to the power of HTML5, many apps keep
working even in those rare moments when you're not connected. Visit the Chrome
Web Store to try the latest apps, or just type in a URL. No CDs required.
Share
with Friends and Family
Chromebooks are easy to share with family and friends.
They can log in to experience all of their own Chrome settings, apps, and
extensions, or use Guest Mode to browse privately. Either way, no one else using
your Chromebook will have access to your email and personal data.
Hardware-backed
security
Chromebooks run the first consumer operating system
designed from the ground up to defend against the ongoing threat of malware and
viruses. They employ the principle of "defense in depth" to provide
multiple layers of protection, including sandboxing, data encryption, and
verified boot.
So far, Acer and Samsung are two companies that are
building Chromebooks. It comes with Wi-fi and priced at $349 and $429 respectively.
I am sure there will be additional charges for the services and subscriptions.
The Verdict
Personally,
I do not like Google products. They are so crappy by design. Look at Gmail.
Look at Google Talk or any other product. I hope they are doing better job design
wise with this product, otherwise it will be hard to complete with iPad2 and other nicer tablets
out there.
I am also not sure about Acer and Samsung. I have never really used any of these two manufacturers. If it was Sony, I would probably go for it.
Cheers!