Betanews.com user PC_Tool had the following questions regarding their review of Google’s Chrome Laptop, "'Where is Works?!? Where are the MSN and Yahoo! messengers? What? You cannot even install them???!? Where's my Windows Live Mail client? Why can't I find anything on this thing?!?!' Yeah. The average consumer? Doesn't handle frustration well" (Wilcox, 2010).
Google has started a pilot program for users to test their new Chrome laptop which is expected to be released during the second half of 2011. This may sound like incredible news to some, but this is not your everyday laptop. So, what is different you may ask? Well this laptop runs exclusively using a home wireless network or Verizon’s 3G network, and all of the applications are accessed via the web browser. With a Chrome laptop, users no longer install software locally using a CD or DVD, but instead access and install applications using the Chrome Webstore. A cool feature of these applications is users can access their files anywhere, because they are stored in the cloud or Internet. Another great feature is users get 100 Mb of data transfer free using Verizon’s 3G network.
Google’s laptop has great features and all, but what type of user does this system benefit? This laptop is perfect for an average user who does nothing more than instant messaging, social networking, emailing, or casual surfing. It is also a good laptop for software engineers who are looking to break into a new market by creating applications for Google's Chrome operating system. This laptop is, however, not good for any users of graphically intensive software like games or video editing.
I personally have applied to become a member of the Google Chrome Pilot program because I believe a laptop like this will be great for long vacations and also because I enjoy new technology. If you would like to become a tester, or just want more information, please visit http://www.google.com/chromeos/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en_us-ha-na-us-sk-launch&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=chrome%20pilot%20program.
References
Wilcox, J. (2010, December 12). Who really needs a chrome os laptop?. Retrieved from http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Who-really-needs-a-Chrome-OS-laptop/1292189689
3 comments:
Tom,
I'll be interested to see how accepting the average user will be of having their files stored in the "cloud". I recognize the advantages of being able to access your files from anywhere, but I imagine there might be an inherent fear that others may be able to access them as well. Even if the files are fully secured, the average user may have doubts. Google's biggest hurdle may be that misperception.
Tom,
I'm not sure what the projected cost is for this laptop, but I wonder if the target market will be able to affort this laptop as well as another device. When the budget is tight and you need a device that offers more applications, this may force some out of the market for this product.
Chris, I was curious about the same issue when reading Toms blog. I found some information about chrome security on at this link.
http://www.google.com/chromeos/features-security.html
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