Google Releases New $249 Chromebooks “For Everyone”

Google, and its sole remaining Chromebook laptop partner (now that Acer has dropped out), Samsung, have released a new line of Chromebooks starting at a very modest $249, touted as the perfect additional computer for families, easy to use and share: for kids doing homework on the couch, parents catching up on emails at the kitchen counter and grandparents staying connected on video chat, with no need to worry about security updates and and require no ongoing maintenance, borrowing Apple’s old “it just works” slogan.

With automatic updates, Chromebooks download security and software upgrades so you dont have to. Chromebooks have multiple layers of security to keep you safe from viruses and malware. Chromebooks feature an HD-capable screen, a full-sized chiclet keyboard, and a gesture supporting trackpad. The $249 Chromebook has an 11.6-inches 1366-by-768 display.

The new Chromebook is a one of the lightest laptops on the market at 2.5 pounds, a mere 0.8 inches thick, calimed to offer more than 6 hours of battery life for the typical user. And with 100 GB of free Cloud storage on Google Drive (you will have 100 GB of free storage for 2 years, starting on the date you redeem the offer on eligible Chrome devices), you can get to all of your stuff anytime, anywhere you have Internet access. The Chromebook boots up in less than 10 seconds and resumes instantly.

You can find a video demo here:
http://youtu.be/S95J5BowMmk

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, an operating system that has multiple layers of security, cloud storage, and the most popular Google products built-in. Chromebooks work with Google products and services like Search, Gmail, YouTube and Hangouts, and can be personalized with thousands more apps from the Chrome Web Store such as Google Play and Hangouts. With Chrome Instant, web pages that you frequently visit begin loading as soon as you start typing their URLs.

Chromebooks sync seamlessly with Android phones or tablets and other devices running the Chrome browser. Access your bookmarks, files and other settings everywhere. Multiple logins allow you to securely share your Chromebook. Each user gets their own personalized apps, settings and bookmarks when they log-in, and ith multi-user support, each person can access their own files, apps and settings. Guest Mode allows you to safely lend your Chromebook to others without giving them access to your personal information. Built-in security prevents accidental software installations, malware, or altered settings.

The basic Chromebook with an ARM based Samsung SoC starts at $249, but if you need more power and multi-tasking capability, the Samsung Chromebook 550 is also offered at $449 with Intel Core processor power, and 3G wireless connectiveity, with 12 free sessions of Gogo Inflight Internet.

Chromebook 550 Key Specifications

• Memory card slot
• USB port
• Kensington lock
• Power Gigabit Ethernet
• DisplayPort++/USB port Audio input / output
• 12.1″ (1280×800) display
• Weight 3.3 lbs / 1.48 kg
• Over 6 hours of battery life
• Intel Core processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 100 GB Google Drive Cloud Storage, with Solid State Drive
• Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Gigabit Ethernet, and 3G modem (opt)
• HD Camera
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)
• Kensington key lock compatible
• Notes:
• 1) Battery life may vary based on usage or other conditions.
• 2) 100 GB of free storage is valid for 2 years, starting on the date you redeem the Drive offer. Learn more
• 3) Includes 100 MB per month for 2 years of mobile broadband from Verizon Wireless, with flexible pricing plans for additional mobile broadband service.

For more information, visit:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/samsung-chromebook.html

Chromebook 550:
http://goo.gl/U60vf

Chromebook blog:
http://chrome.blogspot.ca/2012/10/the-new-chromebook-for-everyone.html