Looks neat but is it effective for serious blogging?
Have you heard of the Chromebook by Google? For those that haven’t been reading their tech-folder in Google Reader it’s one of the newest notebook and laptop options 0ut there for the truly mobile user.
The question is whether or not it’s worth it’s salt as a dedicated blogger’s device? After a cursory look at the two manufacturer options (Samsung and Acer currently) doesn’t appear to be too much of an update from the Cr-48 Prototype that was released last year. I tested one of the CR-48 (here’s my review) and ended up feeling like it wasn’t going to fit the bill.
In any case, here are some of the general things that I noted about the options of the new release:
Samsung's version.
It appears that both Samsung and Acer have the same major internal hardware, such as motherboard, chipset, and CPU system (1.66 GHz dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor). This is actually an update from the CR-48 which was an Atom N455 unit which had, among other things, half of the L2 Cache (512 vs 2 x 512KB) which could make the newer systems considerably faster.
The Samsung provides additional visual screen real-estate while bulking up .07lbs (.03kg). Samsung also appears to offer a Mini-DVI support while Acer has a HDMI out. High definition audio for Acer at the cost of a lower battery life (6 hrs compared to Samsung’s 8.5hrs of continuous usage).
It would seem that the give-and-takes are definitely there, right?
Acer
What Would You Choose?
If I had a choice and had an additional few dollars to spend I’d probably pick the Samsung over the Acer simply because I want more screen space, a little more battery life, and I’m not too concerned about just having a Mini-VGA instead of a preferred HDMI since I can’t imagine I’m going to be hooking it up to a flatscreen.
Typically the keyboard is the most important part for me but it doesn’t appear to be significantly different than my robust tests with the Prototype CR-48.
Take a visual look:
Acer's Keyboard
and…
Samsung's Keyboard
Nothing too radical, right?
In terms of the actual WIFI options you have a few and I’d personally choose one of the 3G models so that I can stay completely mobile wherever I was.
Expect to pay $60-$80 dollars more for the 3G versions. It’s interesting to note that these minibooks or netbooks are more expensive than their larger counterparts. Never understood that completely but it is what it is.
Where to Buy?
There are a few places to buy (the only currently):
I’m sure there will be other options soon enough!
My Bottom Line:
Will I be purchasing one of the new Google Chromebooks? That’s easy: Yes. I will spend a few dollars and have one to tote around.
But, will I actually use it for blogging? That’s easy too: No. I simply don’t see enough difference between these consumer-ready versions than the CR-48 which I tested extensively (again, read my review here). I just don’t think it’ll be viable for a serious blogger that needs the robust toolsets and apps to be effective.
And I love my Macbook Air far too much to even consider giving any other device the distinct privilege to publish my content. Yes, I’m that insanely in love with it.
Of course, the casual blogger who might be spending more time with just text and little media (image editing, etc) could find great favor with this device but might hit snags if they try to do more.
What about you? Love your thoughts!
A Few Overview Videos:
If you’re bored here are a few overview videos for your viewing pleasure:
Instant Web:
[tentblogger-youtube akZ7huEkFRQ]
Always Connected:
[tentblogger-youtube TM9CpTsIfMk]
Universal Sync:
[tentblogger-youtube Q3tQnm1dfeM]
Web Apps:
[tentblogger-youtube Fc-WpGvBkLo]
Auto-Updates:
[tentblogger-youtube nBHmtdvj7iA]
Security:
[tentblogger-youtube U1bzZRxesoQ]
So – you’re going to buy one, but you’re not going to use it for blogging? Since you don’t feel that it’s viable for the serious blogger (which is you), what do you think you’ll use it for?
honestly, email.
That’s what iPads are for!
hahahahahha
I love my CR-48 and Chrome OS… is it perfect? No, but it does what I need 90% of the time.
Personally I think Google made a mistake pricing the Chromebooks to high.
i think you’re right. it might miss a major market segment.
I think the price has to hit $250 (with same hardware) before this is even on the scale of viability for anyone, for any purpose… Let’s not forget that you need YET ANOTHER Internet monthly payment to make YET ANOTHER device work online… It’s gotten out of hand. For the price of this device, you could have a full power laptop.
mike,
i think you’re right. it’s expensive… all those recurring costs!
Great write up, but I definitely won’t be buying one. I have a MacBook Pro, iPad2, and an iPhone4, I would never ever …ever use that chromebook, ever. I think it’s a bit overpriced and underpowered but it could lead to other interesting launches. I just could see myself enjoying it for some functions, but I would still feel the need to take my laptop to fill that 10% gap of what it can’t do.
you’re right. it could be a tough purchase. i’ve been looking for a backup system with my mbair and was thinking about getting another 11″… but… might do this since it’s a cheaper route.
Wow, John your pushing two plus posts a day now. Amazing!
this is true…
I know that comment wasn’t about the notebooks. Just observing and learning.
yeah. for sure. i’ll discuss this change in a post already queued up.
you, sir, are very observant.
As someone who has always used a real notebook (MacBook or PowerBook for those keeping score), I can’t imagine not having local drives and access to files. I use SugarSync so my important files are “in the cloud” already, and 95% off the programs I have on my computer I can get from the web.
I’m just a “play it safe” kind of person I guess. If there is no web and the 3G (or 4G, etc) isn’t working, what then? I’d feel stuck. My two cents.
you’re right… this would have to be for someone completely comfortable with cloud computing (as i am).
You really think one of those will replace your Macbook Air?
What happens when the internet is out? Gonna work in offline mode?
oh no, i think you misread… i LOVE my macbook air… i don’t think it’ll ever be replaced!
I was just reading an article on Lifehacker the other day, if you wanted to really explore, it doesn’t look like there is much holding you back from installing a bootable partition on your Macbook Air of Chrome OS.
that’s true.. but it’s still an “air” to me.
It looks cool, but definitely priced high for the feature set.
I got a MacBookPro in April.
I want to be buried with it.
this made me LOL… yes. me too.
Glad I could provide some comic relief!
I also “LOL’d” at that comment Chris. Awesome, pure awesome.
i know, right?
I haven’t heard too many people who think these will be around for the long haul. But then again, I heard people say that a lot about the iPad at first. Maybe I can set a goal of getting one when/if I ever make a profit with my blog
that’s true. some people doubted the ipad…
i think there’s a place for a solid netbook still.
I’m not sure I’d ever be able to use one of these. I need graphics power. Lots and lots of graphics power. I’m saving up for a MacBook Pro… it’s a disgrace for a designer to be working off of a Dell laptop. =/
ah yes… if you need the power then no way on the chromebook.
I have to agree with other on this post: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad2 and even an iPhone – they all kill all the GoogleBooks… And many, many other models… Sorry!
Maybe this helps:
Stop! In the name of love… Before you break my heart…
Lol
………
do they have any software installed other than the web browser?
not really.