Cr-48

Lack of offline still hobbles Chrome OS

If you like living your digital life in the browser, then the Chrome OS (review) could be a clanging clarion siren that's hard to resist. It's fast, geared for an Internet tether yet able function on its own, and it's a bold step into the future of how operating systems work. The Chrome OS will be available to the public on June 15, and Google and Samsung gave CNET an early look at the coming Samsung Chromebook.

While only CNET's New York office received a review model early, the operating system constantly updates and so the … Read more

Google surprises GDC attendees with free notebooks

SAN FRANCISCO--As is often the case during most large conferences, swagis given out to attendees. This year's Game Developers Conference was no exception, though those who managed to sit in on one of Google's two sessions on Chrome ended up walking out with something more than a free GDC tote bag--they got a laptop.

Following the sessions, Google handed developers blue cards saying they could exchange it at the end of the day for a "surprise gift from Google." What that ended up being was a Cr-48, the reference design hardware that houses Chrome OS, … Read more

Chrome Cr-48, black MacBook: Separated at birth?

The all-black Cr-48 that Google is shipping to the first members of its Chrome OS notebook pilot project looked awfully familiar to us when it showed up at our office.

Software aside, after putting it side by side with a black MacBook that Apple shipped in 2007 we had in house, it dawned on us why: the two are practically twins. Not identical, but at least fraternal. The overall look is shockingly similar to Apple's now-extinct machine: from the color to the chiclet keyboard to the hinge, size, trackpad, even to the indentation in the place where you lift … Read more

Friday Poll: What else should Google Cr-48 have?

This week, Google demoed a Chrome OS laptop, the Cr-48 (or Chromebook, as some are calling it). At the moment, it's a generic-looking black box meant for testing and development and not a product you'll be seeing on Best Buy shelves.

But that doesn't mean it won't make it onto your desk or into your backpack one day, and gadgeteers are already putting the 12.1-inch, Atom-powered prototype through its paces and sharing early impressions of its hardware and software.

CNET's Seth Rosenblatt, for example, calls the Cr-48 a major step forward for cloud computing, … Read more

Chrome OS puts the cloud in your hands

Google unleashed the Chrome OS on the world today, shipping it in a limited-edition prototype laptop outfitted with the kind of hardware and specs that it expects manufacturers to use with the browser-based operating system. Chrome OS represents a major step forward for cloud computing, with single-serving Web sites getting rebranded as easy-access apps and the nascent HTML5 underpinning the whole show.

It's far from perfect, though. Not all of Chrome-the-browser's extensions run on Chrome-the-OS, and although it boots and wakes fast, it lags in other areas. At the end of the day, it's a souped-up Netbook, … Read more

The 404 725: Where everybody calls in sick (podcast)

With Jeff too sick to come in this morning, Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein from CNET's Digital City Podcast jump into the studio with me to record today's show.

And don't worry, this will NOT be a repeat of the infamous "Cheese Stands Alone" episode, so big thanks to Dan and Scott for coming to my rescue!

We spoke briefly about Google Chrome OS on yesterday's show, but I'd be a dummy not to ask two of our laptop editors about it while I have a chance.

At Tuesday's Chrome OS launch event, Google unveiled the Cr-48 Chrome Netbook that has a 12.1-inch display, a full-size keyboard, embedded 3G access and 802.11n Wi-Fi, an SSD, and a battery rated to eight hours of continuous use, and more than eight days of standby time.

The laptop won't be available to purchase until the final one rolls out at the end of next year, but Google's Chrome pilot program gives anyone the chance to be a beta tester for the hardware and software.

To apply, start by filling out this form, but hurry because quantities are limited and some lucky geeks already received theirs today!

Speaking of laptops, Dan brings in the Dell Inspiron Duo for show and tell. The creative design marries the traditional folding clamshell laptop computer with a hinge in the middle of the lid that flips the screen 180 degrees, transforming the device into a tablet PC.

You can also purchase an optional speaker dock for higher-quality media playback, and we like that there's a built-in Web cam for video chats, but it's built into part of the screen bezel so it disappears when the display is flipped into tablet mode- doh!

A good portion of the show is also dedicated to a prototype of a new prosthetic arm shaped like a tentacle, but you'll have to tune in to get the full story.

Thanks again to Scott and Dan for coming in this morning, and send your best wishes to Jeff for a quick recovery! Seriously, the show can't go on without at least 2/3 hosts!

Episode 725 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

My Google Cr-48 has arrived: First impressions

My Google Chromebook landed via FedEx just about an hour ago. Naturally, I couldn't resist firing that puppy up.

Now this isn't a full-blown review, but immediate impressions of what I liked and areas that are going to take some work to get used to. The ultimate judge of this thing will be to my 7-year-old daughter. To her, the browser is the operating system.

Bottom line: For a long-time PC and Mac user, the Chromebook is almost too simple.

Read my full stream-of-consciousness review of the Cr-48 on ZDNet's Between the Lines.

Google Cr-48 Chrome hardware pilot program: 'Not for the faint of heart'

Want to get your hands on one of those Chrome OS laptops demoed by Google today at the Chrome OS launch event? Admittedly, the first glimpse at a Chrome OS laptop wasn't exactly visually inspiring, but that's because it was a deliberately generic-looking black box for testing and development, not a final retail product targeted to store shelves. But while this system, code-named Cr-48, won't be available on Amazon or in Best Buy, that doesn't mean it'll be impossible to get.

Google's Chrome pilot program invites Web surfers to sign up as essentially beta … Read more