Right now I totally agree with the google philosophy in that most of what I do is on the web. Indeed it is only when I DO NOT have an internet connection do I realise how useless my computer is.
The only things I do off the web include: write documents, watch videos and listen to music. All three of which are simple enough that they could be done within any simple OS.
However, the problem I envision is that the Google Chrome OS will need to be able to allow choice. While google does not pro-actively restrict other browsers or apps, it would be unfortunate if say openoffice could not be installed on their Google Chrome OS.
On the other hand what they envision is a highly streamlined OS. This may mean that a lot of apps that are potentially buggy or malware ridden would not be easily installable. So, they would either have to implement some sort of vetting process (i.e. what Apple do with iPhone apps) or simply create a water-tight os and allow developers to create their own apps (i.e. what google already do with Android).
Speaking of Android, while they have given justification for why they have created a new OS (in addition to Android), it is still unclear how this will be any different.
In any case I am looking forward to trying out Google OS!!! Although I do wish they would port Google Chrome to Ubuntu first!
A major factor no-one seems to have mentioned is that when XP came out, many companies (and workers) were starting to use computers FOR THE first time as a staple in the office. XP is what a lot of people have really grown up with. Therefore, it is a different ball game altogether to merely upgrade.
I'm so much happier with my Razer Copperhead. While it is strictly speaking a "gaming mouse", I mainly use ubuntu and even though I don't play many games, its a fine mouse to use for EVERYTHING else. Its light, comfortable, and you can change the DPI so if I'm editing a photo I can lower it so its much more accurate.
This mouse looks like for a serious gamer though, and its certainly not something I'd like to use for anything other than gaming.
what I have really have been looking forward to buying is a lightweight laptop that runs Ubuntu but without the added hassles (such as suspend/hibernate not working - something essential if you are a student). This seems perfect.
What I find really interesting is that one group of people see this and immediately there is the implication that this is a "rip-off" off an apple UI design. Then another group will counter that by saying (for example): transparencies have been there for ages before apple did it. Whats funny is that this same argument pops up for sooo many devices now that its starting to look like (O MY GOD!) that apple is being cloned!
Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I am trying to configure out a really dumbed down and intuitive PC for my grandmother. She recently had a stroke and while she is under my care I would like to repurpose a laptop for her to surf and email her children. Anyone have any experience with what input devices and UI's are really understandable for the over 80 crowd?"
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