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Google Cr-48 Chrome laptop preview (update: in-depth impressions!)
Well, would you look at what showed up on our frigid doorstep this morning? That's right, we are now the proud owners of Google's first Chrome OS laptop -- the Cr-48. Obviously, we ripped open the box and got right to handling the 12.1-inch, Atom-powered laptop. So, what does the thing feel like? How's that keyboard? And more importantly, how's Chrome OS looking? Stand by for our impressions, which we'll be adding in depth over the day. First impression: this thing is different. Mega update: We blew this thing out! There's that video we already showed you, along with a way deeper dive into the hardware and the OS. It's all after the break, and you'd be a fool to miss it. %Gallery-109643% %Gallery-110236%
Google Cr-48 Chrome OS laptop now shipping to the lucky few
The Earthlings here at Engadget HQ are still patiently awaiting their own Cr-48s, but it looks as if those who were quick on the trigger have just received a Chrome OS laptop to cuddle with. If you'll recall, Google opened up a Chrome OS Pilot Program Tuesday, and for those who registered early (and got awfully lucky), they're being treated to a Cr-48 on their doorsteps. One gracious tipster has already sent over a trio of unboxing shots (while another provided the video after the break), and we'll be sure to give the low-down (you know -- video, impressions, etc.) once our own arrives. Anytime now, FedEx... [Thanks, Dan and Michael] %Gallery-109633%
Google's big week: Nexus S, Honeycomb tablets, Chrome OS laptops, and eBooks to boot
We gotta hand it to Google: if its goal was to own the technology news cycle for 48 hours, mission accomplished. The Mountain View-based company spent the first two days this week laying out pretty much every big announcement it possibly could: a new flagship phone coming next week (the Nexus S), a new Android build (2.3 Gingerbread), a preview of the next Android build (Honeycomb) on a never-before-seen Motorola tablet, the debut of its cloud-based laptop platform (Chrome OS) with hardware, and a giant plunge into the growing e-book market -- and that isn't everything. We've done our best to condense all the days' highlights into something easier to digest, so read on for a recap on all things Google!
Inventec ships 60,000 Chrome OS netbooks to Google, says 'let the testing begin!'
Chrome OS, or "Chrome without any OS getting in its way" as we like to call it around these parts, finally got its first bit of dedicated hardware yesterday in the Cr-48 testing device. This not-for-sale, unbranded laptop will be distributed to developers and curious onlookers via the Chrome OS Pilot Program, which we already warned you will have a limited number of machines available. Now we can be a little more precise about that limitation with official word from Inventec placing current shipments to Google at a total of around 60,000. That's not to say that it'll be the final tally of Cr-48s, if anything this just means there's decently rich availability for the starting cohort of recipients, but we know you like numbers so thought we might as well share that one with you. Update: We've just heard from Inventec directly, and while that 60K number may indeed be legit, it didn't come from the company's official mouthpiece. Just thought you might want to know.
Google unveils Cr-48, the first Chrome OS laptop
We've had plenty of pre-knowledge on this, but surprisingly this is our first actual glimpse of Google's new unbranded "Cr-48," the very first Chrome OS laptop. Google will distribute the laptop through its Chrome OS Pilot Program, in a sort of public beta. You actually have to apply to join the program, and there are going to be a limited number of the laptops available -- retail Chrome OS models from Acer and Samsung will be available in the middle of 2011 for the masses. Google's doing a number of little promotions to give away the devices to interested users and businesses which will provide feedback, and it looks like there's no way to actually pay money for one right now. Now, for the specs: 12.1-inch screen. Full size keyboard. Oversized clickpad. Qualcomm Gobi 3G chip for Verizon data in the US, your carrier of choice internationally. 802.11n dual-band WiFi. 8+ hours of active use. 8+ days of standby. Webcam. Flash storage. Intel Pine Trail processor. 100MB of free Verizon data. The keyboard is the one we uncovered last week, with no function keys, but a full row of Apple Keyboard-style actions. The caps lock key has been replaced with a search button, which will enrage internet trolls and screenwriters alike. Branding-wise... there is none. The "Cr-48" refers to an isotope of the material chromium, there's no logo and no design frills on the laptop itself, and it only comes in black. It seems Google is going out of its way to make it clear that this isn't a mass market device, with Chrome OS still in the beta stage, and no apparent intentions to compete with third parties in the hardware space. Still, we gotta say: we wish more manufacturers would take a page out of this no-frills book. The murdered out Cr-48 looks like pure sex to us Update: We've got a full preview and impressions of Google's Cr-48! %Gallery-109496%
