Chromebook

As Chromebook are mobile computers - called that as an operating system, the Linux distribution Google Chrome OS - in particular netbooks.

Unlike a traditional notebook case focuses on the hardware in the background. It should be replaced quickly and easily with Chromebooks, without the user losing its software or data. For all info and settings of Chromebook are primarily stored on the Internet in a cloud and made ​​available online.

The first Chromebooks are available in the U.S., UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany since 15 June 2011.

Hardware and software

The first models of the Chromebooks are produced by Samsung and Acer, optional with UMTS support. The Chromebook from Samsung is " delivered monitor and a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels, the Acer Chromebook with a 11.6 " with a 12.1 monitor. Both versions are equipped with an HD -capable webcam, so that the video conferencing services from Google can be used directly.

For fast boot Coreboot is used instead of BIOS / UEFI.

In addition, so-called stationary Chrome boxes applications are offered, along the lines of nettops.

Every Chromebook has both a Trusted Platform Module and a customized firmware chip. This chip is used to check the boot sequence if the read-write firmware is signed by Google.

This can be worked on a Chromebook without permanent Internet connection, Google has developed for this type of notebook special "offline" versions of its software (eg, Gmail ).

For professional users, government agencies and educational institutions Chromebooks are marketed as a combined hardware and software as a service directly from Google. The units are rented for 21 euros per month to companies and government agencies. Educational institutions can hire a recorder is available from 15 euros.

Comparison with conventional notebooks

The Chromebooks will never need more than eight seconds for the Internet can be used, and the batteries are supposed to guarantee a maturity of one day.

The biggest difference is caused by the operating system Chrome OS. The system has been reduced to the web browser chrome. Each application should run as a web application in Chrome. For this reason, no software needs to be installed. Therefore, upgrading to a new version or to install security fixes by the user is unnecessary. Updates to the operating system and browser are automatically distributed over the Internet. Updates of the web apps made ​​on the provider's servers.

Since coming on the Chromebooks only web applications are used, despite limited hardware also complex and computationally intensive applications such as cutting videos can be carried out, provided a suitable Web service offering. For this, however, have the user data, so for example the video to be uploaded.

Criticism

Privacy advocates complain that Chromebook users to not only lose control over their data, but also about the programs. For a withdrawal of an app and a security leak immediately, all users are affected.

Success and sales of Chromebooks

By the end of 2012, the situation for Google and the manufacturers looked disappointing. Samsung and Acer sold considerably less than 200,000 Chromebooks world. Acer pondered the production of Chromebooks to quit, FUJIFILM's prior prospects like Asus and HTC wanted initially to dispense entirely with the operating system.

2013 could significantly increase the business with Chromebooks in the U.S.. In particular, Chromebooks could reach a total market share of 10% in the company purchases. ]