Google has launched the first official Chrome OS laptop, the Cr-48 Chrome Notebook in Black color with out any logos on this new machine. Google will be distributing the Chrome OS featuring laptop in a pilot program called Chrome OS Pilot Program to beta testers. Those who are interested have to apply to test the limited no.of devices available. So Google intentionally giving away the laptops to the interested users for free of cost to get the valuable feedbacks.
Not much information about the hardware specs revealed by Google. Some few specifications are
- # 12-inch LCD display screen
- # Intel Atom processor
- # Built-in 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi & 3G ( by Verizon carriers)
- # Full size keyboard with out caps-lock & regular function keys.
- # Oversized clickable touchpad
- # Qualcomm Gobi 3G chip for Verizon data in the US
- # Solid State Hard Drive & Webcam
- # 3.8 pounds of weight
- # 8+ hours of active usage
- # 8+ hours of standby power
So Cr-48 Chrome Notebook would be having a full-sized keyboard with out Caps-lock key and it has been replaced by search button and the new device is intended for consumption, not raw processing power and the laptop is jailbreak-friendly.
According to Google, Chrome notebooks boot in about 10 seconds and resume from sleep instantly. The noting thing is here that “certified” Cr-48 Chrome OS laptop won’t support dual boot environments at all and won’t dual boot Windows but it has a root feature to be able to run Windows. So we need 2 hard drives to boot 2 OS’s?
So guys, get your hands on First Chrome OS laptop here at Test drive a Chrome notebook in Pilot program. Apparently you need a US address & at least 18 years of age to participate in the trial and get selected as beta testers a get a free Cr-48 laptop.
The pilot program page says “Each participant in the Pilot program will receive a Cr-48 Chrome notebook; in return, we’ll expect you to use it regularly and send us detailed feedback.”
First Chrome OS notebooks are due by the middle of 2011 from Samsung and Acer. Before Google made these biggest announcements they probably should have built a bit more hype around it. Check out some more images of Chrome OS laptop.
