Recently, I had signed up with google.com in hopes of receiving a computer running the new Google Chrome OS for testing and reviewing. As it just so happens, about a month after I forgot about filling out the paperwork, Google has been kind enough to send me a sleek black web book running their new operating system to review and test! This is a big deal for me, as I've always been one of the last to jump on a new gadget bandwagon, so I was pretty pumped to get this notebook before it hits the stores. I wanted to post a quick review here for you guys, and start a series on traveler tech while I'm at it:
The first thing I noticed about the new Chrome OS netbook is its size. The computer has a screen that's a little over 12 inches, and the entire netbook is extremely light. This thing's size makes it perfect to keep with you at home, in the car, or at a coffee shop. While you're not going to get immersed in a media experience with a 12-inch screen, you'll have plently of space to throw a little web browsing in no matter what you're occupied with.
The next thing that makes this little device a keeper in my book is the speed. As most people know, with a laptop running Windows or any other operating system, it takes the computer a while to boot up. That's because everything about your computer's setting and operating system is stored on your hard drive, and needs to be read before your computer can function. With that being said, you see the reason behind most people's morning routine of turning the computer on, then going to the kitchen to make coffee while you wait for things to load. That's kind of a thing of the past thanks to the new Chrome OS. I won't bore you with technical terms or try to expalin the ins and outs of the operating system, but I will tell you that the operating system is the only thing stored on this netbook, and everything else is stored online.....which brings me to my next point.
The best part about the Chrome OS netbook is the fact that everything you do on the netbook happens "in the cloud" (aka on the internet through google's servers) and your settings are associated with your google account instead of being stored on a piece of hardware. What this means for you is this: if someone steals your netbook, or your netbook is destroyed, you can log into your account on another netbook and have the same settings, color schemes, bookmarks, favorites, games, and programs that you did on the original. Nothing being stored on the netbook means you will always have a backup online, and you should always be able to access the web thanks to the partnership between Google and Verizon. (My netbook came with 2 years of minimal internet from Verizon [about 100MB a month] for free, with options to purchase more if I can't find a hotspot.)
This is a great tool for anyone to have if you browse the web casually, or if you're not looking for anything other than playing some games, checking email, and staying up to date on email. If you use a computer for more than the basics, a normal laptop is probably still your best bet, but if you're just looking to stay up to date on things online, this is a great tool for you. Stay tuned for a few more features in the technology vein, where in my next entry we'll discuss internet options for those of you who are traveling cross country!
