Google Cr-48 Chrome Notebook Review Discussion

The Google Cr-48 is a prototype notebook currently being tested in Google's pilot program for the Chrome operating system. Google hopes consumers and businesses will abandon traditional notebooks in favor of what is essentially "a web browser in a box." Keep reading to find out what we think.

Read the full content of this Article: Google Cr-48 Chrome Notebook Review

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A couple of notes from a Cr-48 user:

The sole USB port and charge devices even when the Cr-48 is powered down. Nothing new, but still a nice thought on Google's part.

The audio jack supports headsets that have a in-line mic (like those used on smartphones). Sort makes up for the fact that their is no line-in jack.

It is possible to boot up the Cr-48 without internet. However internet is required upon first boot. Regardless though, there is not much point in booting up a Cr-48 if you do not have internet access. While most of the apps in the Chrome Web Store are nothing more than bookmarks at the moment, there are a select few that support offline access. We can only hope they other apps will follow suit before Chrome OS launches this summer.

For what it is worth, I have used my Cr-48 for over a week now without booting up my Windows PC. And that is not because I made any "week without Windows" fast. I just simply have not had any need to. The only thing that almost required me to boot Windows was I needed to upload some photos from a SDHC card. Turns out it is not impossible to upload photos after all. It seems Java based uploaders work just fine for accessing the file system. So I was able to upload a album to Facebook with no problem. However, ability to upload a single photo is still MIA. All that goes to say the Chrome OS still very much a beta--and I do not think Google would have even called it that if they had not promised Chrome OS by the end of 2010. Still, even in its very early beta, when go to my desk every morning to turn on my computer, I choose to boot up my Cr-48, not my E6400. Maybe it is just because I can be checking my email and reading NBR in 15 seconds verses 90 seconds.

 

If Google keep the 1280 x 800 matte display for the final production model then they will pick up extra sales from the people who don't like 16:9 glossy screens. And Google is a big enough company, like Apple, that one of the display manufacturers may listen to what they want.

John

 

My biggest issue since I got my Cr-48 has been its VERY choosy on wireless networks. I have a lot of problems on the WEP network at my work, but on every WPA/WPA2 network I connect to everything is fine.

Also, I really recommend settings plug-ins (Flash/Java/etc) to Click-To-Play as its a huge performance increase on the Cr-48 (and any netbook).

I haven't seen an update for my device from Google since the day I got it.. I'm not sure if they are doing background updates on their servers, or what, but I haven't been prompted to restart and update except for the first day I got my Cr-48 (December 14th - almost a month ago).

My understanding is they don't intend to do a final product. Right now they are just testing the OS on the Cr-48 and then plan to ship it to OEMs once they iron the bugs out and figure out their goals for the platform. I haven't heard mention of Google actually wanting to produce their own final product.. I guess that makes some sense as they've made the Nexus and Nexus S for Android..

 

While it's not "impossible" that Google would release its own notebook, I strongly suspect that the Cr-48 is just a proof of concept and that Google will simply license the Chrome OS to manufacturers and help them develop laptops that take advantage of Google Apps and Google cloud-based services from which Google will make money.

It's probably more likely that we'll see Chrome laptops from traditional notebook manufacturers (Acer, Samsung, Dell, etc.) than from Google itself. Again, it's not impossible that Google will do its own hardware, but they will probably follow the business plan they used for Google Android phones: Develop the OS and the Apps/Services and let hardware companies handle the hardware.

 

I have not had any issues with wireless, but then I have only used WPA2 networks.

Agreed. The disabling plugs-in helps with Flash. The only problem is mine always reverts from Click-to-play to disable all? Do you have this problem?

Updates automatic just like Chrome, you should never notice they happen. The only reason I know mine has updates is a "help" button appeared next to the "bug" button.

 

Id love to run one of these to see what its all about but I worry that relying solely on cloud computing not only scares me but actually is a turn off. I dont think this is meant to fill the primary computer segment, but would be a huge misfortune if you needed to do basic tasks and didnt have wifi or 3g service where you were. Hoestly an instant on device will do everything the same if not much better and not rely on the "cloud" to be functional.

But like all new tech Id love to test it out. I just wonder about all those who have a big smartphone/folding keyboards(rare), ipads, android tablets or ultra portable laptops and how they would use or even get interested in one of these. As it stands if I need instant on I have my phone that can do all the same things this aims to do and I can even use a folding semi full keyboard or a full sized keyboard if need be. If I need a more traditional computer setup I have my m11x that boots pretty fast as well and does not require internet to do work. I am not an apple fan but take for instance my mom who has an ipad (growing on me slowly). What motivation does she have to get one of these? The ipad does everything and more and is instant on.

I know I was wrong about the ipad segment and Ill admit I fully understand said segment now. But honestly being as the market is split between netbooks (exactly the same as this idea), ipads, tablets/smartphones, and ultraportables. I just dont see what this offers over any of the above devices. Basically I just dont see the advantage of having an internet only device that isnt instant on running on atom technology. But I await the chance to test one out.

 

Check your Google Sync settings. I had this problem too. I set plugins to Click-To-Play on my Cr-48 and then all the sudden my other laptops and desktop are on Click-To-Play too. Setting Google Sync to not sync preferences fixed this problem.

I figured they were automatically updating the software on their servers, but I haven't seen an update for the client side of things which worries me.. As I think there are a few major driver issues to iron out - the wifi card, the touchpad, etc.

 

Google is partnering with Acer and Samsung to release the first Chrome OS netbooks/notebooks this summer. While they might have a Google branded notebook like the Nextus One was Google branded, that would be mostly just be marketing. While Google could have enough pull to get matte and 16:10 screens on Chrome OS notebooks, I really, really, do not expect that to happen. 16:9 screens are just cheaper to produce and with cost being a big consideration, I bet we get 16:9 screens. I am betting the only reason the Cr-48 got a matte screen is because Google knew these machines would be used for long hours by developers and so they knew glossy would be a bad idea. Expect glossy screen on consumer models.

 

Ah, I bet you are right about it being the sync. Thanks.

I am curious about the drivers too. The touchpad actually seems better than it did when I first got it, but I am just sort of guessing that is me getting use to it. I am still guessing that drivers will be updated automatically just like the software. I mean wasn't that one of the key points they made at the Chrome OS events?

 

I'm not sure how they could stream drivers/software to my Cr-48 when its in standby all the time and the second I turn it back on I check for updates and it says none available.

Drivers and the base Chrome OS software are still stored locally on the device itself. I can't see how they'd update these without having the user/client do updates. The Cloud part of the OS would be easy to update.. as simple as Google running an update on their servers.

 

That could be the difference. I shut down my Cr-48 every night, so there is a chance it might install updates either when it shuts down or starts up.

Shouldn't you be able to note the OS version and see if changes?

 

I totally understand the scary side of being reliant on the cloud, and honestly think Chrome OS would be most ideal in a dual boot with Windows. But for what it is worth, I say shut off your internet access in Windows and see how far you get. For me it just about rendered my PC useless, since I am already so dependent on the cloud. About the only thing I could was type papers for school in Word and without having internet for researching even that was less than desirable. But that is just me.

I do think Google is a about two years too late with Chrome OS. Chrome OS was meant for netbooks and with tablets on the rise I am guessing netbooks will be on the decline. And Chrome OS is not a tablet OS. I am afraid Google missed their chance here.

At the same time, I also think Google is just ahead of their times. In a world not to far away where wifi is everywhere and you are always connected Chrome OS could really take off. But we are not their yet and because of that Chrome OS is not ready for its prime.

In the end I think Google's timing is just off. They are too late and too early. I do not think Chrome OS will be a complete loss for them though. Even if it flops I think the idea behind it, a web-centric OS will live on and become the norm in the next half-decade. And since the web is where Google makes it's money anything that pushes tech in that direction is good for them.

 

I can confirm the WiFi issue, though I'm not sure if it's specifically WEP vs. WPA/WPA2. I can also tell you that it does not like ad-hoc networks, such as the one you get when you tether using a Droid. I've had trouble connecting to the WiFi at my firehouse. My Cr-48 is in dev mode, and I left it lying at a desk while I went to grab a drink. My friend, much more Linux-adept than I am, was next to my netbook while I was gone. Came back and it was working on the firehouse's network. He most likely did some magic with the terminal, though what I do not know (and did not think of at the time to check the command history). In short: most likely a half baked software issue.

Which brings up another point: If you have it in dev mode, and have friends that know Linux more than you do, either password protect the super user login, or disable guest mode to avoid tampering.

Agree in every sense. Shutting off the Internet in Windows pretty much let's me only do single player games, office stuff, and media on your HDD.

The biggest problem I see with the cloud is media. From what it seemed (on Google's application for the notebook), Google was saying that media in the cloud is accessed through sites like Pandora (as it was a choice for one of the questions that was along the lines of "What music player do you use"). It just doesn't cut it. I want my music, in my format (FLAC), in the order I want to play it when I want to play it.

But otherwise, I find myself using my Cr-48 much more than my EliteBook, which has become a for power use only notebook, specifically gaming, Matlab, and CAD. It's just easier and faster to get in, get what you need, and get going.

 

For alot users thats a fair statement. For what I do at work I dont NEED and internet connection to do my job. But I feel alot of people who primarily usethere computer for documents will be turned off.

I hope cloud computing doesnt take over. I like having a fully functional computer for those times where Im not near the internet, and not having to wait for access to use my computer. I do agree they are too late and too early at the same time. Hopefully the latter wont come to fruition for mainstream, rather as a niche for some who want that type of use. The only way i can foresee this working out is if they compete with netbooks only and price them well below netbooks. Otherwise I feel as though people will ask "why pay extra for internet only when all I need is to edit documents sometimes?".

 

I think cloud computing will just become another subsection of computing.

I love my Cr-48, but its not a machine I can use everyday. I can't play any games other than flash games. Even on my Toshiba netbook I can play a lot of games, but not the Cr-48. In addition, I can't use the Cr-48 very much at my work as I need a localized VNC client. Plus I can't install programs so I can't do any development on the Cr-48 itself unless I use LogMeIn to connect to one of my other machines.. But at that point the Cr-48 just becomes a limited use client machine to my desktop.

The Cr-48 does make a great browsing machine. Its quicker to look things up on than my netbook (but its only quicker when plugins are on Click-To-Play) and I use the 3G for work when I'm onsite at a place that doesn't have wireless, or their net is down.

What we are seeing now is just the beginning of mass cloud computing. In the future I see Chrome OS becoming awesome and able to use everyday for whatever task. Integrate Dropbox to store files online, integrate Onlive for video games, add a little bit more beefy hardware and you could have an awesome, fast netbook. But, I still don't see the advantages over a regular netbook or notebook...

 

I do not see cloud computing replacing traditional computing--at least not any time soon--but I do believe there will be some sort of hybrid soon. In fact I think that is what Chrome OS could be if developers throw their weight behind it and start making apps for the Chrome Web Store. If the Chrome Web Store just becomes a giant bookmark catalog then Chrome OS is doomed. But if developers create HTML5 webapps that can compete with traditional desktop apps and support offline mode then I think Chrome OS is the future. On the one hand everything synced to the cloud so you never loose data and can access it anywhere and on the other you always it on your notebook when you do not have access to the internet. But Google has to convince developers first, and what better way yo do that than send out free notebooks?

Even if that happens though the current UI in Chrome OS is just not suited for full fledged desktop replacement. It would a total UI redesign to add windows for multitasking and just make it feel less like a browser. But hey, Chrome was major UI change for the browser. No reason Google couldn't do it again.

As far as media, I sort of agree. I actually used Grooveshark more than I did iTunes/WMP before I got my Cr-48, so I really did not think their would be a problem. But guess maybe it is because I upgraded to better earphones or something, because the 192 kbps bitrate just isn't cutting it. That said though, most people do not care about high bitrate lossless music. They listen to musicon on YouTube for crying out loud! Services like MOG, Rdio, and Grooveshark should fit the bill. And that rumored web-based iTunes ever happens then Apple just did Google a favor. Speaking of which, I really think Google messed up letting Apple outbid them on Lala. The early renditions of Chrome OS with Lala built in looked sweet. Maybe Google Music will still happen, but I am not holding my breathe on that one. (Of course Chrome has built in media player, not sure if supports FLAC, but it is not impossible that local music be played if you had the storage, but then you really start defeating the purpose of Chrome OS right?)

 

The cloud computing aspect is definitely debatable, I think it puts itself into a niche that theoretically netbooks tried to be in, but with less forgiveness. Many people use netbooks as full time, standalone computers despite their original purpose. Chrome OS won't be able to do that until the software and web apps are really flushed out. Lack of ability to run Windows programs puts it way far behind in terms of usability.

But one thing is for sure, the reception to the hardware/design of the Cr-48 has been completely positive. I say Google should slap an open BIOS on the thing and sell it direct the way of the Nexus phones. I'd definitely pay to get a Cr-48 to run Linux on it.

 

Agreed, if they stuck a better CPU and add another USB port or two I would would pay for a Cr-48.

 

I just got a email from Google saying they will give me a $50 gift card if I participate in a Cr-48 study, anyone else got this?

 

Nope. What kind of study? Have you been sending in bug reports often?

 

How is this better than buying a cheap netbook widely available and installing Linux on it. You could dual boot two linux distro's: a cloud centric one like Jolicloud or Peppermint AND a full distro like Ubuntu or Fedora for maximum flexibility. All you would need is to replace the HDD with an SSD to reduce boot time. The atom's power/battery life balance is adequate if you can live without HD video on your netbook like I can.
BTW I run the full Fedora with KDE on mine and it runs great; it is not necessary to run a netbook remix distro. IMO I don't like how, for example, the ubuntu netbook remix UI takes up valuable screen space.

 

I wouldn't say it's better at all except for the fact that the Cr-48 has a great industrial matte black design that's not being done by anyone else.

It also has the largest, flat user replaceable battery I've ever seen.

 

Here is the email I got:

Oh, and not really. I sent in a few early on, but they more like comments than bugs.

 

Ahah! It would seem a little orange dot appears on top on the options button when there is a update for Chrome OS to install.

 

Do you think its too late to get in on this beta program? I filled out the application (which is still there and functional) Saturday night and would LOVE to get in on this. It sounds very cool. How long is the battery life and can you hook to your own home wifi? Like to save bandwidth on your 3g? I browse the net a LOT and this sounds like a great solution for me for when my son is on my desktop, the main machine...

 

Application into the beta program ended on the 21st of December from what Google was saying. Thats crazy that the application still worked for you, though.

I don't think they've shipped all 60k or 65k machines yet.

The Cr-48 has built in Wifi + the 3G connection. So the answer to your question is "yes" you can connect to your home wifi and only use 3G when its necessary.

 

I read somewhere the application process was extended. I can't remember where though, some tracker I found mentioned it too:

Cr-48 Shipping Tracker

Even has a link to the application. I really hope it's not too late, will update if I am lucky enough to get chosen.

 

Pretty much what Astrogiblet said. The tracker says they've shipped about 15,000 notebooks and they are rumored to have bought over 60,000, so it could be assumed they have only shipped a fourth of them so far. However that is nothing more than speculation since the tracker was never official (though seemingly accurate) and not been updated in nearly a month. Nevertheless, it would make since that Google would ship the Cr-48 in batches not all at once, so there could easily be a second wave of Cr-48's. Ant if there is I see no reason your application should not be considered despite the 21st deadline as Google is still promoting it. Of course a late sign-up might not help your odds either. But good luck to you! I mean I got one and was not expecting it, so you just might as well!

 

Thanks ChristopherAKAO4! I had a feeling that the tracker I saw showed only 15K or so had shipped and I too heard that 60K was the number they had ready to go. I will be so darn pleased if they select me.

Here is a link to an article talking about a second batch of cr 48's going out this month:

http://chromeossite.com/2011/01/15/google-to-ship-more-cr-48s-this-month/

Crossing my fingers!

 

From the article:

This was a big surprise to me....

 

Yeah I was surprised by that too. It must connect automatically when you insert the battery then eh?

 

You're first time starting the machine, you will need to have internet access.

After that you shouldn't have to. Although they say "current version of Chrome OS". I did just get an update on my Cr-48. Maybe that changed.

However, a Cr-48 without internet access is absolutely useless. Seriously. Useless.

 

You mean you have to have a wireless enabled router and be able to access it? Lucky for me I have that. I really hope I didn't miss out on this pilot program. I would love to get my hands on one of these babies!

 

Well yea, and the fact that the entire computer revolves around being online. There is literally nothing to do on the computer when you're not connected to the internet.

Disconnect from the internet. Open Google Chrome (internet browser) on your computer. Now, tell me everything you can do with Google Chrome and no internet (without leaving the program). Thats pretty much what you can do with a Cr-48 thats not connected to wireless or 3G.

 

So the novelty has worn off for you then? For me though I think I would get a lot of use out of it since I mostly just use message boards and surf the net. I used to use Word a lot but not so much anymore and I could live without instant messengers, so despite it being useless without internet access I want one!

 

Its frustrating that you do not at all understand what I'm trying to tell you.

And you can use Instant Messengers on the Cr-48. See Meebo — Together is better

And you can make documents on the Cr-48. See www.Google.com/documents

You can do a lot of things, but they all require an active internet connection. Without an internet connection you really can't do anything on the Cr-48.

 

Yeah, I got that part, it's not like it has an offline mode. So that is very limiting. I still would love to have one though because it can do so much and all I seem to do anymore is hit message boards and websites.

Sorry, not trying to be dense or anything, I definitely get that its a paperweight when not connected to the net though...

Wow meebo is pretty cool! Thanks for the link to it Astrogiblet!

 

Christopher, learn to edit your posts for god sakes.

@Jerry, I still haven't gotten a Cr-48, probably wont at this point. Moving on.

 

Hey Roger when did you apply? During December?

 

Yep.

[ 10 char. ]

 

Dang, that bites. Sorry you weren't selected. I have accepted the fact that they probably won't select me either, but still it's fun to dream!

 

There are one or two offline apps. Scratchpad, for me anyways, lets you save notes offline. Nothing much, of course, but it can be done. Docs is supposedly going to come in an offline mode sometime soon.

 

Wow that rocks! I hope they send me one, I really love this idea of living on Cloud 9. LOL!

 

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