Chrome Notebook

The Chrome Notebook from Samsung comes in 4 different versions. Either WiFi only or 3G and Wifi in White or Silver. Personally i think the white one looks amazing. The difference between them specification wise is no different- bar the WiFi and 3G combo, so i’ll be reviewing The Samsung Chromebook as an individual article and ill split down the different options at the end.

I know i sometimes feel lost without the internet… Don’t you? The Chrome notebook is the solution for this. It has been designed for internet roamers in mind, and it does just want its supposed to do, its an amazing mobile platform to get the internet any where at any time. I liked the Samsung Chromebook so much i decided to do this review for you.

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Display

The Samsung comes with a Super bright High Resolution 12.1″ monitor which is an excellent size and highly detailed, perfect for web browsing.

Processor

Samsung have installed the same processor as Acer. The Atom Dual core processor pumping out a respectable 1.66GHz. This means the performance of the machine will not suffer when you have multiple tabs open or high end graphics and videos.

Dual core means that the Processing chip has two cores instead of the old fashion one core found in older computers. This increases the speed and calculations the computer can achieve.

Connectivity

The White and Silver models both come with either built-in WiFi or 3G and WiFi meaning you can connect anywhere any time, using WiFi Hotspots or a 3G provider.

Battery Life

The Samsung will last around 8.5 Hours with constant easy use (Browsing, word processing, instant messaging) and 6.5 hours hard use (Video streaming, Photo editing). Standby by life is around 30 days. But users have experienced anywhere between 7 and 30 day stand by mode.If you compare this to the Acer, the Samsung lasts around 1.5-2 hours longer on battery power. This is down to its new PowerPlus+ batteries, which intelligently charge.

If not using for a period of days, i would turn it off your Chrome notebook, as it only takes a few seconds to fully boot.

Weight

The Samsung Chromebook weighs in at 3.26 pounds, its only slightly heavier than the Acer, but that’s down the the slightly larger size of the Samsung.

Disk Storage

As with the Acer, the Samsung comes with a 16GB Solid state drive, Meaning you can store a fair amount of data on your Chrome Notebook. But i would utilize the Google cloud, meaning your data is stored on a remote server and safe from hardware failures or file corruption (which to date, has never happened on a Chromebook)

Additional Information

• Includes 2 X 2.0 USB ports (With a transfer rate of 480MB a second)
• 4 in 1 memory card slot allowing you to use your memory card from a camera
• Aux out for external speakers and headphones
• Multi Gesture, buttonless, track pad
• HD Webcam

Photos (Click to enlarge)

                   

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What other users think

The Samsung Series 5 Chromebook is an extremely versatile machine and at the time of writing the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook had 4 stars from 143 Reviews so is rated quite highly, so what are they saying?

…the Series 5, simply put, is amazing…. –  B. Eimer (Huntsville, AL)

…When I first purchased my Chromebook, I was a little nervous…..Then my Chrome notebook arrived in the mail and I loved it! - ThankMeLater18 (US)

…It is meant to be the simplest way to browse the web. And it does an amazing job at it. - C. R. Klapp (Chattanooga, TN)

Some people have had problems with getting used to the Chromebooks keyboard layout which is designed around web browsing, so the F1-F12 functions have been replaced with Forward, back, stop etc. It may just take some time to get used too them.

…Some minor quips about button placement. The top row of function keys have been replaced with web-centric keys, I never use them! - Chris Macias (US)

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Summary of the Chrome Notebook

I really like the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, It has been designed to do one job – a web browser. And it does it really well. It wont be replacing your desktop or laptop any time soon (especially if you rely on windows programs, like Adobe Photoshop) but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t got a place in your life.

The Chrome Notebook from Acer comes in two versions; The only difference between the two versions is one is WiFi only and the other model comes with 3G, WiFi and a higher price tag. I’m going to review the Laptop as a single item and ill split an Amazon link at the bottom to see the difference in price. The Acer Chromebook was released on the 15th of June 2011 along with the Samsung Chromebook.

The Acer Chromebook is a major step forward in the technology world it is designed for people who live and breath in the online world, Its extremely fast and secure; two of the biggest features required by the internet lovers among us. Google says if you can use an Internet Browser you can use the Acer Chromebook – Which is very true, anyone can open the lid and browse the internet within 8 Seconds if powered down, or instantly if on standby.

Lets get into the details of the Chrome Notebook:

Display

The Acer Chromebook comes with a 11.6 Inch Widescreen High Definition Display, boasting a 1366 X 768 screen resolution, meaning you can fit more on the smaller screen.

Processor

Both the Acer and the Samsung come with the same processor; Intel’s Atom 1.66GHZ dual core processor. This newly designed and released processor has two cores working together to speed up the Notebook’s processing power and the graphics output., giving you an enhanced online experience.

Connectivity

Models either come with built-in WiFi or 3G and WiFi meaning you can connect anywhere any time.

Battery Life

The Acer will last around 6.5 Hours with constant easy use (Browsing, word processing, instant messaging) and 5 hours hard use (Video streaming, Photo editing). Standby by life is around 30 days. But users have experienced anywhere between 7 and 30 day stand by mode. If not using for a period of days, i would turn it off completely, as it only takes a few seconds to fully boot.

Weight

The Acer Chromebook weighs in at 3.1 Pounds comparing to a laptop which weighs 4.6 Pounds and the Ipad2 which comes in at 601g.

Disk Storage

Disk storage comes in the form of a Single Solid State Drive (SSD) and has the ability to hold 16GB of information, now you thinking that this isn’t a great deal of space for a notebook, but the Chromebook uses the Google Cloud, meaning your data is stored on severs around the world making your data available anywhere at any time. Another great feature of this is that you can go on a friends Chromebook and use your login credentials to get access to all your browsing history, bookmarks and documents.

Additional Information

• Includes 2 X 2.0 USB ports (meaning a transfer rate of 480MB a second)
• 4 in 1 memory card slot allowing you to use your memory card from camera or phone to quickly transfer data.
• Aux out for external speakers and headphones
• HDMI output – Display a larger output on your TV.
• HD Webcam

Photos (Click to enlarge)

         

Summary of the Chrome Notebook

The Chrome Notebook from Acer with Google OS is a fantastic edition to any home, it has a quick load up time, great battery life and great security. If you don’t really use the internet then this isn’t for you.

Wi-Fi                           3G+Wi-Fi

What is the Google Chromebook?

A Chrome Notebook is a Laptop that comes with Google Chrome Operating Systems which is based on the Linux Operating system (Like MAC) additional software includes Google’s own Internet Explorer Google Chrome, Media Player and a Chrome App store. It has been Primarily designed for online use and only has limited use offline. Users can add their own programs via the Google Chrome App store, allowing you to use word processors and instant message your friends.

What the Chrome Notebook has to offer

• Google Chrome – Many recognize the use of Google Chrome on their home computers and around 25% of computer users prefer to use Chrome instead of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. It is a good web browser and is well laid out and much faster than other browsers on the market. It is also one of the leaders in the market for continuously making sure that the browser has no security issues, and automatically updates when required. Users can also change the theme to suit their needs and has the ability to use different features like translations, tabs, Omnibox – Allows users to search or type addresses in the address bar and Incognito mode – Allows private browsing, so no history is recorded whilst this is on.
• Instant on – The Google Chromebook will switch on in 8 seconds flat and resume from where you left off. So you can be on your favorite website Chrome notebook review in less than 10 seconds. Amazing!
• Get Connected – Chromebooks come with built-in WiFi and dependent on the model 3G, Who also benefit with 100MB a month free with Verizon Wireless.
• The Cloud – Allows all your Documents, files and settings on Google’s Cloud servers. This means your work isn’t saved on your Chromebook, but remotely on one of Google’s many servers. Meaning if you loose, break or need to access your information it’s easily had.
• Automatic Updates – Not the annoying type you get on Windows operating systems, but, perfectly designed, silent, automatic updates that you don’t even know are happening. It updates everything, your Apps, your web browser the Google Operating System, and the Chromebook will improve after an update instead of slowing down.
• Security – Hours and hours of research have gone into making sure Google Chromebook is low risk when it comes to Cyber attacks. So your safe from Viruses and Malware.

The Google Chromebook really is an amazing piece of revolutionary hardware for browsing safely and securely on the internet, with Auto Update functions and Instant on give you a ‘this works’ feeling which you sometimes don’t get with new technology – which are usually released before they are actually ready, and get updated later. This works straight out of the box with quick loading times which you’ll continue to get what everyday you use it.

Head over to Amazon to read their reviews of the Chrome Notebook, or check back in a few days and I’ll have my review of the Google Chromebook.

Adam

Just wanted to create a quick post to let you guys know what my new site is all about; I am going to be reviewing one of Google’s newest creations the Chrome Notebook; officially known as the Chromebook. This website will provide simple and easy to understand reviews that will help review and help you consider what your next purchase should be.

I just love having the internet on the move, I use my IPhone and IPad to access the internet and my emails when I’m away from work or home, but i really struggled to do some things on my IPad, i needed something bigger than my IPad, but smaller than my laptop – Then i was browsing amazon and noticed the Chromebook. It was perfectly suited for my needs, so i purchased one (can’t have too many gadgets!) and I’ve never looked back!

There are 6 Chromebook’s on the market today, 4 from Samsung and 2 from Acer. (both are highly reputable company’s and they both make great products) I’ll also review some of the user guides that you can buy to fully unleash the power of your notebook!

Why Review the Chrome Notebook?

I have found that since the Chromebook is quite a new addition to the market there isn’t many reviews around that are provided from a users point of view to aid you on which to choose. Thankfully i have a good knowledge in the field of Computers and accessories as you can see in my about me page. So what I’m going to do is compile the 6 Notebooks into easy reviews which ill release over the next week or two (need to get my typing fingers out of the cupboard), I’ll put them up on my blog and recommend which i think is best. Based on Price, Performance and Looks.

Reading my reviews on the Chrome Notebook are completely free and your under no obligation to buy, but the prices that i have quoted may be different elsewhere.

Adam.