Jump to content

Chromebook

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Ahunt (talk | contribs) at 20:38, 4 February 2021 (Undid revision 1004869151 by Masogf (talk) - needs a ref). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Chromebook
Wikipedia on a Samsung Series 3 Chromebook
Product typePersonal computer (notebook)
OwnerGoogle
IntroducedJune 15, 2011 (2011-06-15)
Websitewww.google.com/chromebook/

A Chromebook is a laptop or tablet running the Linux-based Chrome OS as its operating system. Chromebooks are primarily used to perform a variety of tasks using the Google Chrome browser, with most applications and data residing in the cloud rather than on the machine itself.[1][2][3] All Chromebooks released since late 2017 can also run Android apps. Some Chromebooks can also run Linux apps.[4][5]

The first Chromebooks for sale, by Acer Inc. and Samsung, began shipping on June 15, 2011.[6] In addition to laptop models, a desktop version, called a Chromebox, was introduced in May 2012, and an "all-in-one" device, called a Chromebase, was introduced in January 2014, by LG Electronics.

In October 2012, Simon Phipps, writing in InfoWorld, said, "The Chromebook line is probably the most successful Linux desktop/laptop computer we've seen to date".[7] From January to November 2013, 1.76 million Chromebooks were sold in US business-to-business channels.[8]

By March 2018, Chromebooks made up 60% of computers purchased by schools in the United States. In April 2017, the Electronic Frontier Foundation accused Google of using Chromebooks to collect and data mine "school children's personal information, including their Internet searches", without their parents' consent, two years after EFF had filed a federal complaint against the company.[9]

History

The first Chromebooks for sale, by Acer Inc. and Samsung, were announced at the Google I/O conference in May 2011, and began shipping on June 15, 2011.[6] Lenovo, Hewlett Packard and Google itself entered the market in early 2013. In December 2013, Samsung launched a Samsung Chromebook specifically for the Indian market that employed the company's Exynos 5 Dual core processor.[10]

Critical reaction to the device was initially skeptical, with some reviewers, such as then New York Times technology columnist David Pogue,[11] unfavorably comparing the value proposition of Chromebooks with that of more fully featured laptops running the Microsoft Windows operating system. That complaint dissipated later in reviews of machines from Acer and Samsung that were priced lower.[12]

In February 2013, Google announced and began shipping the Chromebook Pixel, a higher-spec machine with a high-end retail price.[13]

In January 2015, Acer announced the first big screen Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 15 with an FHD 15.6-inch display.[14]

Non-laptop models

Besides laptops, other devices run Chrome OS, as well. A desktop version, called a Chromebox, was introduced in May 2012 by Samsung.[15] The Chromebase, an "all-in-one" device, was introduced in January 2014 by LG Electronics.

In March 2018, Acer and Google announced the first Chromebook tablet: the Chromebook Tab 10. The device was expected to compete with a lower-priced Apple iPad tablet in the education market. The Tab 10's display—9.7-inch, 2048 x 1536 resolution—was the same as the iPad's. The device included a stylus. Neither device included a keyboard.[16][17]

Integration with Android

In May 2016, Google announced it would make Android apps available on Chromebooks via the Google Play application distribution platform. At the time, Google Play access was scheduled for the ASUS Chromebook Flip, the Acer Chromebook R 11 and the most recent Chromebook Pixel, with other Chromebooks slated over time.[18][19][20] Partnering with Google, Samsung released the Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro in early 2017, the first Chromebooks to come with the Play Store pre-installed.[21] A February 2017 review in The Verge reported that the Plus with its ARM processor handled Android apps "much better" than the Intel-based Pro, but said that "Android apps on Chrome OS are still in beta" and are "very much [an] unfinished experience."[22] The number of Chrome OS systems supporting Android apps in either the stable or beta channel is increasing.[23][24]

Integration with Linux

In May 2018, Google announced it would make Linux desktop apps available on Chromebooks via a Virtual Machine code-named "Crostini".[25]

Design

Samsung Chromebook Series 3 with bottom panel removed

Initial hardware partners for Chromebook development included Acer, Adobe, Asus, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard (later HP Inc.), Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Toshiba,[26] Intel,[27] Samsung,[28][29] and Dell.[30]

Chromebooks ship with Google Chrome OS, an operating system that uses the Linux kernel and the Google Chrome web-browser with an integrated media-player.[31][32] Enabling developer mode allows the installation of Linux distributions on Chromebooks. Crouton is a script that allows the installation of Linux distributions from Chrome OS, and running both operating systems simultaneously.[33] Some Chromebooks include SeaBIOS, which can be turned on to install and boot Linux distributions directly.[34][35] With limited offline capability and a fast boot-time, Chromebooks are primarily designed for use while connected to the Internet[36] and signed in to a Google account.[37] Instead of installing traditional applications such as word processing and instant messaging, users add web apps from the Chrome Web Store.[38] Google claims that a multi-layer security architecture eliminates the need for anti-virus software.[6]

Support for many USB devices such as cameras, mice, external keyboards and flash drives is included, utilizing a feature similar to plug-and-play on other operating systems.

An analysis of the Samsung Series 5 components by iFixit in June 2011, estimated a total cost of $334.32, representing US$322.12 in materials and US$12.20 in labor. With an initial retail price of US$499.99 that also pays for retail margins, shipping, marketing, and research and development, the profit margins on the Chromebooks are quite thin, requiring a large production run to make a profit.[39]

While Chromebooks are designed to be used when connected to the Internet, users are able to access Google applications such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Drive in offline mode. Chromebooks also come with a built-in local music-player, a photo editor, and a PDF- and Microsoft Office document-viewer that are functional without Internet access. Other apps with offline support include Amazon's Cloud Reader, the New York Times App, and Angry Birds.[40][41] Google Play video content is available offline using an extension to the Chrome browser.[42]

All Chromebooks, except the first three, boot with the help of Coreboot, a fast-booting BIOS.[43][44]

The integration of Android and Chrome, announced in 2016, is anticipated to drive the design and form factor of future Chromebooks,[20] including an expected first Chrome OS tablet.[45]

Sales and marketing

Chromebooks at a Staples retail store

The first two commercially available Chromebooks, the Samsung Series 5 and the Acer AC700, were unveiled on May 11, 2011, at the Google I/O developer conference. They were to begin selling through online channels, including Amazon and Best Buy in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain starting June 15, 2011; however, Acer's AC700 was not available until early July.[46] The first machines sold for between $349 and $499, depending on the model and 3G option.[47] Google also offered a monthly payment scheme for business and education customers at $28 and $20 per user, per month, respectively for a three-year contract, including replacements and upgrades. Verizon offers models equipped with 3G/4G LTE connectivity 100–200 MB of free wireless data per month, for two years.[48][49]

Google's early marketing efforts relied primarily on hands-on experience: giving away Samsung machines to 10 Cr-48 pilot program participants along with the title Chromebook Guru and lending Chromebooks to passengers on some Virgin America flights.[50][51][52]

At the end of September 2011, Google launched the Chrome Zone, a "store within a store", inside the Currys and PC World superstore in London.[53] The store had a Google-style look and feel with splashes of color all around the retail store front.[54] The concept was later changed to a broader in-store Google shop, which has not expanded beyond the PC World on Tottenham Court Road.[55]

In addition to these marketing strategies, Google Chrome has created several "Chromebook minis" that demonstrate the ease of use and simplicity of the devices in a comical manner. For example, when the question "How do you back up a Chromebook" is asked, it is implied to refer to data backup, but instead, shows two hands pushing a Chromebook back to the end of a table. This is followed by the statement, "You don't have to back up a Chromebook," showing how all data is stored on the web.[56]

In an article published on ZDNet in June 2011, entitled "Five Chromebook concerns for businesses", Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols faulted the devices for lack of virtual private network capability, not supporting some Wi-Fi security methods, in particular Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) Enterprise with Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS) or Cisco's Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP). He also noted that its file manager does not work, the need to use the undocumented crosh shell to accomplish basic tasks such as setting up a secure shell (SSH) network connection as well as serious deficiencies in documentation.[57]

In one of the first customer reviews, the City of Orlando, Florida, reported on their initial testing of 600 Chromebooks as part of a broader study related to accessing virtual desktops. Early indications show potential value in reducing IT support costs. End users have indicated that the Chromebook is easy to travel with and starts up quickly. One stated that "If I just need to stay connected for emergencies, I take my Chrome," but when traveling for business she would still take her laptop. Orlando does plan to continue to use the Chromebooks.[58]

On November 21, 2011, Google announced price reductions on all Chromebooks.[59] Since then, the Wi-Fi-only Samsung Series 5 was reduced to $349, the 3G Samsung Series 5 was reduced to $449, and the Acer AC700 was reduced to $299.

The updated Series 5 550 and the Chromebox, the first Chrome OS desktop machines, were released by Samsung in May 2012.[60][61][62][63] While the two lowest cost Chromebooks emerged later in the fall: the $249[64] Samsung Series 3 and the $199[65] Acer C7. The following February, Google introduced the most costly machine, their Chromebook Pixel, with a starting price of $1299.[66] All models released after May 2012, include 100 GB–1.09 TB of Google Drive cloud storage and 12 GoGo WiFi passes.[67][68]

By January 2013, Acer's Chromebook sales were being driven by "heavy Internet users with educational institutions", and the platform represented 5–10 percent of the company's US shipments, according to Acer president Jim Wong. He called those numbers sustainable, contrasting them with low Windows 8 sales which he blamed for a slump in the market. Wong said that the company would consider marketing Chromebooks to other developed countries, as well as to corporations. He noted that although Chrome OS is free to license for hardware vendors, it has required greater marketing expenditure than Windows, offsetting the licensing savings.[69]

During the first 11 months of 2013, 1.76 million Chromebooks sold in the United States, representing 21% of the US commercial business-to-business laptop market. During the same period in 2012, Chromebooks sold 400,000 units and had a negligible market share.[8]

In January 2015, Silviu Stahie noted in Softpedia that Chromebooks were eating into Microsoft's market share. He said "Microsoft is engaged in a silent war and it's actually losing. They are fighting an enemy that is so insidious and so cunning that it's actually hurting the company more than anything else. The enemy is called Chromebooks and they are using Linux...There is no sign that things are slowing down and Microsoft really needs a win, and soon if it wants to remain relevant."[70]

In 2015, Chromebooks, by sales volume (to companies in the US), are second after Windows based devices (with Android tablets, overtaking Apple's devices in 2014): "Chromebook sales through the U.S. B2B channels increased 43 percent during the first half of 2015, helping to keep overall B2B PC and tablet sales from falling. [..] Sales of Google OS-equipped (Android and Chrome) devices saw a 29 percent increase over 2014 propelled by Chromebook sales, while Apple devices declined 12 percent and Windows devices fell 8 percent."[71]

As of 4 March 2020, Lenovo 100E was the cheapest Chromebook in the world.[72]

Education market

A Paradise Valley Unified School District student using a Chromebook as part of the organization's pilot project

The education market has been the Chromebooks' most notable success, competing on the low cost of the hardware, software and upkeep. The simplicity of the machines, which could be a drawback in other markets, has proven an advantage to school districts by reducing training and maintenance costs.[73]

By January 2012, even while commercial sales were flat, Google placed nearly 27,000 Chromebooks in schools across 41 states in the US, including "one-on-one" programs, which allocate a computer for every student in South Carolina, Illinois, and Iowa.[74] As of August 2012, over 500 school districts in the United States and Europe were using the device.[75][76] In 2016, Chromebooks represented 58 percent of the 2.6 million mobile devices purchased by U.S. schools and about 64 percent of that market outside the U.S. By contrast, sales of Apple tablets and laptops to U.S. schools dropped that year to 19 percent, compared with 52 percent in 2012.[73]

Helping spur Chromebook sales is Google Classroom, an app designed for teachers in 2014, that serves as a hub for classroom activities including attendance, classroom discussions, homework and communication with students and parents.[73]

There have, however, been concerns about privacy within the context of the education market for Chromebooks. Officials at schools issuing Chromebooks for students have affirmed that students have no right to privacy when using school-issued Chromebooks, even at home, and that all online and offline activity can be monitored by the school using third-party software pre-installed on the laptops.[77] Further, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has complained that Google itself is violating the privacy of students by enabling the synchronization function within Google Chrome ("Chrome Sync") by default, allowing web browsing histories and other data of students – including those under-13 – to be stored on Google servers and potentially used for purposes other than authorized educational purposes.[78][79] A point of contention has been the fact that users of school-issued Chromebooks cannot change these settings themselves as a measure to protect their privacy; only the administrator who issued the laptops can change them.[78][79] The EFF claims that this violates a Student Privacy Pledge already signed by Google in 2014.[78][79][80] EFF staff attorney Nate Cardozo stated: "Minors shouldn't be tracked or used as guinea pigs, with their data treated as a profit center. If Google wants to use students' data to 'improve Google products', then it needs to get express consent from parents."[78]

By March 2018 Chromebooks made up 60% of computers used in schools. CNet writer Alfred Ng cited superior security as the main reason for this level of market adoption.[81]

According to research firms Gartner and Canalys, over 30 million Chromebooks were shipped in 2020. Sales were propelled by schools buying Chromebooks for students for remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[82]

Examples

Main article: List of Chromebooks

Google supports its chipsets for a maximum of 6.5 years. As of November 2019, Chromium OS reports the product end of life date in the "About this Chromebook" section of device settings.[83]

The hardware generation and Linux kernel version[84] of most products can be inferred from the code name[85] and its corresponding video game series:

Architecture Game series Characters
Bay Trail Donkey Kong Rambi, Swanky, Quawks,...
Haswell Star Fox Slippy, Falco, Peppy,...
Broadwell Final Fantasy X Auron, Paine, Yuna, Rikku,...

Google

Cr-48

"Cr-48" redirects here. For the radioisotope, see isotopes of chromium.
Cr-48

At a December 7, 2010, press briefing,[86][87][88] Google announced the Chrome OS Pilot Program, a pilot experiment and the first Chromebook, the Cr-48 Chrome Notebook, a prototype, to test the Chrome OS operating system and modified hardware for it. The device had a minimal design and was all black, completely unbranded although it was made by Inventec,[89] and had a rubberized coating. The device was named after Chromium-48, an unstable isotope of the metallic element Chromium,[90] and the participants were named Cr-48 Test Pilots. Google distributed about 60,000 Cr-48 Chrome Notebooks between December 2010 and March 2011[91][92] for free to participants and in return asked for feedback such as suggestions and bug reports. The Cr-48 was intended for testing only, not retail sales.[93][94][95]

The Cr-48's hardware design broke convention by replacing certain keys with shortcut keys,[96] such as the function keys, and replacing the caps lock key with a dedicated search key (now called the "Everything Button"),[97] which can be changed back to caps lock in the OS's keyboard settings. Google addressed complaints that the operating system offers little functionality when the host device is not connected to the Internet, demonstrated an offline version of Google Docs, and announced a 3G plan that would give users 100 MB of free data each month, with additional paid plans available from Verizon.[36][98]

The device's USB port is capable of supporting a keyboard, mouse, Ethernet adapter, or USB storage, but not a printer, as Chrome OS offers no print stack.[99] Adding further hardware outside of the previously mentioned items will likely cause problems with the operating system's "self knowing" security model.[100] Users instead were encouraged to use a secure service called Google Cloud Print to print to legacy printers connected to their desktop computers, or to connect an HP ePrint, Kodak Hero, Kodak ESP, or Epson Connect printer to the Google Cloud Print service for a "cloud aware" printer connection.[101]

The Cr-48 prototype laptop gave reviewers their first opportunity to evaluate Chrome OS running on a device. Ryan Paul of Ars Technica wrote that the machine "met the basic requirements for Web surfing, gaming, and personal productivity, but falls short for more intensive tasks." He praised Google's approach to security, but wondered whether mainstream computer users would accept an operating system whose only application is a browser. He thought Chrome OS "could appeal to some niche audiences": people who just need a browser or companies that rely on Google Apps and other Web applications. But the operating system was "decidedly not a full-fledged alternative to the general purpose computing environments that currently ship on netbooks." Paul wrote that most of Chrome OS's advantages "can be found in other software environments without having to sacrifice native applications."[91]

In reviewing the Cr-48 on December 29, 2010, Kurt Bakke of Conceivably Tech wrote that a Chromebook had become the most frequently used family appliance in his household. "Its 15 second startup time and dedicated Google user accounts made it the go-to device for quick searches, email as well as YouTube and Facebook activities." But the device did not replace other five notebooks in the house: one for gaming, two for the kids, and two more for general use. "The biggest complaint I heard was its lack of performance in Flash applications."[102]

In ongoing testing, Wolfgang Gruener, also writing in Conceivably Tech, said that cloud computing at cellular data speeds is unacceptable and that the lack of offline ability turns the Cr-48 "into a useless brick" when not connected.[103] "It's difficult to use the Chromebook as an everyday device and give up what you are used to on a Mac/Windows PC, while you surely enjoy the dedicated cloud computing capabilities occasionally."[104]

The Cr-48 features an Intel Atom N455, a single-core processor with 512 KB of cache and hyperthreading enabled. It also features 2 GB of removable DDR3 memory in a single SO-DIMM, integrated chipset graphics, and a 66 watt-hour battery.[105] It has been found that the Intel NM10 chipset can get very hot during operation due to lack of a proper heatsink, but this has been fixed in production Chromebooks.[citation needed]

Pixel

Main article: Chromebook Pixel
Chromebook Pixel (WiFi)

Launched by Google in February 2013, the Chromebook Pixel was the high-end machine in the Chromebook family. The laptop has an unusual 3:2 display aspect ratio touch screen featuring what was at its debut the highest pixel density of any laptop,[106] a faster CPU than its predecessors in the Intel Core i5, and an exterior design described by Wired as "an austere rectangular block of aluminum with subtly rounded edges".[107] A second Pixel featuring LTE wireless communication and twice the storage capacity was shipped for arrival on April 12, 2013.[108]

The machine received much media attention, with many reviewers questioning the Pixel's value proposition compared to similarly priced Windows machines and the MacBook Air.[109][110]

Pixelbook

Main article: Pixelbook
Pixelbook

In 2017, Google launched the Pixelbook to replace the Chromebook Pixel. Like the Chromebook Pixel, the Pixelbook has a 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen with a high pixel density display.[111] Unlike the original Chromebook Pixel but like the second generation, the Pixelbook excludes an option for LTE. Instead, it implements Google's "instant tethering", which automatically tethers a Pixelbook to a Pixel phone's mobile connection.[112]

Samsung

Samsung Series 5

Samsung Series 5

Reviewing the Samsung Series 5 specifications, Scott Stein of CNET was unimpressed with a machine with a 12-inch screen and just 16 GB of onboard storage. "Chrome OS might be lighter than Windows XP, but we'd still prefer more media storage space. At this price, you could also get an 11.6-inch (290 mm) Wi-Fi AMD E-350-powered ultraportable running Windows 7."[61] On the other hand, MG Siegler of TechCrunch wrote a largely favorable review, praising the improvements in speed and trackpad sensitivity over the CR-48 prototype, as well as the long battery life and the fact that all models are priced below the iPad.[113]

In June 2011, iFixit dismantled a Samsung Series 5 and concluded that it was essentially an improved Cr-48. They rated it as 6/10 for repairability, predominantly because the case has to be opened to change the battery and because the RAM chip is soldered to the motherboard. iFixit noted that the "mostly-plastic construction" felt "a little cheap". On the plus side they stated that the screen was easy to remove and most of the components, including the solid-state drive would be easy to replace. iFixit's Kyle Wiens wrote that the Series 5 "fixes the major shortfalls of the Cr-48 and adds the polish necessary to strike lust into the heart of a broad consumer base: sleek looks, 8+ hours of battery life, and optimized performance."[114]

Samsung Series 5 550

In May 2012, Samsung introduced the Chromebook Series 5 550, with a Wi-Fi model and more expensive 3G model.[115]

Reviews generally questioned the value proposition. Dana Wollman of Engadget wrote that the Chromebook's keyboard "put thousand-dollar Ultrabooks to shame" and offered better display quality than on many laptops selling for twice as much. But the price "seems to exist in a vacuum—a place where tablet apps aren't growing more sophisticated, where Transformer-like Win8 tablets aren't on the way and where there aren't some solid budget Windows machines to choose from."[116]

Joe Wilcox of BetaNews wrote that "price to performance and how it compares to other choices" is "where Chromebook crumbles for many potential buyers." He noted that the new models sell for more than their predecessors, and while the price-performance ratio is quite favorable compared to the MacBook Air, "by the specs, there are plenty of lower-cost options."[117]

Samsung Series 3

Samsung Series 3 Chromebook

In October 2012, the Series 3 Chromebook was introduced at a San Francisco event with the Samsung Chromebook XE303. The device was cheaper, thinner and lighter than the Chromebook 550. Google marketed the Series 3 as the computer for everyone, due to its simple operating system (Chrome OS) and affordable price. Target markets included students and first-time computer users, as well as households looking for an extra computer.[118][119]

The lower price proved a watershed for some reviewers. New York Times technology columnist David Pogue reversed his earlier thumbs-down verdict on the Chromebook, writing that "$250 changes everything." The price is half that of an "iPad, even less than an iPad Mini or an iPod Touch. And you’re getting a laptop." He wrote that the Chromebook does many of the things people use computers and laptops for: playing flash videos, and opening Microsoft Office documents. "In other words, Google is correct when it asserts that the Chromebook is perfect for schools, second computers in homes and businesses who deploy hundreds of machines."[11][12]

CNET's review of the Series 3 Chromebook was even more favorable, saying the machine largely delivered as a computer for students and as an additional computer for a household—especially for users who are already using Google Web applications like Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail. "It's got workable if not standout hardware, its battery life is good, it switches on quickly, and the $249 price tag means it's not as much of a commitment as the $550 Samsung Series 5 550 that arrived in May." The review subtracted points for performance. "It's fine for many tasks, but power users accustomed to having more than a couple dozen browser tabs open should steer clear."[118]

Samsung Chromebook 3

The Chromebook 3 is distinct from and distinguished from the similarly named Samsung Series 3 in several respects: newer (released 2016), different architecture (Intel Celeron N3050 instead of Exynos 5 Dual ARM Cortex),[120] thinner (0.7"),[120] and less expensive (about $100 less than the Series 3);[120] while remaining a full implementation of ChromeOS.

HP

HP's first Chromebook, and the largest Chromebook on the market at that time, was the Pavilion 14 Chromebook launched February 3, 2013.[121] It had an Intel Celeron 847 CPU and either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Battery life was not long, at just over 4 hours, but the larger form factor made it more friendly for all-day use. HP introduced the Chromebook 11 on October 8, 2013, in the US.[122] In December 2013, Google and HP recalled 145,000 chargers due to overheating.[123] Sales were halted, resuming with a redesigned charger the following month.[124] The HP Chromebook 14 was announced September 11, 2013[125] with an Intel Haswell Celeron processor, USB 3.0 ports, and 4G broadband. An updated version of the Chromebook lineup was announced on September 3, 2014. The 11-inch models included an Intel processor while the 14-inch models featured a fanless design powered by a Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. HP Chromebooks are available in several colors.[126]

Desktop variants

Two types of desktop computers also run Chrome OS.

Chromebox

Main article: Chromebox

Classed as small form-factor PCs, Chromeboxes typically feature a power switch and a set of ports: local area network, USB, DVI-D, DisplayPort, and audio. As with Chromebooks, Chromeboxes employ solid-state memory and support Web applications, but require an external monitor, keyboard, and pointing device.[127]

Chromebase

Available Earliest EOL Brand Model Code name Processor RAM Screen Resolution Weight
April 28, 2014 (2014-04-28) May 2019 (2019-05) LG LG Chromebase Monroe[128] Celeron 2955U 2 GB 21.5 in (54.6 cm) 1920×1080 14.8 lb (6.7 kg)
January 6, 2016 (2016-01-06) April 2021 (2021-04) Acer Inc. Acer Chromebase 24 Buddy[128] Celeron 3215U 4 GB 23.8 in (60.5 cm) 1920×1080 –

Chromebase is an "all-in-one" Chrome OS device. The first such model was released by LG Electronics which integrated a screen, speakers, 1.3-megapixel webcam and microphone, with a suggested retail price of $350. The company unveiled the product in January 2014, at International CES in Las Vegas.[129][130]

Dongle variants

Chromebit

The Chromebit is a dongle running on Google's Chrome OS operating system. When placed in the HDMI port of a television or a monitor, this device turns that display into a personal computer. Chromebit allows adding a keyboard or mouse over Bluetooth or via the USB port.

HDMI does not provide power to connected devices, so the Chromebit is supplied power from either an external USB power supply or draws power via a USB port on the monitor.

See also

References

  1. ^ Vaughan-Nichols, Steven (June 18, 2012). "It's 2016, and Chrome OS is ascendant". Computerworld. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  2. ^ Enderle, Rob (May 12, 2011). "Why Google's Chromebooks are born to lose". Digital Trends. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  3. ^ "Offline Apps". Chrome Web Store.
  4. ^ "Set up Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook – Chromebook Help". support.google.com. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  5. ^ "Chromium OS Docs – Running Custom Containers Under Chrome OS". chromium.googlesource.com. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c Upson, Linus; Pichai, Sundar (May 11, 2011). "A New Kind Of Computer: Chromebook". The Official Google Blog. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  7. ^ Phipps, Simon (October 26, 2012). "Why I left my MacBook for a Chromebook". InfoWorld. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
  8. ^ a b Rodriguez, Salvador (December 13, 2013). "Google Chromebook business sales jump as Apple, Microsoft struggle". Los Angeles Times.
  9. ^ EFF says Google Chromebooks are still Spying on Students
  10. ^ "Samsung Chromebook launched in India for Rs.26990". Gadget Cluster. December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  11. ^ a b Pogue, David (June 15, 2011). "A Laptop, Its Head in the Cloud". New York Times. Archived from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  12. ^ a b Pogue, David (November 29, 2012). "Laptop Buyers Should Pay Some Attention to the Chromebook". New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  13. ^ Hollister, Sean (February 21, 2013). "Google announces Chromebook Pixel: a premium Chrome OS laptop shipping next week for $1,299". The Verge. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  14. ^ Purcell, Kevin (January 5, 2015). "Acer Chromebook 15: Finally a Big Screen Chromebook". notebooks.com. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  15. ^ Leo Kelion (May 29, 2012). "Google Chrome OS computers updated with faster processors". BBC News.
  16. ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (March 26, 2018). "The first Chrome OS tablet is here | The Verge". www.theverge.com. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  17. ^ Amadeo, Ron (March 26, 2018). "Chrome OS tablets are official—Meet the Acer Chromebook Tab 10". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  18. ^ "Google says every new Chromebook will work with Android apps from here on out". Business Insider. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  19. ^ "The Google Play store, coming to a Chromebook near you". The Keyword (Google blog). May 19, 2016.
  20. ^ a b Pierce, David (September 9, 2016). "How Chromebooks Are About to Totally Transform Laptop Design". Wired. Retrieved September 5, 2017. Windows manufacturers have been experimenting with convertible and detachable devices for the last few years, but the combination of Android and Chrome will actually make them work. ... they'll work the way people do in 2016: online everywhere, all the time, in a thousand different ways.
  21. ^ "Samsung and Google teamed up to make two new Chromebooks that run Android apps". Business Insider. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  22. ^ Bohn, Dieter (February 10, 2017). "Samsung Chromebook Plus review: the best Chrome OS laptop, for now". The Verge. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  23. ^ "Chrome OS Systems Supporting Android Apps". The Chromium Projects. Retrieved September 5, 2017. The Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases that will be able to install Android apps are listed below. Roll-out of Android Apps is done on a device-per-device basis as it is dependent on a number of factors including the hardware platform that the device is based on and each device must be compatible with Android. While we won't be able to bring Android apps to every Chromebook ever made, we're continuing to evaluate more devices and we'll update this list as new devices are added.
  24. ^ Raphael, JR (August 8, 2017). "Google's turning on the gas on its Android-Chrome OS alignment". computerworld.com. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  25. ^ "Chromebooks are ready for your next coding project". Google. May 8, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  26. ^ Pichai, Sundar (July 8, 2009). "Google Chrome OS FAQ". Official Google Blog. Google, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
  27. ^ Myslewski, Rik (July 10, 2009). "Intel Cozying up to Google Chrome OS". The RegisterOSnews. Retrieved July 11, 2012.
  28. ^ Richards, David (February 11, 2010). "Samsung Confirms Chrome Based Netbook". Channel News Australia. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  29. ^ "Google Chrome OS gets detailed, first laptops from Acer and Samsung coming mid-2011". engadget. December 7, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  30. ^ Ricadela, Aaron (June 25, 2010). "Dell Tests Google's Chrome Operating System on Some Computers". Bloomberg News. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  31. ^ Bailey, Dan (May 2011). "Chrome OS File Manager Gets Secret Shortcuts". Conceivably Tech. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  32. ^ Smith, William. "8 Things You Need to Know About Chrome OS". MaximumPC. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  33. ^ Bryan Lunduke (January 12, 2015). "3 ways to run 'normal' Linux on a Chromebook". Network World.
  34. ^ "3 alternatives to Chrome OS on Google's Chromebook Pixel — Tech News and Analysis". Gigaom.com. February 26, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  35. ^ "Acer C720 Chromebook Delivers Fast Ubuntu Performance".
  36. ^ a b Sherr, Ian (May 11, 2011). "Google to launch Chrome Laptops in June". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  37. ^ Walter, Derek (February 16, 2017). "How to set up your new Chromebook the right way". PCWorld. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  38. ^ "What is the Chrome Web Store?". Google Inc.
  39. ^ Lam, Wayne (June 13, 2011). "Samsung Chromebook Carries $332.12 Bill of Materials, IHS iSuppli Teardown Reveals". IHS Technology.
  40. ^ "Use your Chromebook offline".
  41. ^ "Yes you can use the new Chromebook offline". ZDNet. October 22, 2012.
  42. ^ Tofel, Kevin C. (June 5, 2014). "Grab the remote: Chromebooks can now watch Play Movies, TV shows offline". Gigaom.
  43. ^ Larabel, Michael (April 22, 2012). "Many FSF Priority Projects Still Not Progressing". Phoronix. Retrieved December 29, 2014. The success out of Coreboot recently is Google providing Sandy/Ivy Bridge support for Coreboot. Google's planning to begin shipping new Intel 'Chromebooks' that will use Coreboot. Google likes Coreboot for the faster start-up time, among other benefits.
  44. ^ "Chromebooks". www.coreboot.org. Archived from the original (MediaWiki) on May 8, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  45. ^ Payne, Robby (March 18, 2017). "New Chromebook Tablet 'Scarlet' Gets More Details, More Intrigue". chromeunboxed.com. Retrieved September 5, 2017. With Android apps coming into fullness over the next few versions of Chrome OS, the stage is set for the arrival of tablets and detachables.
  46. ^ Melanie Pinola (July 11, 2011). "Acer ships AC700 Chromebook". Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  47. ^ "The Google Chromebook Breaks Cover At I/O 2011, Hits Retailers June 15th". TechCrunch.
  48. ^ "Samsung". Samsung. May 29, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  49. ^ HP (September 11, 2013). "HP News – HP Unveils Sleek and Colorful Chromebook". hp.com. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  50. ^ Sood, Natesh (June 2011). "Google launches new Chromebook Guru Program". Gagetell. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  51. ^ Parfeni, Lucien (June 2011). "The Most Enthusiastic Cr-48 Owners Will Get a Free Samsung Chromebook". Softpedia. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  52. ^ Paula, Rooney (June 30, 2011). "Google, Virgin America partner to push ChromeBooks, free WiFi in the clouds (the real ones)". ZDNet. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
  53. ^ "Google gets its own store ... sort of". Neowin.net. September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  54. ^ "Google launches Chrome Zone in London store". TechRadar. September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  55. ^ Ryan, John (March 20, 2015). "Store gallery: Google and Currys PC World take on the high street".
  56. ^ "Explore Chrome OS". Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  57. ^ Vaughan-Nichols, Steven J. (June 2011). "Five Chromebook concerns for businesses". ZDNet. Retrieved June 14, 2011.
  58. ^ Thibodeau, Patrick. "Orlando tries out 600 Chromebooks, The Chrome OS-based laptops may fit into city's cloud strategy". Computerworld.
  59. ^ "Official Google Blog: 'Tis the season for Chromebooks". Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  60. ^ "A new kind of computer: Chromebook". The Official Google Blog. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  61. ^ a b Stein, Scott (May 11, 2011). "First Take: Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, the future of Netbooks?". CNET News. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  62. ^ "SAMSUNG And Google Introduce The Second-Generation Chromebook and The World's First Chromebox". Samsung. May 29, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  63. ^ Hecei, Dave (July 2, 2012). "Google Chromebox Mac Mini Clone". The Post-Journal. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2012.
  64. ^ "Official Blog: The new Chromebook, for everyone". Googleblog.blogspot.com. October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  65. ^ Pichai, Sundar (November 12, 2012). "Official Blog: The new Acer Chromebook". Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  66. ^ Upson, Linus (February 21, 2013). "Official Blog: The Chromebook Pixel, for what's next". Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  67. ^ Chromebook. "Google Drive offer for Chrome devices – Chromebook Help". Google Inc. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  68. ^ "Support Home Page". Custhelp.gogoinflight.com. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  69. ^ Culpan, Tim (January 27, 2013). "Acer Sees Success in Chrome; Windows Fails to Drive Sales". Bloomberg. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  70. ^ Stahie, Silviu (January 20, 2015). "Microsoft Is Taking a Beating from Linux-Powered Chromebooks". Softpedia. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  71. ^ "Chromebooks are a Bright Spot in a Stagnant B2B PC and Tablet Market, According To NPD". August 12, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  72. ^ March 2020, Desire Athow 04. "We found the cheapest Chromebook in the world right now". TechRadar. Retrieved March 4, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  73. ^ a b c Wingfield, Nick; Singer, Natasha (May 2, 2017). "Microsoft Looks to Regain Lost Ground in the Classroom". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  74. ^ Temple, James (January 25, 2012). "Google's Chromebooks making big school push". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  75. ^ Lai, Eric (October 21, 2012). "The Google Chromebook, Suddenly, Is An Enterprise Contender". ZDNet. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  76. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (June 25, 2012). "Google: More Than 500 School Districts In The U.S. And Europe Now Use Chromebooks". Techcrunch. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  77. ^ Alexandra Chachkevitch (February 27, 2014). "Privacy concerns arise over monitoring software". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  78. ^ a b c d Corinne Reichert (December 2, 2015). "Google invading student privacy with Chromebooks: EFF". ZDNet. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  79. ^ a b c Electronic Frontier Foundation (December 1, 2015). "FTC Complaint – Google for Education" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  80. ^ "Signatories – Pledge to Parents & Students". Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  81. ^ Ng, Alfred (March 28, 2018). "How Chromebooks became the go-to laptops for security experts". CNet. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  82. ^ Clark, Mitchell (January 30, 2021). "Chromebooks just had their best year ever". The Verge. Retrieved January 31, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  83. ^ XDA Developers – Chrome OS now shows your Chromebook’s End-of-Life info in Settings, posted 11/12/2019, URL: https://www.xda-developers.com/chrome-os-chromebook-end-of-life-info-settings/ Retrieved 11/25/2019
  84. ^ "Why Chromebooks don't get kernel upgrades". Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  85. ^ "Developer Information, device table".
  86. ^ "Chrome Event – 12/07/2010". YouTube.
  87. ^ Upson, Linus (December 7, 2010). "Google Chrome Blog: An update on Chrome, the Web Store and Chrome OS". Chrome.blogspot.com. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  88. ^ "Cr48 – Pilot-Program – Chrome OS". December 8, 2010. Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  89. ^ Savov, Vlad. "Inventec ships 60,000 Chrome OS netbooks to Google, says 'let the testing begin!'". Engadget.com. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  90. ^ Metz, Cade (December 10, 2010). "Google Cr-48: Inside the Chrome OS 'unstable isotope'". The Register. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  91. ^ a b Paul, Ryan (December 2010). "Nothing but 'Net: hands-on with the Cr-48 Chrome OS laptop". Ars Technica. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
  92. ^ Gruener, Wolfgang (December 2010). "Chrome OS Is Ahead Of Its Time". Conceivably Tech. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2010.
  93. ^ Ackerman, Dan (December 7, 2010). "Google Cr-48 Chrome hardware pilot program: "Not for the faint of heart"". CNET News. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
  94. ^ Calore, Michael (December 2010). "First Look: Google's Netbook Has Its Head in the Cloud". Wired. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
  95. ^ Google (December 2010). "Cr-48 Chrome Notebook". Retrieved December 13, 2010. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  96. ^ Chromebook. "Explore keyboard features – Chromebook Help". Google Inc. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  97. ^ Diaz, Jesus (December 7, 2010). "Google wants to take your Caps Lock key away". Gizmodo. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
  98. ^ Paul, Ryan (December 2010). "Google demos Chrome OS, launches pilot program". Ars Technica. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
  99. ^ "Google Cloud Print Help". Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  100. ^ "YouTube – Chrome OS Security". Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  101. ^ "Google Cloud Print". Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  102. ^ Bakke, Kurt (December 2010). "Where Did All Those Chromebooks Go To?". Conceivably Tech. Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  103. ^ Gruener, Wolfgang (January 2011). "When Google's Cr-48 Truly Sucks". Conceivably Tech. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
  104. ^ Gruener, Wolfgang (February 2011). "Cr-48 and Chrome OS: When You Really Hate Netflix". Conceivably Tech. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
  105. ^ "Google Cr-48 Chrome Notebook Review | NotebookReview.com". NotebookReview.com. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  106. ^ Shankland, Stephen (February 21, 2013). "Google's Chromebook Pixel elevates Chrome OS ambitions". CNET. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  107. ^ Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (February 21, 2013). "Google Debuts Pixel, a Premium Touchscreen Chromebook". Wired. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  108. ^ Sin, Gloria (April 12, 2013). "Pre-Ordered Chromebook Pixel LTEs Should Arrive Today". Digital Trends. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  109. ^ Shankin, Will (February 21, 2013). "Chromebook Pixel vs. MacBook Air". Gizmag. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  110. ^ Pierce, David (February 25, 2013). "Chromebook Pixel review: Google's first Chrome OS device combines high tech and high fashion". The Verge. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  111. ^ Joe Osborne. "Google Pixelbook review".
  112. ^ Jon Phillips (October 5, 2017). "Google Pixelbook: Pen support and phone tethering could seal the Chrome OS deal". PCWorld.
  113. ^ "Initial Thoughts on the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook". TechCrunch.
  114. ^ Paul, Ryan (June 2011). "iFixit tears the chrome off of a Samsung Chromebook". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 12, 2011.
  115. ^ "SAMSUNG And Google Introduce The Second-Generation Chromebook and The World's First Chromebox". Samsung press release. May 29, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  116. ^ Wollman, Dana (May 29, 2012). "Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 review". Engadget. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  117. ^ Wilcox, Joe (May 29, 2012). "Is Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 worth spending $549?". BetaNews. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  118. ^ a b "Hands-on with Samsung's $249 Chromebook". CNET. October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  119. ^ "The new Chromebook, for everyone". Google: Official Blog. October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  120. ^ a b c "The new Chromebook, for everyone". Samsung USA. Retrieved November 27, 2016.
  121. ^ "HP Unveils Pavilion 14 Chromebook". Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  122. ^ "The new HP Chromebook, made with Google". Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  123. ^ "Consumer Product Safety Commission". Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  124. ^ "HP Chromebook Now Good to Go – Google Replaces Faulty Charger". January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  125. ^ "HP Unveils Sleek and Colorful Chromebook". Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  126. ^ "HP Unveils Five New Innovative and Stylish Consumer Products for Holiday". Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  127. ^ "Chromebox device". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  128. ^ a b "Developer Information for Chrome OS Devices". Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  129. ^ Dara Kerr (December 17, 2013). "Chromebase: LG's all-in-one desktop that runs Chrome OS". CNET. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  130. ^ "The Simplicity And Speed Of Chrome". LG.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chromebooks.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chromebook&oldid=1004871343"