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June 13, 2012

The Chromebook Ultrabook

A few weeks ago, Samsung released the new Chromebook and Chromebox, a small desktop PC that runs Chrome OS. The new Chromebook focused on performance and, even though it's more expensive, it's no longer a netbook. It's almost an ultrabook.

Instead of using an Intel Atom N570 processor with really poor integrated graphics, the new Samsung Chromebook 550 uses an Intel Celeron 867 processor with much better graphics. From an Atom CPU to a Sandy Bridge CULV processor, there's an important step up. Intel Celeron 867 is a low-end processor that lacks many features that are available in Core i3/i5/i7, but it's 3 times as fast as the old CPU (according to Google).

The new Chromebook doesn't meet Intel's requirements to be called an ultrabook, but it's almost there. It has an Intel Core CULV CPU, the height is 20 mm instead of 18 mm and the battery life is more than 5 hours (it's actually 6 hours).


The old Chromebook was pretty expensive for a netbook, but the new one is cheap for an almost-ultrabook that actually has a matte screen, a great keyboard, a powerful touchpad, it boots almost instantly and is not hindered by an operating system that gets in the way. Now that Chrome OS has a more familiar interface and Chrome can run native apps, the new Chrome devices could gain more traction.

12 comments:

  1. This thing does not feature an hard disk or an optical drive but still does not come loaded with a large enough battery that can make it outlast the MacBook? I understand that it is like 20-25% of the price of the MacBook but a device like this should have a longer battery life. :| Even Tablets priced in the same range feature longer battery life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last year's model initially had a 6-cell battery (around 10 hours), but Samsung released a cheaper version with a 4-cell battery. This year's model has the same 4-cell battery. Possible reasons: cheaper, lighter.

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  2. Yeah, except it's made by Samsung, which makes stuff that breaks right after your warranty runs out (90 days). Maybe someday Chromebooks will get a decent hardware company to back it. Samsung can afford to sell these because they put so little into them, which is why Samsung products stink. They should stick to making parts.

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    Replies
    1. Samsung is easily one of the top hardware manufacturers.

      Delete
  3. YouTube test a new homepage. How to use here: http://tecno-net.blogspot.com/2012/06/youtube-prueba-una-nueva-interfaz.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think the cromebook is a good alternative for the ultrabook.

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  5. Please note that Chromebooks are not intended for everyone. Too many people trash the Chromebook concept beacuse of what it can't do, instead of focusing on the advantages it has for certain types of users. If you're looking for an easy to use, easy to manage device, and most of your time is spent on the web anyway, then Chromebooks are a very attractive option, especially with the more powerful chips and other recent improvements.

    For those considering Chromebooks but need access to Windows applications, there are solutions for that. For example, Ericom's AccessNow HTML5 RDP client enables Chromebook users to securely connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server and VDI virtual desktops, and run their applications and desktops in a browser.

    AccessNow doesn't require any installation on the device (you only need an HTML5-compatible browser), so it fits in with the Chromebook's easy to use reputation.

    Check out this link for more info:
    http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708

    And yes, I do work for Ericom

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  6. This is really cool but cant match the ultrabooks in performance because the 4 Gb ram and the core processors are not upto mark. What else can be expected at this price though :P

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  7. Yep. I recommended this new chromebook to my sister. The first generation with the Atom processor lacks power. Now with the Celeron, it's confortable for multiple windows browsing, streaming hd videos... So it is powerful enough for most activities: internet browsing, office work, casual gaming... even console quality gaming like Bastion.

    But no, it is not as powerful as an ultrabook. It cannot play high-end console quality games like From Dust. So Google, Samsung, Asus (?), please, build a real ultrachromebook, because I deadly want one.

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  8. I doin't get why a Chromebook can't be a true ultrabook. A small SSD, light specs, high enough price for a better build. This thing should be slightly better for the money. I'm willing to hand over my money for a Chromebook. I really don't need Microsoft anymore, but I'm still waiting for more manufacturers and prices to fall before I buy.

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  9. What is the price of Hcl Dual core AE1V2127-X model laptop.

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