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Google is aiming to put the “net” in netbook with Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that focuses on web apps and online storage.
Due for release in mid-2011, the first batch of Chrome OS netbooks come with Intel processors and Verizon data plans. They’ll download apps through a Google app store hosted on the web. Google detailed plans of Chrome OS in a press event Tuesday.
“We finally have a viable third choice for an operating system on the desktop,” said Eric Schmidt, Google’s CEO.
Chrome OS is Google’s vision of the future of computers: always-connected devices that ditch the traditional hard drive and instead rely on web-coded applications and “cloud” storage. It’s also yet another area where Google comes head-to-head with its biggest rival, Apple, who recently introduced a flash-based MacBook Air and a Mac App Store for downloading apps.
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about Chrome OS.
Hardware players
Google has partnered with Samsung and Acer, whose Chrome OS laptops will go on sale in mid-2011. More manufacturers will follow.
Notebook specifications
Though exact specifications for future devices are unknown, Google is handing out an unbranded pilot device running Chrome OS called the Cr-48.
The Cr-48 features a 12.1-inch screen, an Intel Atom processor, a flash memory drive, Wi-Fi, a “world-mode” 3G chip that works with international cellular networks and a built-in “jailbreaking” mode so you can hack it.
Pricing
Official price tags for Chrome OS netbooks have not been revealed, but Google’s Schmidt has claimed they will be priced between $300 to $400.
Data plans
The 3-G plan for Chrome OS netbooks is nothing like a cellphone’s. When you buy a Chrome OS netbook, Verizon will give you 100 MB of free 3-G data per month for two years. There are no overage fees.
If you regularly need more than 100MB, there are a few long-term plans starting at $10 per month for additional data.
And if you need more data only occasionally, you can buy a day pass to get unlimited 3-G access for one day. The price for the day pass has not yet been disclosed.
Keep in mind that if you’re mostly using a Chrome OS netbook at home, you can just connect to your Wi-Fi network for free.
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