Chromebook is a laptop or tablet running a Linux-based Chrome OS as its operating system. This device is primarily used to perform various tasks using the Google Chrome browser, with most applications and data residing in the cloud rather than on the machine itself. Some Chromebooks can also run Android apps.
The first Chromebooks for sale, by Acer Inc. and Samsung, began shipping on June 15, 2011. In addition to the laptop model, the desktop version, called Chromebox, was introduced in May 2012, and an "all-in-one" device, called Chromebase, was introduced in January 2014, by LG Electronics.
In October 2012, Simon Phipps, writing at InfoWorld, said, "Chromebook Channels are probably the most successful Linux desktop/laptop computers we've come to date." From January to November 2013, 1.76 million Chromebooks are sold on US business-to-business channels.
In March 2018, Chromebooks made 60% of the computers used in schools. In April 2017, the Electronic Frontier Foundation accused Google of using Chromebooks to collect and data mine "schoolchildren's personal information, including their Internet searches", without their parental consent, two years after the EFF filed a federal complaint against the company.
Video Chromebook
History
The first Chromebooks for sale, by Acer Inc. and Samsung, announced at Google I/O conference in May 2011, and began shipping on June 15, 2011. Lenovo, Hewlett Packard, and Google itself entered the market in early 2013. In December 2013, Samsung launched a dedicated Samsung Chromebook for the Indian market that uses Exynos 5 Dual core processor company.
The critical reaction to the device was initially skeptical, with some reviewers, such as New York Times technology columnist David Pogue, comparing unfavorably the comparative value of Chromebooks with full-featured laptops running Microsoft Windows operating systems. The complaint was later lost in a review of the Acer and Samsung engines that were priced lower.
In February 2013, Google announced and started delivering Chromebook Pixels, higher-end engines with high-end price tags.
In January 2015, Acer announced its first large-screen Chromebook, Acer Chromebook 15 with a 15.6-inch FHD screen.
Non-laptop models
In addition to laptops, other devices run Chrome OS as well. The desktop version, called Chromebox, was introduced in May 2012. 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: Chromebook Tab 10. The device is expected to compete with Apple iPad tablets at a lower price in the education market. Tab 10 - 9.7 inch, 2048 x 1536 - same screen with iPad. Device includes stylus. No devices include a keyboard.
Integration with Android
In May 2016, Google announced it would make Android app available on Chromebooks via the Google Play app distribution platform. At that time, Google Play access is scheduled for the latest ASUS Chromebook Flip, Acer Chromebook R 11 and Chromebook Pixel, with other Chromebooks scheduled from time to time. Partnering with Google, Samsung released Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro in early 2017, the first Chromebooks that came with the Play Store were pre-installed. The February 2017 review at The Verge reports that Plus with its ARM processor handles Android apps "much better" than Intel-based Pro, but says that "Android apps on Chrome OS are still in beta" and " very much unfinished experience. " The number of Chrome OS systems that support Android apps on either the stable or beta channels is increasing.
Maps Chromebook
Design
Initial hardware partners for Chromebook development include Acer, Adobe, Asus, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard (later HP Inc.), Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, Intel, Samsung, and Dell.
Chipboard Chromebook with Google Chrome OS, operating system that uses the Linux kernel and Google Chrome web browser with integrated media player. Enabling developer mode allows installation of Linux distributions on Chromebooks. Crouton is a script that allows installation of Linux distributions from Chrome OS, and runs both operating systems simultaneously. Some Chromebooks include SeaBIOS, which can be turned on to install and boot Linux distributions directly. With limited offline capabilities and fast boot times, Chromebooks are primarily designed for use when connected to the Internet and signed in to Google accounts. Instead of installing traditional apps like word processing and instant messaging, users add web apps from the Chrome Web Store. Google claims that a multi-layer security architecture eliminates the need for anti-virus software.
Support for many USB devices such as cameras, mice, external keyboards and flash drives is included, using features similar to plug-and-play on other operating systems. Like the Cr-48 prototype, Chromebooks have a dedicated keyboard complete with buttons to open and control multiple browser windows, as well as Web search keys that replace caps lock keys (caps lock is enabled by pressing alt search).
The Samsung Series 5 component analysis by iFixit in June 2011, estimates 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, shipping, marketing, and research and development margins, the profit margins on Chromebooks are slim, requiring huge production to make a profit.
Although Chromebooks are designed to be used when connected to the internet, users can access Google apps like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Drive in offline mode. The Chromebook also features a local music player, photo editor, and a PDF and Microsoft Office document viewer that works without Internet access. Other apps with offline support include Amazon Cloud Reader, New York Times Application, and Angry Birds. Google Play video content is available offline using the extension to the Chrome browser.
All Chromebooks, except the first three, boot with Coreboot help, fast BIOS boot.
Android and Chrome integration, announced in 2016, is anticipated to drive the design and form factor of upcoming Chromebooks, including the first expected Chrome OS tablet.
Sales and marketing
The first two commercial Chromebooks available, Samsung Series 5 and Acer AC700, were launched on May 11, 2011, at Google's I/O developer conference. They began selling through online channels, including Amazon and Best Buy in the United States, Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain starting June 15, 2011; However, Acer AC700 is not available until early July. The first machines sell for between $ 349 and $ 499, depending on 3G models and options. Google also offers monthly payment schemes for business and education customers at $ 28 and $ 20 per user, per month, each for a three-year contract, including replacements and upgrades. Verizon offers models equipped with 4G/4G LTE connectivity 100-200 MB of free wireless data per month, for two years.
Google's initial marketing efforts rely primarily on hands-on experience: delivering Samsung engines to 10 Cr-48 pilot programs along with Master Chromebook titles and lending Chromebooks to passengers on several Virgin America flights.
At the end of September 2011, Google launched the Chrome Zone, an "in-store shop", inside the currys superstore and PC World in London. The store has a Google-style look and feel with splashes of color around the front of the retail store. The concept was later transformed into a Google store in a wider, undeveloped store outside PC World at Tottenham Court Road.
In addition to this marketing strategy, Google Chrome has created several "mini Chromebooks" that demonstrate the ease of use and simplicity of the device in a funny way. For example, when the "How to back up Chromebook" question is asked, it is implied to refer to data backup, but instead shows two hands that push the Chromebook back to the end of the table. This is followed by a statement, "You do not have to back up your Chromebook," showing how all data is stored on the web.
In an article published in ZDNet in June 2011, titled "Five Chromebook concerns for business", Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols blames the device for lack of virtual private networking capabilities, does not support some Wi-Fi security methods, specifically Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) Enterprise with Extensible Transport-Transport Layer (EAP-TLS) Security Protocol or Cisco's Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP). He also notes that his file manager is not working, the need to use undocumented cross shells to accomplish basic tasks such as setting up secure shell network connections (SSH) as well as serious flaws in documentation.
In one of the first customer reviews, Orlando City, Florida, reported their initial test of 600 Chromebooks as part of a larger study related to accessing virtual desktops. Initial indications show potential value in reducing IT support costs. End users have indicated that Chromebooks are easy to get through and start quickly. One states that "If I just need to stay connected for emergencies, I take my Chrome," but when traveling for business he will keep bringing his laptop. Orlando plans to continue using Chromebooks.
On November 21, 2011, Google announced price reductions across all Chromebooks. Since then, only the Samsung 5 Series Wi-Fi has been reduced to $ 349, the Samsung 5 Series 3G is reduced to $ 449, and the Acer AC700 is reduced to $ 299.
The updated 550 Series and Chromebox, the first Chrome OS desktop machine, were released by Samsung in May 2012. While the two lowest cost Chromebooks showed up later in the fall: Samsung Series $ 249 3 and Acer C7 $ 199. Next February, Google introduced the most machines expensive, Chromebook Pixel, with prices starting at $ 1299. All models released after May 2012 include 100à ¢, GB-1.09Ã, TB, Google Drive cloud storage and 12 GoGo WiFi access.
In January 2013, Acer Chromebook sales are being driven by "heavy Internet users with educational institutions", and the platform represents 5-10 percent of US company shipments, according to Acer president Jim Wong. He called the numbers sustainable, comparing them with the low sales of Windows 8 which he blamed for the slump in the market. Wong said that the company will consider marketing Chromebooks to other developed countries, as well as to companies. He noted that although Chrome OS is free to license for hardware vendors, it requires greater marketing spending than Windows, offsetting savings licenses.
During the first 11 months of 2013, 1.76 million Chromebooks were 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.
In January 2015, Silviu Stahie noted on Softpedia that the Chromebook was eating into Microsoft's market share. He says "Microsoft is engaged in a silent war and it's completely outclassed, they're fighting against such a dangerous and so cunning enemy that it really hurts the company more than anything else." The enemy is called Chromebook and they use Linux. things are slowing down and Microsoft really needs a win, and soon if it wants to remain relevant. "
By 2015, Chromebooks, based on sales volume (to companies in the U.S.), are second only to Windows-based devices (with Android tablets, overtaking Apple devices in 2014): "Chromebook sales through US B2B channels increased 43 percent during the first half 2015, helps keep overall sales of B2B PCs and tablets from fallout. [..] Sales of devices with Google OS (Android and Chrome) increased 29 percent compared to 2014 driven by sales of Chromebooks, while Apple devices declined 12 percent and Windows devices fell 8 percent. "
Education market
Education markets have become the biggest success of Chromebooks, competing with low hardware, software, and maintenance costs. The simplicity of heavy equipment, which can be a weakness in other markets, has proven to be beneficial to the school district by reducing training and maintenance costs.
In January 2012, despite flat commercial sales, Google placed nearly 27,000 Chromebooks in schools in 41 US states, including a "one on one" program, which allocates computers to every student in South Carolina, Illinois and Iowa.. As of August 2012, more than 500 school districts in the United States and Europe use this device. By 2016, Chromebooks represent 58 percent of the 2.6 million mobile devices purchased by US schools and about 64 percent of those outside the US. In contrast, sales of Apple tablets and laptops to US schools fell that year to 19 percent, compared to 52 percent in 2012.
Helping to spur Chromebook sales is Google Classroom, an app designed for teachers in 2014, that serves as a hub for classroom activities including attendance, class discussions, homework, and communication with students and parents.
However, there are concerns about privacy in the context of the education market for Chromebooks. School school officials who issued Chromebooks for students have confirmed that students have no privacy rights when using school-issued Chromebooks, even at home, and that all online and offline activities can be monitored by schools using third-party software pre-installed on laptops. Furthermore, the Electronic Frontier Foundation complains that Google itself infringes on the privacy of students, by enabling sync functionality in Google Chrome ("Chrome Sync") by default, enabling web search history and other student data - including those under 13 years old - to be stored on a server Google and potentially used for purposes other than authorized educational purposes. The point of contention is the fact that school-issued Chromebook users can not change this setting as an action to protect their privacy because only the administrator who issued the laptop can change it. EFF claims that this violates the Student Privacy Agreement signed by Google in 2014. EFF staff attorney Nate Cardozo stated: "Minors can not be traced or used as guinea pigs, with their data treated as profit centers. want to use student data to 'improve Google products', then it needs to get parental approval. "
As of March 2018, Chromebooks cover 60% of computers used in schools. The CNet writer, Alfred Ng, calls superior security a key reason for this market adoption rate.
List of Chromebooks
- Notes
The hardware generation and Linux kernel version of most products can be inferred from the code name and video game series related:
Cr-48
On December 7, 2010, press conference, Google announced Chrome OS Pilot Program, pilot experiment and first Chromebook, Cr-48 Chrome Notebook, prototype, to test the Chrome OS operating system and hardware modified for it. This device has a minimal design and everything is black, completely unbranded even made by Inventec, and has a rubber coating. This device is named Chromium-48, the unstable isotope of the Chromium metal element, and the participants are named Cr-48 Test Pilots. Google distributes about 60,000 Cr-48 Chrome Notebooks between December 2010 and March 2011 for free for participants and in return asks for feedback such as suggestions and bug reports. Cr-48 is intended only for testing, not retail sales.
Cr-48 hardware design violates the conventions by replacing certain keys with shortcut keys, such as function keys, and replacing lock caps lock with special search keys, which can be changed back to caps lock in OS keyboard settings. Google handles complaints that the operating system offers little functionality when the host device is not connected to the Internet, shows offline versions of Google Docs, and announces a 3G plan that will give users 100% of free data every month, with additional paid plans available from Verizon.
The device's USB port is capable of supporting a keyboard, mouse, Ethernet adapter, or USB storage, but not a printer, since Chrome OS does not offer a print stack. Adding further hardware beyond the previously mentioned items is likely to cause problems with the operating system's "self-know" security model. Users are even encouraged to use secure services called Google Cloud Print to print to old printers connected to their desktop computers, or to connect HP ePrint, Kodak Hero, Kodak ESP or Epson Connect printers to the Google Cloud Print service for "conscious cloud" printer connection.
The prototype Cr-48 laptop gave their first chance to evaluate Chrome OS running on the device. Ryan Paul from Ars Technica wrote that the machine "fulfills the basic requirements for web surfing, games, and personal productivity, but fails 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 the browser. He thinks Chrome OS "can appeal to some dedicated audiences": people who only need a browser or company that relies on Google Apps and other Web apps. But the operating system was "definitely not a full alternative to the general purpose computing environment that is currently shipped on netbooks." Paul writes that most of the benefits of Chrome OS "can be found in other software environments without having to sacrifice genuine apps."
In reviewing Cr-48 on December 29, 2010, Kurt Bakke of Conceivably Tech wrote that Chromebooks have become the most commonly used family tool in the household. "The start time of 15 seconds and the specific Google user account make it a device that can be used for quick search, email, and YouTube and Facebook activity." But the device does not replace five other notebooks at home: one for games, two for kids, and two for public use. "The biggest complaint I hear is the lack of performance in Flash apps."
In the ongoing testing, Wolfgang Gruener, also writing at Conceivably Tech, said that cloud computing at mobile data speeds is unacceptable and the lack of offline capabilities transforms the Cr-48 "into useless bricks" when not connected. "It's hard to use a Chromebook as a daily device and submit what you normally use on a Mac/Windows PC, while you definitely enjoy the occasional special cloud computing capability."
Cr-48 features Intel Atom 455, single-core processor with 512 KB cache and hyperthreading enabled. It also has a removable 2 GB DDR3 memory in one SO-DIMM, integrated graphics chipset, and 66 watt-hour battery. It has been found that the Intel NM10 chipset can get very hot during operation due to lack of proper heatsink, but this has been fixed in Chromebook production.
Pixel
Launched by Google in February 2013, Chromebook Pixel remains a powerful tool in the Chromebook family. This laptop has an unusual 3: 2 touch screen display aspect ratio that shows what on its debut has the highest pixel density of any laptop, a CPU that is faster than its predecessor on Intel Core i5, and the exterior design described by Wired as "a block rectangular of aluminum with smooth rounded edges ". The second pixel featuring LTE wireless communications and twice the storage capacity is sent for arrival on April 12, 2013.
The machine received a lot of media attention, with many reviewers questioning Pixel's value proposition compared to Windows machines for the same price and the MacBook Air.
Samsung
Samsung Series 5
Reviewing the Samsung Series 5 specifications, Scott Stein of CNET was not impressed with the 12-inch screen and only 16 GB of onboard storage. "Chrome OS may be lighter than Windows XP, but we still prefer media storage space, with this price you can also get 11.6" (290 mm) AMD E-350 Wi-Fi running Windows 7. " On the other hand, MG Siegler from TechCrunch wrote very favorable reviews, praising the increase 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 under the iPad.
In June 2011, iFixit dismantled the Samsung Series 5 and concluded that it was essentially an enhanced Cr-48. They rank 6/10 for repairs, especially since the case must be opened to replace the battery and because the RAM chip is soldered to the motherboard. iFixit notes that "most-plastic construction" feels "rather cheap". On the plus side they state that the screen is easily removed and most components, including solid state hard disks will be easily replaced. Kyle Wiens iFixit writes that the 5 Series "fixes the Cr-48's major shortcomings and adds the necessary polish to lust passion to the heart of its vast consumer base: slim display, 8 hours of battery life, and optimized performance."
Samsung Series 5 550
In May 2012, Samsung introduced the Chromebook Series 5 550, with more expensive Wi-Fi models and 3G models.
Reviews generally question the value proposition. Dana Wollman from Engadget writes that the Chromebook's keyboard "makes Ultrabook thousands of dollars to be embarrassed" and offers a better display quality than many laptops sold double. But the price "seems to exist in a vacuum - a place where tablet apps are not developing more sophisticated, where Win8 Transformer-like tablets are not on the road and where there are not some solid budget Windows machines to choose from."
Joe Wilcox of BetaNews writes that "the price for performance and how it compares to other options" is "where Chromebooks collapse for many potential buyers." He notes that new models are sold more than their predecessors, and while the price-performance ratio is quite favorable compared to the MacBook Air, "with specifications, there are many lower cost options."
Samsung Series 3
In October 2012, the Chromebook Series 3 was introduced at a San Francisco event with Samsung Chromebook XE303. It's cheaper, thinner and lighter than the Chromebook 550. Google markets the Series 3 as a computer for everyone, because of its simple operating system (Chrome OS) and affordable pricing. Target markets include first-time students and computer users, as well as households looking for additional computers.
The lower price proved to be a watershed for some reviewers. New York Times technology columnist David Pogue overturned a previous thumbs-up on the Chromebook, writing that "$ 250 changed everything." It costs half of "iPad, even less than the iPad Mini or iPod Touch, and you get a laptop." He writes that Chromebooks do a lot of the things people use computers and laptops to: play flash videos, and open Microsoft Office documents. "In other words, Google is right when it asserts that Chromebooks are perfect for schools, second-home computers and businesses that deploy hundreds of computers."
The CNET reviews on the 3 Series Chromebooks are even more profitable, saying that most computers are delivered as computers for students and as additional computers for the home - especially for users who already use Google Web apps like Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail. "This device can run if not a prominent hardware, good battery life, can be switched on fast, and the $ 249 price tag means it's not as much a commitment as the $ 550 Samsung Series 5 550 arrives in May." Review minus points for performance. "It's okay for many tasks, but the power users who are accustomed to having more than a few dozen open browser tabs should be clear."
Samsung Chromebook 3
Chromebook 3 differs from and differentiated from the same Samsung Series 3 in many ways: newer (released 2016), different architecture (Intel Celeron N3050 instead of Exynos 5 Dual ARM Cortex), thinner (0.7 "), and less expensive ( about $ 100 less than Series 3), but keep applying ChromeOS completely.
HP
The first HP Chromebook, and the biggest Chromebook on the market at the time, was the Chromebook 14 Pavilion launched February 3, 2013. It has an Intel Celeron 847 CPU and 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Battery life is not long, just over 4 hours, but the larger form factor makes it more friendly to use throughout the day. HP introduced Chromebook 11 on October 8, 2013, in the US. In December 2013, Google and HP withdrew 145,000 chargers for overheating. The sale is stopped, followed by a redesigned charger the following month. HP Chromebook 14 announced 11 September 2013 with Intel Haswell Celeron processor, USB 3.0 port, and 4G broadband. The latest version of the Chromebook lineup was announced on September 3, 2014. The 11-inch model includes an Intel processor while the 14-inch model features a fanless design powered by Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. HP Chromebooks are available in several colors.
Desktop variant
Two types of desktop computers also run Chrome OS.
Chromebox
Classified as small-form-factor PCs, Chromeboxes typically have a power switch and a set of ports: local area network, USB, DVI-D, DisplayPort, and audio. Like Chromebooks, Chromeboxes use solid-state memory and support Web applications, but require an external monitor, keyboard, and pointing device.
Chromebase
Chromebase is a "all-in-one" Chrome OS device. The first model was released by LG Electronics that brings together the display, speakers, 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone, at a suggested retail price of $ 350. The company launched the product in January 2014, at CES International in Las Vegas.
Dongle Variant
Chromebit
Chromebit is a dongle that runs on Google Chrome OS operating system. When placed on a television HDMI port or monitor, this device transforms the display into a personal computer. Chromebits allow the addition of a keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth or via a USB port.
See also
- Chromium OS
- Thin web client
References
External links
- Official website
- Disassembly of CR-48
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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