Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
Summary: While Google made reference to forthcoming desktops running its Chrome OS at its recent I/O conference, the company provided few specifics. Xi3 has since filled that breach by announcing that its ChromiumPC will be the first desktop to run the operating system when it launches in early July.
While Google made reference to forthcoming desktops running its Chrome OS at its recent I/O conference, the company provided few specifics. Xi3 has since filled that breach by announcing that its ChromiumPC will be the first desktop to run the operating system when it launches in early July.
Xi3 had designed a modular architecture for the ChromiumPC, which means that it consists of processor and I/O modules rather than a traditional motherboard. Further, the I/O modules -- one for communications ports and the second for other connectivity -- are swappable. Though few specs are known for the ChromiumPC, it will use an x86-based processor -- either single or dual-core -- and be released in several color choices. Xi3 says third parties are interested in creating their own modules, and flavors of ChromiumPC running other operating systems will also be available.
Xi3 says it will disclose more information about the ChromiumPC -- including, presumably, its price -- before the launch date, so we'll know more for Chrome adherents to decide if they will want to plunk down some money to get a desktop device to run the alternative operating system.
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Talkback
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
"people using desktop still need.."?
There is NO homogeneous group called "people using desktop". Some do and some don't.
There are FAR too many sweeping overgeneralizations around here.
Glittering Generalities (wink)
Let the ChromiumOS fun begin!
Yes
I think it will be interesting. We may finally find out if the network can indeed be the computer. I believe there definitely is a subset of desktop users who will find CromeOS on the desktop appealing both from a data security as well as simplicity perspective, maybe even cost. How large it is however I have no idea.
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
Androids better as a netbook
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20015201-64.html
I think that Android makes a better thin client than Chromium, and personally I'd prefer Google to focus on Android everywhere rather than Chromium/Android split.
One sweet concept
The only issue would be applications, but that may not be a huge problem for many people. Under 2 lbs and 6-7 hr battery life, HDMI out - it will be interesting to see how the Android vs ChromeOS "battle" shapes up. If I could dual boot Android and Ubuntu, this may be a real winner for me. For the right price, say no more than $300, I would pick one up in a heart beat.
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
Price is not the major differentiator (nt)
NT
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
Huh?
"If ChromeOS netbooks cannot compete against thin client netbooks with ease of centralized administration and security..."
I think ChromeOS IS a thin client with with easy centralized administration and security. You were not thinking Windows 7 or OSX, or even a full Linux install for a thin client were you?
Besides, you seem to be fully immersed in the enterprise mindset. There are vast masses of home users who might also benefit from using ChromeOS and who currently have no access to "a thin client with with easy centralized administration and security".
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
As you stated, on the enterprise space, there is no differntiator. It is a non-descript thin client. It will need to compete at price.
On the consumer market space, this may very well be Netbook 2.0. The netbooks suffered from an irrational exuberance. "Look! For $400 you can get an Ubuntu laptop". A number of consumers initially flocked to the product, causing pundits to think that this was a trend that would sweep the industry. What ended up happening was retailers were inundated with processing returns and the craze died out as fast as you can say "beanie baby".
RE: Xi3 Chromium PC: Could have been designed in Cupertino, CA
IMO, for the Xi3 Chromium PC to succeed, it's design must address a traditional desktop PC's strengths: power (speed) in both CPU and GPU performance and expandability (storage and i/o ports).
Except .. the Chrome operating system is really not concerned with these functions.
The Chrome OS storage design goal is "cloud based" or unlimited for all practical purposes.
The CPU and GPU speed or power requirements are dictated by how fast a consumer feels his browser must interact with his internet connection. The CPU design goal is not to perform extensive FP calculations that a traditional stand alone desktop PC program like Photoshop demands. But rather, how efficient the CPU can perform a "file upload" to a cloud based supercomputer and server farm so that a Web App can handle that task. And then assist in downloading the result.
The only advantage that I could see in using a Chrome OS desktop PC is in the field of security.
I am under the impression that a malware attack like the new MACDefender exploit would be contained by Google's OS infrastructure. I don't know how, but I was under the impression from various online sources that this type of attack would fail. Please correct me if my assumption is wrong in this regard.
But, if Chrome OS has a distinct security advantage over competing Linux, Microsoft or Apple operating systems, than this little Chrome PC could succeed on that strength alone.
I agree
Think about all the home users who may want nothing more than for all their computer hassles and at times expensive "repairs" to finally go away. IF they do not have to worry about malware and data security, they can access their data from anywhere on any device, AND the price is reasonable, we may indeed have a winner here, IFF Google can execute well. Again, I have no idea whether they will be able to deliver.
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
Why was it not mentioned anywhere in the article that Chromium and Chrome are different? Will this computer be running the closedsource ChromeOS as its OS or will it be running the opensource Chromium as its OS?
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
I would guess it would run ChromeOS. But that's a good question.
Believe it or not
This post should be
required reading/memorization for ALL the fan boys here. ;-)
RE: Xi3 ChromiumPC: First desktop PC to run Google Chrome OS due in July
That's true. What I have trouble understanding is why you'd need a desktop for this. Wouldn't a laptop suffice? if most things are going to be done in the cloud, then you don't really need a big machine to do stuff.