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Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

Summary: Google has officially unveiled the Cr-48, the first Chrome OS laptop. But the only way to get one soon is to be a member of the upcoming pilot program.

Rachel King

By for The ToyBox |

Google has officially unveiled the Cr-48, the first Chrome OS laptop. But the only way to get one soon is to be a member of the upcoming pilot program.

Before everyone gets excited, know that this is defintiely a business-focused notebook. Application data will be saved to a cloud rather than the Cr-48. And as Google asserts that buyers "can spend less on hardware" with Chrome notebooks, expect a reasonable price tag but a no-frills machine.

Not everything has been revealed about this portable computer so far, but the following specs have been confirmed:

  • 12.1-inch display
  • 10-second boot time
  • Flash storage
  • 802.11n Wi-Fi
  • Built-in 3G
  • Integrated Google Apps
  • Webcam
  • Full size keyboard
  • Oversized click pad
  • Battery life: Up to eight hours of active use; up to eight days on standby

To apply to be a member of the pilot program, you may do so now by applying here.

Related coverage on ZDNet:

Topics: Hardware, Google, Laptops, Mobility

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19 comments
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  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    Chrome OS FTW!
    cj100570@...
    Reply Vote

  • I would be very interested if....

    I could expand the storage so that I could install a Linux distro on it in a dual boot configuration. That might be close to an ideal laptop, assuming it could run Linux fairly well.
    Economister
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      @Economister

      I would imagine the processing requirements of a fat system would lower the battery life quite a bit. I know this isn't quite a thin client, but it's pretty close to being one.
      Michael Kelly
      Reply Vote

      • You are probably correct.

        @Michael Kelly

        I think something like this may work for a lot of casual users, but I am far from ready to give up my full desktop OS totally. I guess I want both. Linux might not run a lot, but I need it there, just in case.
        Economister
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

        @Michael Kelly

        I suspect that a conventional hard drive unit drains battery reserves rather than the FAT system installed in it.

        This particular laptop has Flash storage as does the new Apple MacBook Air laptops and the rated battery life between those units are very similar.
        kenosha77a
        Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    Ewww looks ugly and its a netbook and its got Google on it. The 3 sins put into one, only Google could make that happen.
    Loverock Davidson
    Reply Vote

    • Well, it could be worse...

      It could be the "Loverock-666"
      zkiwi
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      @Loverock Davidson

      Hello Loverock Davidson, how are you doing?
      Alan Henry
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      @Loverock Davidson They're saving one for you, Loverock- it's got your name on it, and everything! All you have to do is go pick it up... c'mon, we all know you want to- seriously, I won't rat you out! >:)
      www.dfwsupergeek.com
      unclefixer@...
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      Exclusive photo of the new Chrome OS Loverock Davidson autograph model laptop: http://www.bktoolz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/old-laptop-thumb-430x269-2547.jpg
      SgtSpork
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      @Loverock Davidson All - someone reached out to me - my name is Alan Henry - at my personal email address to claim that someone named "Loverock Davidson" has been posting using my name and posing as me here at ZDNet. I'm not certain the extent of the damage here, but either this Loverock person is actually named Alan Henry and is NOT me, or this person has another name altogether and is trying to use my identity.

      I'm not much of a linux user (although I follow technology news) and wouldn't comment on something out of my depth, but I'm the Alan Henry who owns sites like The Classy Geek, Gears and Widgets, TechTV Forever, and is also a writer for PC Mag and its blogs, as well as Tom's Hardware and Tom's Guide. I assure you this person isn't me, and I'm saddened their behavior may turn people off to my real work. :(

      Anyone concerned (especially a moderator if there is one) can contact me at alanhenry@novawerks.net if they have questions. Anyone except this Loverock Davidson person, that is.
      alanhenry
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    Shouldn't the first edition/model be named the Cr-4p?
    Cyrorm
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

      @Cyrorm <br><br>Is it everybody's dream to be a half-arse comedian?
      Alan Henry
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

        @Alan Henry - speaking of which, where is Donnie Boy ... oh ... wait ... Google's just announced ChromeOS ... he's probably still in his mom's bathroom/basement.

        I guess he'll be here shortly telling us all how ChromeOS is going to save the world. I just hope he washes his hands first ;)
        bitcrazed
        Reply Vote

      • bitcrazed, I do not understand why he would need to wash his hands

        is his basement dirty?
        :|
        Tim Cook
        Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    Looks an awful lot like Apple's 2009 black MacBook.

    http://shopusedmac.com/images/macbook-black.jpg
    WarhavenSC
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    I have a Sony X series that looks exactly like this. It has a carbon fiber top, solid state memory disk, etc. It weighs less than 1.5 lbs (lighter than Mac air) and is the best laptop I have ever had (not a netbook: screen resolution is 1366 X 768). I can wifi to my Sprint EVO 4g here in Las Vegas.
    kenzdnet
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    My apps, my data on MY computer. Take your CR-48 internet dumb terminal and shove it where the sun don't shine (sideways).
    hiraghm@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Google debuts first Chrome OS-based laptop: the Cr-48

    does this mean that they plan on this running only through a wireless network? I was expecting they would be handing it out with the standard network options..
    congalalalala
    Reply Vote
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