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Samsung Chromebook Series 5: What You Need to Know [PHOTOS]

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Google and Samsung have unveiled the “world’s first chromebook,” the Chromebook Series 5. We had the opportunity to take it for a test drive.
On Wednesday, Google announced the upcoming availability of Google Chrome OS notebooks. The first devices will make their debut on June 15 on Amazon.com, Best Buy and other stories in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands. Google SVP of Chrome Sundar Pichai revealed that Acer and Samsung would produce the first launch devices.
At a starting price of $429, the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 is cheaper than an iPad and it’s certainly cheaper than a standard laptop for Macbook. But is its hardware, speed and Chrome OS software enough to get consumers to pull out their credit cards?
Check our our first impression and photo gallery of the device below, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Specs

For anyone who has used the Cr-48 prototype Chrome OS notebook, you can breathe a sigh of relief: the Samsung Chromebook is much faster. The biggest change from the Cr-48 is that the Chromebook boats an Intel dual-core processor, providing a noticeable performance boost. The Chromebook is also sleeker and includes a more vibrant screen.
Here’s an overview of the specs for the Samsung Chromebook:
  • Size: 0.79-inch case, 3.3 pounds total
  • Memory: 2GB RAM, 16GB SSD
  • Processor: Intel dual-core Processor (Samsung and Google isn’t disclosing the processor speed)
  • Screen: 12.1-inch SuperBright Display, 16:10 resolution — Samsung claims that it is 36% brighter than a standard LCD display.
  • Battery: Up to 8.5 hours of normal usage, up to 5 hours of video playback
  • Software: Google Chrome OS. Bootup time is less than 10 seconds
  • Peripherals: Two USB ports and an SD/SDHC/MMC card reader
  • Price: $429 for Wi-Fi, $499 for the 3G version (100 GB free per month for two years)
  • Input: The trackpad is “oversized” and the Chromebook sports a full-sized Chiclet-style keyboard.
  • First Impressions

    I had the opportunity to take the device for a test run, with the help of Google Chrome OS Product Manager Kan Liu.
    If you’re familiar with the Google Cr-48, then the interface of the device should be familiar to you. Google Chrome OS loads fast and is simple to use, thanks to the lack of desktop apps. Thanks to the improved hardware of the Samsung Chromebook, you won’t be screaming every three minutes at it for failing to load a simple Flash video. The dual-core processor makes a huge difference.
    One important change to Chrome OS is its ability to link to web apps for uploading images, videos and other multimedia. I downloaded several images from the web and was able to quickly upload them to a Box.net account right from the file folder. Once Flickr, Picnik, Vimeo and other multimedia-sharing services sync up with the Chrome OS API, it should make uploading and downloading images a lot easier to manage.
    Still, Chrome OS takes some time to get used to, and it isn’t for everyone. It can’t run Skype, it can’t run Photoshop, and it simply isn’t a good machine for a power user. However, it’s ideal for businesses that only need machines for data entry. Casual users may find some use out of the Samsung Chromebook, but they will probably be better off with an iPad 2 or an Android tablet.
    The device itself, though, is sleek and sexy. It’s light, portable and pleasing to the eyes. I wouldn’t mind dropping into a coffee shop with the Arctic White version of the device. Its hardware is solid, but I need to test it more extensively to see whether it can take the use and abuse of daily work.
    Gallery: Samsung’s Chromebook



    Samsung Chromebook Series 5 Front View





    Here's a front view of the Chromebook


    Samsung Chomebook Cover





    Here's the top of the Arctic White version. The Chromebook comes with the Samsung and the Google Chrome logos. Google and Samsung didn't have any of the Titan Silver version for us to photograph, unfortunately.


    Samsung Chomebook Keyboard





    The Chromebook sports an island-style chiclet keyboard.


    Chrome OS Login Screen





    It only takes seconds to reach the login screen.


    The New York Times on the Samsung Chomebook





    This gives you an idea of the screen brightness and resolution on the Samsung Chomebook.


    Google's Chrome Web Store





    This store becomes a very important page for launching your web apps.


    Side View of the Samsung Chomebook





    The left side of the Chromebook includes the headphone jack, power plug, a monitor slot and a USB port.


    USB Port





    A closer look at the USB port.
    More About: chrome, Chrome OS, chromebook, First impression, gallery, Google, google chrome, google chrome os, Hardware, Photos, review, samsung, trending
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