Musings on a Cr-48

I received a Cr-48 today. For those of you who don't know, a Cr-48 is a laptop computer running Google's Chrome Operating System. The Chrome Operating System, or Chrome OS, is a small lightweight operating system for the computer that allows it to startup and shutdown very quickly. Beyond that, it runs a web browser. This may not seem like much for a computer to do, but when you consider all the different things that a person can do on the internet these days, the question is better phrased: what can't it do? Already I have checked my e-mail, played some games, edited both the photos posted with this entry, checked my phone messages, and created this blog. Later I may check out some documents, perhaps balance the checkbook, or maybe create a slideshow presentation. All this I can do for free from the comfort of my recliner, and all this can be done without using anything except a browser. This is called cloud computing, and the Cr-48 is designed to run in the cloud. Additionally, if something awful were to happen to this computer, everything that I am doing on it would be safe and sound, and I could pick it up again just as soon as I sat down at a different computer. That means I don't have to worry about dropping this laptop, spilling a glass of water on it, or having the battery run out at an inopportune time. Working in the cloud means that all your data is saved, all the time.

Anyway, lets see some pictures!

So the Cr-48 is a sleek looking laptop with a full sized keyboard. Instead of the normal function keys along the top row, Google has instead provided a set of more internet-relevant keys. Forward and back keys, refresh, and tab navigation keys. These seem quite convenient, but have yet to be useful to me. I am a big fan of the large screen, however, and the long battery life is also very attractive. Also, the machine itself goes to sleep and wakes up in less than 2 seconds. That is downright amazing!

Additionally, Google included this full sized laptop graphic sticker with the machine. Not only did it come with a nifty graphic, but it also included a dozen or so stickers that I could place wherever I wanted, to customize the graphic and personalize the machine. This is a nice touch, and makes for some fun.

Finally, the Cr-48 seems to come with a basic Verizon data plan for 2 years. I have not tried this out yet, so I can't speak for the speed or quality of the internet service available through it, but it is nice to know that if I need to look up an address while I am on the road, or if an urgent message comes in while I am on vacation with no wifi, I can still use this computer as designed. All in all, I am excited to try it out and put it through its paces. After all, computers are supposed to work for us, not the other way around.