Google's Chromebook--The Next Phase of Computing?

Google shook things up a bit by introducing a new  way of thinking about a computer--the Chromebook. Google announed Chromebook at this year's Google I/O Developer conference.  It is a computer that relies on the web for its software and for storing your personal data.  Both software and your data  reside in the cloud (centalized storage that is accessed through the web). Your laptop stores very little locally (basically the OS, some profile settings and things like cookies).  The Chromebook accesses the web to connect you to your cloud computer.

This method of computing has advantages.  Because it doesn't have to load software as it starts up (booting), you are ready to get to work or fun in about eight seconds.  You don't have to worry about managing and installing updates or upgrading software because the updates are done automatically.  Having an up-to-date system protects you against evolving security threats.  It also has a 'verified boot' which will automatically repair itself if it detects that that anything has been altered.

It is designed to work with Google's suite of software products.These include Gmail, Google Docs, Picasa and Google Calendar. Other apps are available from the Chrome web store.  Because your data and software isn't stored on your local computer, if you lose your computer or it is damaged, you can regain access from another Chromebook without losing anything.

So what is a Chromebook actually?  There are four models that will be available starting June 15th orderable from Amazon or Best Buy.  There will be two Samsung models available, one with wireless-only web access ($429) and another that has both wireless and 3G connectivity through Verizon Wireless which includes 100MB of data each month ($499).  There will also be two Acer models ($349 for wireless and a 3G model that does not yet have a price).  Each are fairly basic laptops configured to work as a Chromebook.

Google also announced a subscription model for business and education clients.  Orders for 10+ can subscribe for a monthly fee ($20-$23 for educational users, $30-$33 for business users) which includes the cost of the laptop and basic support from Google and an administration tool to manage your group's Chromebooks.

There are a lot of details that need to be considered when deciding if a Chromebook is for you.  Do you use and enjoy Google products such as Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs and the like?  Does it bother you to maintain a PC or  Mac with updating and virus protection?  Do you want an easy-on, simple experience when emailing, browsing and simple word processing?  If you use software such as Photoshop or lots of MS Office products you might not be satisfied with the Google software options.  Chromebooks at this time do not support Java or Silverlight applications, so if the websites or software you use rely on those products, Chromebook isn't for you.

There are lots of issues to be addressed at this time as it gets ready to launch.  Their 'known issues' page indicates that volume controls and the mute button doesn't work quite yet.  It doesn't yet support bluetooth or GPS.  And camera and webcam applications are not yet functional.  As the launch date approaches, there may be improvements in the experience, but again, if these are essential features to you, you might want to wait to see further developments.

In my opinion, the most important concern is that a user will have to have reliable internet access in order to use their Chromebook and that Google's servers and applications will have to remain online.  This week saw a Google blogger outage that lasted several days and there have been periods when Gmail has been offline.

The Chromebook might just be the perfect solution for someone who wants a fast and  maintenance-free computing experience.  The 3G models have 100MB of Verizon mobile internet included for two years which is a significant value.  Of course, that allotment of 100MB of data can go fast if you consider that your computer relies on the internet for everything.  You will definitely want to ensure that if you are anything but the lightest of user that you have access to other internet service or purchase a data plan with a higher data budget.

Google is trying something new here, it will interesting to watch how this changes things.