Do you need a Chromebook?

I know, I know — netbooks are so ‘09 and most of the world has moved on to tablets and iPhone-type devices for mobility. But for those who love a larger keyboard and the in-between size of the netbook Google offers Chromebook — 3G/wifi netbooks that run only online apps through the Google Chrome OS/browser. Is this yesterday or tomorrow? You decide. It would seem more practical for domestic travelers given the vagaries of international wifi and 3G coverage and charges.

(Brad)

Comments

[Alan B]

My first attempt to comment was cut short by my desktop computer suddenly interrupting my session to install FOURTEEN Windows updates, very...ironic.

Personally I see the Chromebook well-suited for venues that have a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network, such as an educational or healthcare facility. It could reduce the cost and increase the speed of nodes for an electronic medical record system as one example, allowing anyone down to a nurses' aide or patient transporter access to a central information system. It might simplify and accelerate my being able to interact by video link during patient emergencies, such as evolving stroke that could benefit from intervention.

For the TRAVELER, however, whose access to Wi-Fi varies widely due to location and access costs, the Chromebook approach seems NEITHER PRACTICAL NOR DESIRABLE. Be it ever so humble as looking up a restaurant for dinner using my Zagat's app, while riding in a taxi, a device that can have its own data base seems much preferable.

[Alan B]

David Pogue, who writes "Circuits" for the New York Times, has actually USED a Chromebook, including for travel. If you think I am critical of the concept for general use and travel in particular, read Mr. Pogue taking a poke at the concept!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/16/technology/personaltech/16pogue.html?_r=1&nl=technology&emc=cta1

I still do, by the way, see the potential value of Chrome tablet PC's in particular, for healthcare and other business applications, in a setting where supervisors with the assistance of the network administrator can assure their DEDICATED USE to the WORK at hand.

[K-eM]

I always have my iPhone on trips and so far, for work emails, that has been sufficient. However, I upgraded it a bit on my last trip.

I had several very complex projects dutifully exploding as I was trying wrap things up for a conference trip. So I packed my wireless keyboard in its box and took it with me. Longer than my computer, but narrower and a lot lighter in weight.

I was able to use the keyboard and iPhone to keep up with my emails during the conference and even kept notes on it. I would just open the lid of the box, prop my iPhone on it, and I was up and running. Using my phone meant I didn't need to rely on the hotel's finicky wireless access since I was able to use my data cell signal (a very strong one) instead.

[Alan B]

I have considered getting the slim and sleek Apple Wireless Keyboard for $69:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC184LL/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

for such use with my iPhone. iOS 4.0 and above supports use of the Bluetooth to make the connection. If I go ahead and get an iPad for my wife for travel, I will almost certainly get the AWK, as she dislikes "virtual" keyboards. Either of these options better suits a traveler than a Chromebook!

[S]

Lightest Chromebook: 3.19 pounds
Heaviest iPad2: 1.34 pounds

Current laptop that I am using: 4.6 pounds

No thanks. (The only thing that tempted me was the Flash support.)

[Andy]

No.