Pre-ordered the $329 Chromebook 3G

[bhaveshp]

I've been Samsunged!

Sure it's an MBA clone. But we needed a 3rd laptop in the family as the 2 are constantly in use. No one besides me uses the iPad. No keyboard and it fails on multiuser scenarios - no one wants shared Facebook, gmail etc.

My wife probably spends 90% of her computer use on 1) Google Docs (Journal) 2) Gmail 3) Google Calendar 4) Browsing. I think this will fit the bill.

I like that the 3G model includes 100 MB free a month. Useful to sync in a pinch while travelling.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-XE303C12-H...pd_cp_pc_1

[hal]

that sounds perfect for the wife - just make sure that she knows what 100mb/mo means... do you happen to know the overage charges?

[bhaveshp]

Here's the pricing for 3G data:

$20/1GB (30 days)
$35/3GB (30 days)
$50/5GB (30 days)
$9.99 unlimited day pass

I don't think there's any overage charge if you use up the 100 MB.

But, hmm.. wonder if I should save another $80 and get the Wi-Fi only version. Can use hotspot if needed...

[hal]

"I don't think there's any overage charge if you use up the 100 MB."

that means you don't know - find out... it might be pricey. Maybe she goes over the 100mb limit in one day playing on youtube then gets dinged $9.99 for each of the remaining 29 days... this is one of those times that I would actually read the agreement before agreeing...

[rgG]

So, this thing runs some version of Android, or what. I couldn't find out anything from the specs on the Amazon link.

Edit: found that apparently Chrome is the OS as well as being a browser. They also have a desktop Chromebox, which is also interesting. This would have been perfect, potentially, for my mother-in-law, instead of her mini. The only problem would be that since I don't have one, I might not be able to troubleshoot or answer questions as easily.

[decay]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnjr-KqrMRk

[Article Accelerator]

bhaveshp wrote: Sure it's an MBA clone.

Only in your dreams, b.

[sekker]

Cannot buy before I try! Keyboard could totally suck.

[gabester]

I've tried out the Samsung Series 5 550 model. It's build is reasonably good. It's no MBA but it's not unpleasant to use. Some dislike the trackpad, but I think it's fine.

The biggest limitation is that it's a paperweight without a network connection (I mean you can't even log in!) And everything it does it feeds through google so if you've got any kind of privacy concerns this is not the device for you.

Battery life is pretty good - 6-8 hours depending on usage.
Startup/shutdown is about 5 seconds.
g=

[Will Collier]

Never mind.