Samsung’s Chromebook Pro Nudges Deeper Into Windows Territory
Typically, when you think of a Chromebook, it’s an entry level device with low-end specs. While there have been higher end models like the Pixel (no, not that one), generally the devices are entry-level products with a price point to match the specs.
Samsung, in the very near future, is going to be releasing a device it calls the Chromebook Pro and its specs, while not top notch, are no slouch either. The device is looking to be an all metal laptop that’s only .55 inches thick, has a 360-degree rotating screen running at 2400×1600, 2GHz ARM processor, 32GB of storage (microSD card slot to expand storage) battery life of up to 10 hours at a price of $499. Obviously, the weak point in this setup is the CPU but even ARM processors these days are adequate for basic tasks.
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One unique thing about this Chromebook is that it has a pen docked inside the device that allows you to draw on the screen in a way similar to the Surface. That being said, Surface devices still have a higher quality screen and better pen input mechanics but in a pinch, this new Chromebook could fill the void for a low-cost drawing tablet.
This new device, which will go up for pre-order soon, was spotted by Chromeunboxed who was able to dig up the specs and the images of this new laptop.
When you couple the fact that Chromebooks are slowly creeping up in specs while keeping low-ish price points and that Android app support on the desktop is becoming a reality, these devices do become a viable option for those who need a simple computer for accomplishing basic tasks.
I know some will instantly assume that I am insinuating that Windows is doomed and that Chromebooks are the future; not in the slightest. A Windows machine at this same price point would likely have better performance but battery life and other specs would be about the same. What’s interesting to watch is how Windows has a new competitor and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Will Chromebooks ever completely take over the Windows market? No, that won’t happen, but for the simple user who wants a machine for email, Facebook and a few other light use cases, Chromebooks are a viable option and this should be a concern for not only Microsoft but also Intel.
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<blockquote><em><a href="#21047">In reply to lordbaal1:</a></em></blockquote>
<p>Yeah, but that practice is fading very fast because it’s EXPENSIVE to develop that kind of software. People are using the web to gather, create, and manage data. That’s just a fact. </p>
<p>Everything normcf has said is true. That’s why everyone is going to Chromebook and doing everything through Google. It’s all about cost and value. It’s not 1996 anymore, nor is it even 2006. It’s 2016, it’s just a different world nowadays.</p> -
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<blockquote><em><a href="#21029">In reply to FalseAgent:</a></em></blockquote>
<p>MSFT doesn’t a stronger stance on privacy. They just say so for marketing purposes, just to attract the consumer market. The fact that Google’s data collecting operation is not useful to the user, but’s it’s also highly transparent. The bottom line is this: For years and years, despite all the cries from MSFT and Paul about privacy, no incident has ever occurred. However, MSFT on the other hand, literally went into someone’s private Microsoft account forcibily without a warrant. </p>
<p>The problem with MSFT and privacy is that they don’t anything about it. All they do is complain and complan and urge people that they’re product is better. The problem is that it’s not. Google has always had a superior product to MSFT, when it comes to search and email, etc…. Rather than MSFT improving and taking over the space to which they are competing in, they do nothing but complain and cry. What they don’t understand, is that they are actually helping Google make their even better, by pointing their mistakes, which eventually ends up with Google fixing it and going about their business with MSFT in their rearview mirror.</p> -
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<p>Brad said "A Windows machine at this same price point would likely have better performance…" No, that’s not true. Oh Please! Performance is subjective POV. Can Chromebooks take over the Windows Market? YEAH…are you kidding me? Android is now the dominating OS in the world and now they are penetrating the desktop space. With Google advancing in machine learning and Chome OS/Android/Andromeda being the easiest OS to use….YEAH, they can take over marketshare from Windows. </p>
<p>The fact of the matter is this: for the average person, Windows is HARD. Chromebooks are easier. That’s the overall perception of the public in the real world. </p>
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