Samsung's Chrome Book Test: Head in the Cloud

Samsung's Chrome Book Test: Head in the Cloud

Samsung's netbook Chromebook drives the idea to the extreme - all data in the cloud, the device is "always on". With minimal OS, the browser as a desktop and a size of 12.1 inches for it to replace a full-fledged netbook. But at what price?

Samsung puts the XE500C21 (3G) remains a knotless Chromebook. To the concept behind it that comes from Google, is perhaps at first a little digression due: a Chrome Book is a netbook, which drives the name on the top, because all data are always in power, which is why we have always associated with said must .

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Operating system is invisible as a Linux derivative that is hiding behind Google's Chrome browser. Own files such as emails, text documents, images, etc. does not save you as the classic notebook or netbook to a local directory in the cloud, as is currently the buzzword. Also, the applications do not run locally, it uses instead of web services like Google Docs (or Microsoft's Office Web Apps) back. Social networks are definitely pure online worlds, and Google's mail service has always been at home in the browser. What is missing, can be bought in Google's Web Store. Nevertheless, should the Chrome Book offer everything draufhat a netbook. Prerequisite: available wireless network or SIM card and data flat. Samsung Introduces with his XE500C21-A03DE so only the hardware that allows access, as it were the portal to the brave new online world.

For always-on concept also implies that the Chrome Book can not be run down in the classical sense, that is never entirely out. Although you can log out via the top right key button installed or shut down the device and so can stand with an open display. If you connect the display, however, leaves the device open again automatically the next time and thanks to an appropriate storage medium SSD also (almost) ready for immediate use.

Be sure when the concept of the one or other noticeable similarities to Apple's IOS. In both cases, the manufacturer binds to its customers a pre-selected by him to set limits on permitted paths and the other one once the possibilities that the user has. Example: While you can connect USB sticks and theoretically reproduce Sun movies - but if Chrome does not bring the codec, it gives an error message instead of film. However, it is of course quite possible that Google Chrome's capabilities with future OS updates yet aufbohrt later.

Samsung is the design of its Chromebook classic way, because the device looks like a netbook, albeit a very flat. Our test model, the cover was white and smooth, high gloss, the German Book Trade is the chrome but only with a black lid (titanium silver design) will be available. In addition to the Samsung logo adorns Google Chrome logo round the lid. The Chrome Book can thus immediately recognizable as such. Nevertheless, one must not emulate the same proposals of Google's own demo labs.

After opening the lid it is a simple, easily maintained welcomes "the interior". The inner sides of the chrome Books are a nice contrast to the white of the outside, because this is the netbook kept completely in matte black. Only the frame of the display and the keyboard surface is glossy black.