Google
is releasing its cheapest Chromebook laptops yet, two versions priced
at $149 aimed at undercutting Microsoft’s Windows franchise and gaining
ground in even more classrooms.
Various
PC manufacturers have been working with Google to design lightweight
laptops running on the Chrome operating system since 2011. The newest
versions are made by Hisense and Haier. Hisense’s Chromebook can be
ordered beginning Tuesday at Walmart.com and Haier’s version can be
bought at Amazon.com.
Their
arrival coincides with Microsoft’s rollout of a lower-priced Surface
tablet in an effort to reach students and budget-conscious families.
Pre-orders for that device began Tuesday, too.
As
the prices for tablets and smartphones have been declining, it has
forced on PC makers to lower their prices, said International Data Corp.
analyst Jay Chou. The success of the Chromebook line is intensifying
the PC pricing pressure.
“It has been good news for consumers, but not so good for vendors,” Chou said.
The
cheaper version of the Surface Pro 3 sells for $499, compared with $799
to $1,949 for the higher-end models. The discounted version has a
slightly smaller screen — 10.8 inches rather than 12 — a slower
processor, and less flexible kickstand — just three angles rather than
unlimited positions.
The
Chromebook has served a dual purpose for Google. Like the company’s
Android software for mobile devices, the Chrome system is set up so
users will automatically begin using Google’s search engine and other
services, such as Gmail and YouTube. Google has used the Chromebooks as a
prod to bring down the prices of all PCs, something the company wanted
to do because it has more opportunities to show the digital ads that
bring in most of its revenue when more people can afford to buy an
Internet-connected device.
“We
cannot be happier that Microsoft is helping drive down the prices of
PCs,” said Caesar Sengupta, Google’s vice president of product
management for Chromebooks. “If Microsoft is reacting to (Chromebook’s
low prices), that’s fantastic. We love it.”
Unlike
most computers, Chromebooks don’t have a hard drive. Instead, they
function as terminals dependent on an Internet connection to get most
work done.
Despite
those limitations, Chromebooks have been steadily gaining in
popularity, particularly in schools, as more applications and services
made available over Internet connections — a phenomenon known as “cloud
computing” that has reduced the need for hard drives.
About
6 million Chromebooks were sold worldwide last year, more than doubling
from 2.7 million in 2013, according to IDC. In contrast, sales in the
overall PC market slipped 2 percent last year, marking the third
consecutive annual decline. IDC is projecting 8 million Chromebooks will
be sold this year.
Besides
the $149 laptops, Google also is attacking Microsoft on other fronts.
Later this spring, Google and Asus are releasing a hybrid Chromebook
that can use used as either a laptop or tablet with a 10-inch screen.
Called the Chromebook Flip, it will sell for $249.
In
the summer, Asus and Google will start selling a new Chrome device that
will provide people a cheaper way to upgrade an old PC. The device,
called the Chromebit, is a stick loaded with an entire operating system
that can be plugged into any HDMI port. The Chromebit’s price hasn’t
been set, Google says it will cost less than $100.
Here’s what you need to know about the cheaper Surface Pro 3 and new Chromebooks:
PROS AND CONS OF THE SURFACE
Graphic
artists, engineers and finance professionals needing to run complex
software might still want the company’s higher-end Pro 3, said Dennis
Meinhardt, director of program management for Surface. But the Surface 3
should be good for everyday tasks, he said, and brings the Pro 3’s
premium feel to a device that will be affordable to more people.
The
new Surface model is thinner and lighter, partly because it gets rid of
the fan — similar to Apple’s new MacBook laptop. At 214 pixels per
inch, the screen resolution is comparable to the Pro 3’s.
Battery
life is promised at 10 hours for video playback. The Surface 3 runs the
regular version of Windows 8.1, just like the Pro 3. In the past,
Microsoft has used a lightweight version called RT in its cheaper
tablets. The Surface 3 also has a USB port, a feature that distinguishes
the Surface line from most rival tablets.
SIZING UP THE CHROMEBOOKS
Both
the Hisense and Haier models have 11.6 inch screens, 2 gigabits of
memory and run on Rockchip processors. The Hisense machine promises up
to 8.5 hours of battery power per charge while Haier is touting up to 10
hours of power per charge on a battery that can be removed for easier
replacement.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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