Google Chrome OS Laptop Previewed

Google unveiled its cloud based Chrome OS running on a 12.1-inch laptop on Tuesday. The laptop which is dubbed the "Cr-48" has a simple clean design and it sports a full size keyboard, large clickpad, 3G chip, 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi, webcam, flash storage, and eight hours battery life. While the specifications and design are quite impressive, Google will only be giving out these laptops for testing purposes and pilot programs, as the Chrome OS is still in Beta. Google says the Intel-based systems from Acer and Samsung will ship by mid-2011.

If you still want to try out the new laptops you can check it out via YouTube or register for the program. Google will not be marketing the hardware, they will have OEM brands who will build the machine around its OS (just like brands making smartphones based on Android OS). Based on the report, the machine won't be dual-bootable with other OS. The Cr-48 with its built-in 3G chip will enable the laptop to stay connected online all the time, like today's smartphones.

Sample images of the Google Chrome OS Laptop reference model.

Further, the Cr-48 is designed to run software over the network. But instead of Java, Chrome OS developers can use the same web development tools they've been working with for years. Google's system boots up in 60 seconds. After it goes to sleep, it can resume operations nearly instantly when woken up. It encrypts all data automatically, and uses a piece of encryption hardware called a trusted computing module to digitally sign components of the operating system and check them for tampering.

Chrome OS is designed to run on multiple devices including tablets. But hopefully Google will specify which OS is meant for which device, considering that Android tablets are already flooding the market.

Along with the Chrome OS laptop, Google also announced updates for its Chrome Browser and the new Web Store for Chrome browser users.