[TheNewGirl]

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/arc...op-you-rent-it

Google's I/O conference today was all about Chrome OS, which is basically their browser extended into an operating system. (You can read some of my thoughts on using a Cr-48, the experimental Chrome OS laptop, here.) First, they announced offline support for Google Docs, Gmail, and Calendar, and introduced a file-manager system allowing users to more easily access the files that have been saved to the computer. These are long-awaited changes; When the Cr-48 isn't connected to the internet right now, it's basically not good for anything, and the current file management system is terrible.

Then they announced two Chromebooks that will be for sale, starting on June 15th. One will be from Acer, and that will cost $349, and one from Samsung will cost $429 for WiFi and $499 for a 3G model. (They hinted at a desktop Chrome OS box, too, but that'll be further in the future.)

I don't think I'd pay even $350 for my Chrome OS laptop as a primary device; I enjoy it, and the 3G has been great for mobile blogging, but I still consider storage to be an important part of my computing experience. But Engadget explains the best idea behind the Chrome OS launch: "Chrome OS laptops will be distributed on the basis of a recurring monthly subscription, which will cost $28 per user for businesses and $20 per user for schools. That includes regular software and hardware upgrades." As I said when I reviewed my Cr-48, the thing I liked about it was it's an impersonal computer, a device that doesn't carry any of my information inside of it. If two people had Cr-48s, they could log off, switch the devices, log back in on the new devices, and keep working without missing a beat. It makes the computing experience not at all about the computer and entirely about the computing, which is perfect for some work and school situations, or for occasions when you're traveling and a cheap, fast laptop is what you need. Renting a computer is satisfying on several levels; I especially like the idea of not having to worry about hardware upgrade. Chrome OS as I've used it doesn't feel ready to be embraced by the mass market, yet, but I think that in a year or two, if Google keeps at the Chrome experience as doggedly as they've been upgrading Android, it'll be a formidable player.

That's a really different approach to the computing market. While I wouldn't want one as a primary pc. It could be a fantastic idea for students and work.