4 ms·

And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, o

And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Or when they go to get all their stuff on iTunes and sync their iPhone with it and realize that they still need their old laptop. Or, or, or... You can't drop this computer on any average Joe. The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Make it $0-$100 and I think we have a really interesting device. But at $300 or $20/month, that's a non-starter. And I should note that I used to be the IT guy for my family and friends. I still am, technically. But it's basically a non-issue nowadays. The only question I've gotten in the past couple of months is someone forgot how to download pictures from her camera. Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)?

MatthewPhillips 16y ago
Actually most of those examples are the niche; browsing Facebook and watching YouTube is what "average Joe" does. Chrome is clearly meant to be a "do one thing really well" product, not a catch all computing device.
cryptoz 16y ago
> And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ > Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Nobody expects that to run on your netbook either (if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book). > Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? This is likely intended to be purchased by gmail-using people. Just have them sign in to Gmail. It's not like the Chromebooks don't have cameras or anything. > Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. And, as time goes by, more and more really awesome photo editing web apps will arrive. You won't need to take a class to learn how to edit photos. > The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. We get that you don't like it and your friends won't either. We don't care. I know ~ 20 people who would absolutely love one of these. Our stories are nothing more than useless anecodes. Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. > Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)? Very well. Plug it in, dealy pops up.
- shinratdr 16y ago
  > What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? The same thing that is wrong with all web apps, they are way, way less functional than their desktop counterparts. Crippled, you might say. Web Word is missing things that I learned in Grade 2, like spacing options. Average users do actually care about this stuff. > Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Don't talk to many WoW players, eh? It runs on anything, and they will run it on anything. Most have a netbook they use to play on the go. WoW runs quite well on them with settings turned down. > if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book. You're going to tell other people why they bought a computer and what they want to use it for? No wonder you have no problem forcing Chrome OS on your friends and family. > It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? Installed userbase matters. You might be able to switch your grandma over to a Google video solution, your friends are just going to laugh, and tell you to get Skype like everyone else. They aren't going to sign up for another service, install, learn and troubleshoot another app just to talk to you. > Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. Um, yes it is. You seem to have a lot of weird preconceptions about netbooks based off the name. They are PRIMARILY used to browse the web, but that is not their only usage at all. People use them for all light duty tasks, and simple photo editing counts. > Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. That isn't where he was speaking from. I could be wrong but I didn't pick up his intense need for Office & WoW from his comment, he sounded like someone who actually listens to what average users want instead of trying to tell them what they want from the point of view of what is easier for you, which is a trap many techies fall in. > Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. Actually, I'm going to do exactly that. I've encountered tons of users through help desk work and independent consulting. I haven't met a single person that JUST uses their browser. This person doesn't exist in decent numbers, it's why MIDs failed as well.
Kylekramer 16y ago
I pretty sure Google knows all of this. And are counting on it. They want them in people's hands, and they know once they are, all of those problems play into their vision. And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. Google likes this. Excel screws up? Perfect, just use Google Docs. Mission accomplished. People are surprisingly flexible if you throw up a barrier. An hour or so of pissing off a customer is a exchange Google is willing to make if it give them a shot at a new Docs user. Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Really? Hardcore gamers are the last people who would use this, and the first people to recognize that. Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. Hmm, Skype doesn't work? I am sure the company with their own browser based video chat system is crying a river. Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. As the owners of Picnik, they are again very angry, I am sure. Or when they go to get all their stuff on iTunes and sync their iPhone with it and realize that they still need their old laptop. Apple uses their mobile platform to encourage people to use Macs, why can't Google encourage use of their mobile platform with their laptops? There are always going to be a million reasons why a new device won't fit the current system. But Google is making a big bet on the future, and for my point of view, this seems pretty ingenious. And an utter cash cow if they pull it off.
- rokhayakebe 16y ago
  Or when they want to Skype They can buy imo.im which lets you use Skype on a the browser. Problem solved.
  - cft 16y ago
    it's "solved" in an inferior way to genuine Skype program. they do not want workarounds, they want featured products.
- cookiecaper 16y ago
  >Really? Hardcore gamers are the last people who would use this, and the first people to recognize that. I don't know if you really understand how many people play WoW. Most of the avid WoW players I've known have not been "hardcore gamers" and they've played WoW on really crappy computers, with Intel GMA graphics and everything. There are many normal people that wouldn't drop the cash on a video card that play WoW. Also, you didn't address things like downloading pictures from a camera, syncing with an MP3 player (not necessarily iTunes/iPod), or any of the other local, non-browser stuff that a normal person does all the time.
drm237 16y ago
All of your points also apply to the iPad.
- glhaynes 16y ago
  True. But, iPad has the psychological advantage of an entirely different form factor. That makes it easier for people to understand that it's a different sort of device. Whereas people will be more apt to feel "robbed" if their laptop can't do the things that their friend's laptop can do. Not necessarily saying it's rational.
fragmede 16y ago
I still have a recurring appointment to clean the crap-ware off my mom's Win7 computer. A system that I don't have to do that on is still a selling point. Google's working on having me do even less as the IT guy for family and friends, and I fully support that.
- cookiecaper 16y ago
  Install Ubuntu and you won't have to clean up crapware. LibreOffice definitely has better MS Office compatibility than Google Docs.
  - jshen 16y ago
    instead I'll have fiddle with video drivers, get calls when the sound stops working after an update, get calls about why the computer stops waking from sleep like it should, etc, etc
- shinratdr 16y ago
  Because if there is anything people who constantly install adware on their computer are great at, it's learning new operating systems and giving up old habits. At least Windows has remote desktop, your recurring appointment is going to turn into weekly "retraining" sessions. Chrome OS isn't a solution to this, no more than any previous specialized Linux distro. It will work for a small handful of people, but most of your family and friends will reject it instantly, for the reasons Parent listed.
jonknee 16y ago
It sounds perfect for businesses. Employees can't screw it up. Sign me (err, my clients) up please.

MatthewPhillips 16y ago

Actually most of those examples are the niche; browsing Facebook and watching YouTube is what "average Joe" does. Chrome is clearly meant to be a "do one thing really well" product, not a catch all computing device.

cryptoz 16y ago

> And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ > Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Nobody expects that to run on your netbook either (if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book). > Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? This is likely intended to be purchased by gmail-using people. Just have them sign in to Gmail. It's not like the Chromebooks don't have cameras or anything. > Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. And, as time goes by, more and more really awesome photo editing web apps will arrive. You won't need to take a class to learn how to edit photos. > The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. We get that you don't like it and your friends won't either. We don't care. I know ~ 20 people who would absolutely love one of these. Our stories are nothing more than useless anecodes. Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. > Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)? Very well. Plug it in, dealy pops up.

shinratdr 16y ago
> What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? The same thing that is wrong with all web apps, they are way, way less functional than their desktop counterparts. Crippled, you might say. Web Word is missing things that I learned in Grade 2, like spacing options. Average users do actually care about this stuff. > Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Don't talk to many WoW players, eh? It runs on anything, and they will run it on anything. Most have a netbook they use to play on the go. WoW runs quite well on them with settings turned down. > if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book. You're going to tell other people why they bought a computer and what they want to use it for? No wonder you have no problem forcing Chrome OS on your friends and family. > It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? Installed userbase matters. You might be able to switch your grandma over to a Google video solution, your friends are just going to laugh, and tell you to get Skype like everyone else. They aren't going to sign up for another service, install, learn and troubleshoot another app just to talk to you. > Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. Um, yes it is. You seem to have a lot of weird preconceptions about netbooks based off the name. They are PRIMARILY used to browse the web, but that is not their only usage at all. People use them for all light duty tasks, and simple photo editing counts. > Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. That isn't where he was speaking from. I could be wrong but I didn't pick up his intense need for Office & WoW from his comment, he sounded like someone who actually listens to what average users want instead of trying to tell them what they want from the point of view of what is easier for you, which is a trap many techies fall in. > Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. Actually, I'm going to do exactly that. I've encountered tons of users through help desk work and independent consulting. I haven't met a single person that JUST uses their browser. This person doesn't exist in decent numbers, it's why MIDs failed as well.

Kylekramer 16y ago

I pretty sure Google knows all of this. And are counting on it. They want them in people's hands, and they know once they are, all of those problems play into their vision. And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. Google likes this. Excel screws up? Perfect, just use Google Docs. Mission accomplished. People are surprisingly flexible if you throw up a barrier. An hour or so of pissing off a customer is a exchange Google is willing to make if it give them a shot at a new Docs user. Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Really? Hardcore gamers are the last people who would use this, and the first people to recognize that. Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. Hmm, Skype doesn't work? I am sure the company with their own browser based video chat system is crying a river. Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. As the owners of Picnik, they are again very angry, I am sure. Or when they go to get all their stuff on iTunes and sync their iPhone with it and realize that they still need their old laptop. Apple uses their mobile platform to encourage people to use Macs, why can't Google encourage use of their mobile platform with their laptops? There are always going to be a million reasons why a new device won't fit the current system. But Google is making a big bet on the future, and for my point of view, this seems pretty ingenious. And an utter cash cow if they pull it off.

rokhayakebe 16y ago
Or when they want to Skype They can buy imo.im which lets you use Skype on a the browser. Problem solved.
- cft 16y ago
  it's "solved" in an inferior way to genuine Skype program. they do not want workarounds, they want featured products.
cookiecaper 16y ago
>Really? Hardcore gamers are the last people who would use this, and the first people to recognize that. I don't know if you really understand how many people play WoW. Most of the avid WoW players I've known have not been "hardcore gamers" and they've played WoW on really crappy computers, with Intel GMA graphics and everything. There are many normal people that wouldn't drop the cash on a video card that play WoW. Also, you didn't address things like downloading pictures from a camera, syncing with an MP3 player (not necessarily iTunes/iPod), or any of the other local, non-browser stuff that a normal person does all the time.

drm237 16y ago

All of your points also apply to the iPad.

glhaynes 16y ago
True. But, iPad has the psychological advantage of an entirely different form factor. That makes it easier for people to understand that it's a different sort of device. Whereas people will be more apt to feel "robbed" if their laptop can't do the things that their friend's laptop can do. Not necessarily saying it's rational.

fragmede 16y ago

I still have a recurring appointment to clean the crap-ware off my mom's Win7 computer. A system that I don't have to do that on is still a selling point. Google's working on having me do even less as the IT guy for family and friends, and I fully support that.

cookiecaper 16y ago
Install Ubuntu and you won't have to clean up crapware. LibreOffice definitely has better MS Office compatibility than Google Docs.
- jshen 16y ago
  instead I'll have fiddle with video drivers, get calls when the sound stops working after an update, get calls about why the computer stops waking from sleep like it should, etc, etc
shinratdr 16y ago
Because if there is anything people who constantly install adware on their computer are great at, it's learning new operating systems and giving up old habits. At least Windows has remote desktop, your recurring appointment is going to turn into weekly "retraining" sessions. Chrome OS isn't a solution to this, no more than any previous specialized Linux distro. It will work for a small handful of people, but most of your family and friends will reject it instantly, for the reasons Parent listed.

jonknee 16y ago

It sounds perfect for businesses. Employees can't screw it up. Sign me (err, my clients) up please.