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This article conflates Chrome OS with the low-cost devices it will be running on. In reality, these devices will be able to run full-blown Windows or Linux as
by panic 17y ago
This article conflates Chrome OS with the low-cost devices it will be running on. In reality, these devices will be able to run full-blown Windows or Linux as well; Chrome OS needs to prove that it can be better than a full-blown OS in some way (beyond just boot-up time, which is basically irrelevant).
- megaduck 17y agoI think any conflation is quite intentional. For all practical purposes, ChromeOS will be inseparable from the devices that run it, much like the iPhone and the iPhone OS. Google has been quite clear that ChromeOS will not be run on general-purpose hardware. ChromeOS is designed for low-cost low-power ChromeOS devices, that will be packaged more like an appliance than a traditional computer. You might be able to force Windows or Linux onto one of these ChromeOS devices, but you'll have to hack it.
- tcdent 17y agoThe goal isn't to replace your desktop and "full-blown OS" with a Chrome OS device, but to supplement it with a purpose-built internet device. Even if you could hack Windows 7 on to it, I'm sure would lag like hell on any hardware that's Chrome specific. Why else would Google be running their optimized browser, on an optimized OS, on an optimized hardware platform, but to cut down on processing requirements?
- dasil003 17y agobeyond just boot-up time, which is basically irrelevant Really? You don't think the idea of a 3 second startup is a game changer in the netbook space? Like all silicon valley geeks my laptop is never turned off, but I also happen to know plenty of people who do turn off their laptop after every single time they use it. Chrome OS needs to prove that it can be better than a full-blown OS in some way Of course as developers we're in love with the idea of powerful do-all machines. But most people seriously just need a way to check email and login to Facebook. The brilliance of Chrome OS is that Google can patch on the few little things that the masses really need to completely ditch the desktop paradigm. If they get it right users will eat it up because it completely sidesteps all the complexity of modern OSes, which no one likes, and only geeks put up with because we understand and can utilize the power it gives us.
- doosra 17y ago> But most people seriously just need a way to check email and login to Facebook But why not just use a cell phone? Apart from the large screen, it seems to me that a chrome-os system will be similar to a smartphone.
- ErrantX 17y agoIt will. With a large screen and a proper keyboard. Im unconvinced this is as bad a thing for it as people are suggesting. To be honest I think that will sell it to hundreds of people. Google have the clout to get it out there and adopted by manufacturers. And it looks like their planning a really slick UI / experience. To me that suggests they've taken a good long look at Apple and learned how to sell Cool. I can see a really solid niche for these devices.
- tdmackey 17y agoThe same niche that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_Companion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_Companion tried to fill 10 years ago?
- 17y ago