At the Google I/O conference currently going on, they have announced that Samsung and Acer will both be bringing Chrome OS based netbooks – or Chromebooks – to market.
The Samsung Series 5 is an 12.1-inch device, running at 1280 x 800 resolution with a dual-core 1.66GHz Intel Atom N570 processor. Storage is a 16GB mSATA solid state drive here, a somewhat limited 1MP webcam is above the screen, and there is built in dual-band Wi-Fi and optional World-mode 3G data access. There is a battery life claimed at up to 8.5 hours and there is an optional VGA adaptor can connect to a second monitor or television. Price is listed at $499.99 (£306) for the Wi-Fi + 3G model, and the Wi-Fi only model will retail at $429.99 (£263).
The Acer model is an 11.6″ HD Widescreen weighing 2.95 lbs. (1.34 kg) and has a claimed 6 hours of continuous usage. The processor is an Intel® AtomTM Dual-Core, 16GB SSD and again there is built in dual-band Wi-Fi and optional World-mode 3G data access. An HD Webcam with noise cancelling microphone and High-Definition audio support give it accomplished AV capabilities, and there are 2 USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 memory card slot and HDMI port. It’s cheaper than the Samsung, with the price set at $349 (£214) for WiFI Only, no price for the 3G model yet.
Both netbooks will be available in the US from June 15th from Amazon.com and BestBuy.com – no word on UK availability as yet.
UPDATE: Looks like they’ll be available in the UK on June 15th too, from Amazon.co.uk and PCWorld.
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