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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
274 of 290 people found the following review helpful.
Chromebooks Go Production
By macbeach
I've been testing the prototype Cr-48 since February. I expected to just use the device for a few weeks and then go back to my desktop system. But instead I changed a few of my habits and stayed with it ever since. There is very little difference between the Cr-48 and the production Samsung. Size is about the same, keyboard almost identical. Cr-48 was coated with a rubbery material that you either like or hate. Samsung is more traditional glossy plastic.
Both machines have very bright and crisp displays in a wide format. The screen itself is of the traditional non-glare type. I can't imagine why anyone would want a screen with glare but I notice many new systems come that way. I guess if you work in a totally dark room the glossy screens are fine. The second version of the Chromebook from Acer is said to have a glossy screen for anyone that wants that.
I'll second what others said that this machine is not for everyone. If you a big user of Apple products and happy with their "roadmap" to the future, stay with them. If you need all the specialized software that only runs on Windows, then you'd better stay there too.
But... If you are tired of running virus scanners, clean-up utilities, disk defragmenters, firewalls, and tired of having to ask a relative or neighbor to get your machine working again (or worse having to pay someone to do it) then cloud-based computing may be for you.
Chrome OS is a slimmed down (very) version of Linux that boots in 8 seconds and awakes from sleep almost instantly. There is no desktop, so the graphical interface is the Chrome web browser which takes up the whole screen as soon as you log-on to the machine. There are some "hidden" aspects to this OS, but you can only get to them by flipping a special switch for those who like to experiment, and the machine keeps track of the fact that you have done this. Security experts know that no system is safe if you grant physical access to an attacker, but the Chrome notebook does everything it can to protect your locally stored information (even though there isn't much of that). Each user must log into the machine and that causes his and only his files to become unencrypted for use. Signing off causes those files to be encrypted again. But very little data is stored on the machine anyway and the entire solid state "disk" is only 16 gig, so pack-rats need not apply. The idea is that you store all your documents in the cloud (you are not limited to using Google products to do this of course). While you *can* download files, typically you do so simply to turn around and upload them somewhere else. You can display photos and play MP3 and MP4 files locally but that is about it (for now anyway). In addition to the SSD space you can store local files on a USB stick or memory card (as used in cameras). Theoretically files you store on the SSD drive will get erased automatically after a while (like a month, though I haven't seen this happen yet). So if you feel you just HAVE to have some files to carry around with you, a 16G USB stick is probably advisable.
If you want to let a friend use the machine, just sign off and they can use "Guest mode" and your stuff will be safe, no matter what they do. Also anything they do will get erased when they are done. If someone else will be using he machine regularly they can also sign in with a Google ID rather than using Guest mode and their files and yours will be kept isolated from one another.
I'm not sure what it is I like about this keyboard as it mostly resembles other "island keyboards" but I bang pretty hard on the keys and they usually register without too many mistakes. I don't feel that I am in danger of breaking the thing as is the case with many new notebooks or keyboards. The mousepad as others have mentioned is HUGE. I am not a big fan of mousepads so even with a notebooks I tend to carry a mouse with me. I recently went visiting needed to use the mousepad for a while though and found it acceptable. I'd say a cut below the Apple mouspads, but not by much. Remember that most of what you get from a mousepad is done in software, not hardware. When the Cr-48s came out there were lots of complaints about the mousepads being almost unusable, but with each new release of the OS things got better and I'm sure that will continue.
With Chrome OS being a young product so far there is still room for improvement, but the improvements are coming fairly regularly and they are totally non-disruptive, downloading in the background and automatically activating the next time you boot. Even that first boot after update doesn't seem to take longer as with some OSs.
There are three "Channels" for updates: Stable, Beta, and Dev(eloper) depending on how risk averse you are. There is also a USB stick based recovery procedure should your machine get "hosed" which can happen on the developer channel or when playing with the developer switch.
Why is there a developers switch? Well, security is a big goal of Chrome OS. There are no virus scanners needed, but the OS does do a self-check during those 8 seconds it is booting up, and when your files are decrypted they are check for tampering as well. The developers switch bypasses some of this paranoia, and also gives you access to additional parts of the file system that are normally off-limits. In addition you are given access to a more complete set of Linux/Unix commands some of which could get you into trouble. People have run other version of Linux, Windows and even the Apple OS on Chromebooks by flipping the developer switch, but then that is rather missing the point of a machine that is designed specifically for cloud-based computing. On the other hand, if you have been keeping your stuff in the cloud, and happen to trash your system while on the road, getting it going again doesn't take too long or involve too many steps (and I suspect might eventually only entail pressing a reset button or something).
Finally, on communications, WiFi set-up is as easy or easier than Windows or Apple machines I've used. Previous connections are memorized by default. All the protocols up to and including "n" "just work". In a pinch you can tap into the 100M of free Verizon wireless 3G coverage. In a real pinch they have various for-pay coverage after that. I've tried it just long enough to know that it works. On a trip I can imagine tapping into the "unlimited" plan for a day at a time between WiFi enabled hotels.
Cons: (1) I wouldn't have minded a wired Internet option as well, but with notebooks getting thinner and thinner it would probably be hard to squeeze the connector in there. So far the "n" version of WiFi maxes out my router's speed anyway. (2) Only VGA connectivity to external monitors... else I might be tempted to use this as a desktop machine with a larger monitor. If there is indeed a Samsung "mini" desktop system waiting in the wings that will probably be a better way to go anyway (and might well be significantly cheaper than a laptop). (3) There is a way to go for "apps" for this ecosystem. there are advanced applications that demonstrate what *can* be done such as music composition, technical drawings, photo editing (and of course Google Docs which handles normal office needs) but almost everyone will run into situations that require a "legacy" system to handle. For example, you currently have to use a special set-up on a Windows or Apple machine to print, unless you have one of the very new "e-printers" that have an e-mail address associated with them and support their own network connection. If the Google "roadmap" holds steady I fully expect these issue to be addressed in the not too distant future.
In the mean time, I'm sitting comfortably here on my couch with my Chromebook, and not tempted to sit at the desk where I have a "more powerful" system. Come to think of it, I have more power in the cloud than I could ever afford at home. With proper interfaces, everything I could need.
272 of 293 people found the following review helpful.
Amazing product!
By Mitali Ganguly
I am very happy with my Samsung Chromebook. I had been looking for a computer that was fast, easy to use and did not keep breaking down so when Google announced the Chromebook Pilot program I signed up and got the CR-48. I really liked my CR-48 and therefore bought the Samsung Chromebook with 3G at the Gilt flash sale. I've had it now for a few days and am very happy with it.
The Samsung Chromebook is very light weight and portable; and I like its clean looks and solid finish. The keyboard is amazing and the trackpad is HUGE. It also feels a lot faster than the CR-48. The software on the CR-48 kept improving and getting better in the 6 months I had it and it feels like its gotten even better on the Samsung Series 5. There's now a file manager and a media player and it is super easy to upload photos to Picasa. And ofcourse it has Chrome which is fast.
The setup was ridiculously simple. As soon as I logged in all my apps, bookmarks and settings came in and it felt like I was back on my old computer. In all I think I went from closed box to fully ready in a couple of minutes. This was truly amazing. All the other benefits of the CR-48: the fast boot, quick resume and built in 3G are all there in this Chromebook.
I would recommend a Chromebook to anyone; but when people ask me if this is right for them this is what I say: it's great if you primarily use a laptop/ notebook for your personal stuff which, at least for me, is almost all web-based - gmail, facebook, amazon, youtube, google docs. For 'work' I use design software (Adobe CS5, Autocad, etc) that needs serious processing power and a large screen; and thus I use a high-end laptop, but that means it's heavy and cumbersome. The Chromebook is my personal computer and it works perfectly for that purpose - we leave it lying around the house and pick it up whenever we need to do something that is not work related. It also helps that its battery life is phenomenal. When my parents (NOT tech-savvy) were over they also used the CR-48 a lot and it worked great for them. I plan to get a new Chromebook for them too. So if you want a notebook for personal use that works fast, is reliable and inexpensive, get this one.
196 of 211 people found the following review helpful.
Great laptop, severely misunderstood product
By Warden Chinbach
Quick points:
- Yes, it DOES work offline. There are loads of apps and games that do work offline, and offline mode is coming to Gmail, Docs, and Calendar very soon (this summer)
- Web apps are nearing the usefulness of actual desktop apps
- The vast majority of people don't need Photoshop or Final Cut Pro, or a 4GHz processor
- Web apps are the future. They are compatible with any OS that has a browser, which is basically every OS
- Seems even more secure against viruses than a Mac
- No more paying for OS updates like you do with Mac or Windows
- Don't need antivirus software running all the time
- Open sourced OS is very technologically ethical, meaning more progress and more transparency in terms of what is going on inside OUR computers
- The browser was becoming an OS itself already for while, Google is just separating it
- Super fast start up time and long battery life are great pluses
- What about music/video offline? It can't do that with a web app RIGHT NOW (it almost certainly will in the future, but you can easily download any kind of media (yes it does have internal storage like some critic say it doesn't), or you can put media on a SD card from another computer and pop it into this when you cant to watch a movie on a plane or something
- the price IS very good. some people say it's too expensive for what it offers, citing the processor and the almost comparable price of a Windows PC. They are overlooking the fact that this has a solid state drive, which is a huge plus, that a PC running anti-virus software all the time slows down the processor, that most people don't NEED the desktop OS anymore, and a vast array of other reasons, including far superior build quality.
If you want to try this already extremely functional laptop, and are ready to jump into the future of operating systems, you can expect improvements in leaps and bounds very quickly, as Google will update everything in the background, and everything will get faster and better, and your experience will improve over time.
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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #142 in Personal Computers
Color: White
Brand: Samsung
Model: XE500C21-H01US
Dimensions: .80" h x
8.60" w x
11.60" l,
3.26 pounds
Display size: 12.1
Features
1.66 GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570 processor , 2GB.
16 GB solid-state drive (SSD)
SuperBright 12.1-Inch high-resolution, NM10 Graphics Chipset.
Google OS, 8.5 Hour Battery Life.
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Amazon.com Product Description
Innovatively designed to go as long as you can, the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 lets you spend the whole day surfing, streaming, and working on the web on just one charge. With less than 10-second booting and an amazing 8.5 hours of battery life, the light and sleek Chromebook Series 5 gives you the ultimate web experience that you won't find on any other laptop. Search for the best web experience and you'll find the new Samsung Chromebook Series 5 (see larger image). The Chrome-based operating system features a streamlined user interface, making it easier for you to navigate the web--where you already spend most of your computing time. All your apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud. Every Chrome notebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. And the Samsung Chromebook uses advanced technology to help prevent malware and viruses from accessing your data without you ever having to lift a finger. This Samsung Chromebook in White features a 12.1-inch LED-backlit display with an anti-reflective screen. It's powered by a next-generation, dual-core Intel processor, which combines performance and energy efficiency to provide new levels of support for applications like games, as well as Adobe Flash technology for improved access to multimedia sites such as YouTube and Hulu. Weighing in at 3.3 pounds, the ultra compact design provides maximum portability without compromising on functionality and optimal performance This model includes integrated 3G broadband cellular connectivity via Verizon Wireless as well as ultra-fast Wireless-N networking for connecting to home or office LANs. It also includes two USB ports, a 4-in-1 memory card reader, buttonless touchpad with multi-gesture support, and a 1-megapixel webcam for video chats and snapping pics for social networking sites. The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 boots in less than 10 seconds (see larger image). Your Chromebook gets better and better over time with automatic updates (see larger image). Chromebook Features Instant On The Samsung Chromebook gets you on the web as quickly as possible. It boots in less than 10 seconds and resumes instantly from sleep. Open the lid, and you're back on the web so you don't miss a beat. And Chromebooks are designed to get faster over time as updates are released. Find Your Next Favorite Web App Every Chromebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. Thanks to the power of HTML5, many apps keep working even in those rare moments when you're not connected. To try the latest apps, visit the Chrome Web Store or just type in a URL. You can easily create shortcuts on your new tab page to launch your favorite web applications, so that you can enhance your online experience. No CDs required. Simplicity in Sync Chromebooks keep your apps, documents, favorites and settings safely in the cloud. That means you can login to a friend's Chomebook and access your profile without disturbing theirs. Or, if you lose or break your Chromebook you have nothing to worry about. Just get another and login, you will be back up and running in minutes like nothing happened. Forever Fresh Your Chromebook gets better and better over time, unlike a traditional PC. When you turn it on, it updates itself. Automatically. All of your apps stay up-to-date, and you get the latest and greatest version of the operating system without having to think about it. Annoying update prompts not included. SuperBright 12.1-inch LED display is 40% brighter. PowerPlus provides up to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted use. Friends Let Friends Log In Chromebooks are easy to share with family and friends. They can log in to experience all of their own Chrome settings, apps and extensions, or use a Guest session to browse privately. Either way, no one else using your Chromebook will have access to your email and personal data. Built-in Security Chromebooks run the first operating system designed from the ground up to defend against the ongoing threat of malware and viruses. They employ the principle of "defense in depth" to provide multiple layers of protection, including sandboxing, data encryption, and verified boot. Websites load quickly and smoothly and all your apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud. Hardware Features SuperBright LED Display The anti-reflective 12.1-inch LED display has a mirror effect and produces the sharpest images with 300-nit brightness, which is up to 40 percent brighter than normal laptops. Get outstanding picture quality and text readability, even when you're outdoors. Enjoy the web longer without straining your eyes. Wireless-N Wi-Fi It's easy to get connected anytime and anywhere with built-in Wi-Fi and 3G, provided by Verizon Wireless. The Wi-Fi LAN is compatible with ultra-fast Wireless-N networks (802.11n) as well as backward compatible with older networks (802.11b/g). As your Chromebook boots up, it quickly connects to your favorite wireless network so you're on the web right from the start. Easy-to-Use Full-Sized Keyboard Make the most of the web by using a keyboard that's designed for it. Your Chromebook comes equipped with a dedicated search key, a new row of web-enabled keys, and a comfortable, full-size layout that doesn't cramp your fingers so you can get more done and make fewer errors. Longer Battery Lifespan with PowerPlus Samsung's intelligent battery charging technology enables the battery to keep 80 percent of its original capacity for up to 1,000 recharges--more than 3x longer than a typical battery. This makes our batteries more economical and since fewer batteries need to be replaced over the lifecycle. Key Specifications Processor: 1.66 GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570 processor Storage: 16 GB solid-state drive (SSD) System Memory: 2 GB Communications: Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), integrated 3G (via optional Verizon Wireless subscription) Ports: Two USB 2.0, 4-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC) Video out: VGA (via included dongle) Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, combo headphone/microphone jack Battery: 6-cell battery for up to 8.5 hours of use Webcam: 1-megapixel What's in the Box Samsung Chromebook Series 5 (model XE500C21-H01US), power adapter, operating instructions
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