Introducing the not-yet-released for retail Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook

Introduction

Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook

Over a month ago I read about a person unexpectedly getting a free Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook in the mail. They didn’t sign up to any mailer list or have any prior knowledge that they were getting anything - they were just lucky to be one of few chosen by Google to receive an early version of Chrome OS. So I Googled it to see if it’d be possible that I could receive one as well, which led me to Google’s Chrome OS Web page (www.google.com/chromeos) where there is a Pilot program available for free sign up. I quickly filled out the form and soon forgot all about it but still kept tracking any news, almost daily, regarding Chrome OS.

To explain my position more clealy, I am an avid fan of Linux and believe that Google has the best chance at making the Open Source operating system popular to the non-geek public and at the same time take Linux to the next level in forcing old, closed-source, proprietary minded developers into adopting Linux and building proper driver capabilities for devices that can run on it. (Wholly long sentences, Blogman!) Basically, the great thing about Linux is when a driver crops up for one distribution, it soon too shall follow for every other Linux flavor interested. So where Google will lead, other Linux distros like Ubuntu, which I know and love well, will also gain great features that may not have been possible without the great adventures in social Web justice by Google’s Chrome OS (basically, it’s a popularity contest, and the geeks with the most money get all the hot chicks).

"Adventures in Counter-Culture" by Blueprint

So geek-talk aside, fast-forward to January 28th, 2010, over a month later after filling out the long since forgotten about sign up form to the Cr-48 Pilot program. I’m just coming home after a long day at work. I wasn’t expecting anything in the mail, but there is a mystery package for me. I look at it trying to remember if I ordered something and had forgotten but couldn't recall anything. Could it be the LP I pre-ordered just the day before from one of my favorite music artists, Blueprint’s “Adventures In Counter-Culture”? (You’re my boy, Blue!) No, it doesn’t come out until March 1st, 2010, on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Plus, the box is way too heavy to be just containing an LP (hopefully with an autograph on it, maybe? lol).

So I go to open up this discreetly marked mystery package with my name on it, and the very second I pull open the top cover of the box I recognize something - a hamster wheel! Astonished, I close the box, take a step back, try and hold my mouth to keep from grinning ear to ear. There’s no way it could be what I think it is. Why would Google give me the Cr-48 to test? I’m just a wee bit Web Designer, running my own Web studio, which can be found at PXAlive.com (insert shameful self-promotion remark here). However, I do recall in filling out the sign up form saying something to the effect that I’m very eager to test out just how far using only HTML5 features can take you in a Web browser and that Chrome OS seems like the perfect testing ground for it.

So back to the story - slowly I walk back to the box and open it again, this time in awe at the playful yet unmistakable artwork on the cover of the box - a hamster wheel pulled apart with the Google App Engine jet logo attached. There’s no doubt in my mind at this point - behold, in my hands, a free Google Chrome OS Cr-48 notebook! The Goog’s hooked me up. =-)

Epic Hamster wheel meets Google App Engine

Conclusion

Eli Heiss, Web Designer of PXAlive Studios

In the next following weeks I will be devoting my free time to detailing my attempts to fully use this here black glossy (almost rubber-like feeling) notebook and try my damndest to push it passed the limits of HTML 4.01 and go even further to break on through to the other side of HTML5, CSS3, and all kinds of bad-ass AJAX - the stuff that all the new, slick, clean, fast and tough Web sites are made of. Flash-be-gone! ...or so we shall see.

In any event, using this device will definitely be interesting. So I’ll let you know just how far I get in doing the usual things I normally use a full-blown Desktop PC to accomplish. Please note, I’ve never owned a laptop before, so it’ll definitely make for a great challenge to see just how much I can do on this here new notebook floating off in the Cloud somewhere far away that I normally do down here on earth locally with way more CPU power, RAM and GPU memory to work with.

So here’s to the Googs!

Thanks,

Eli Heiss