Google Chrome OS has received plenty of attention from us over the last few months. The idea of having an operating system that functions as little more than a browser was interesting in and of itself, sure, but the Chrome OS beta stage – where Goolge gave away thousands of free netbooks and internet subscription packages – is what really caught our attention. Sadly, like so many else, we missed out on the giveaway, sadly marching forward with the knowledge that we’d be able to give Chrome OS a real run when the Chromebooks officially hit the market. Well, we now know when that will be: June 15th.
That’s thanks to the official I/O announcement, as well as the run of publicity that’s happened since. Here is the basic information we have on the Chromebook:
- The release date is June 15th.
- There will be options from both Samsung and Acer.
- You will be able to purchase Chromebooks online; no word on exactly when these might be available in stores.
- Chromebooks will be in the $400 to $500 range.
- 3G net connections, as well as subscription packages for them, will be available.
- Chromebooks will be available in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.
We also have word on a program designed for schools and businesses who want to use Chromebooks. Companies who subscribe ($28/user for businesses, $20/user for schools, monthly), will get administrative options, additional support directly from Google, warranties, and “regular hardware refreshes.”
What all this really means is we’re about to get the results on a big experiment: Can Google enter the operating system scene by using an OS that is nothing more, and nothing less, than a snazzy web browser?
[via the Google Chrome Blog]
