Chromebook laptop only for technology people?

Samsung has just launched the first Series 5, Chromebook laptop from a reputable manufacturer. Google has promised laptop Chromebooks will bring a new definition to laptops. However, it seems this is the laptop of "the future".

>>>New definition of laptop: Chromebook

Reportedly, Samsung Series 5 Chromebook will be officially sold on June 15, but users can order this product. The Series 5 Chromebook is priced at $ 499 (either Wi-Fi and 3G versions), or 429 USD (Wi-Fi only version).

Hardware

Samsung Series 5 is a 12.1-inch netbook with a smooth, rounded design. One could say it was the first real netbook in the world, because perhaps this is the first laptop designed for Internet users. Series 5 has dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB SSD. On the left side of the laptop is a small power outlet, a vent, a mic / headphone jack, a USB port and a VGA port. It has an additional USB port, a SIM card slot on the right. Front-facing SD Card reader slot. In addition, you will not find Ethernet ports, no Bluetooth, no digital video output and no illuminated keyboard.

It is praiseworthy that the keys of the wide keyboard, good distance, are easy to type. Large and responsive touchpad. HD webcam works well, but it is only used in web applications, meaning it is not available for Skype. The screen border is glossy, but the screen itself is dull so it reduces the reflection. The screen is quite bright but the colors and contrast are not impressive.

In addition, the machine does not have Function keys. And without the Delete key to delete, the user must hold down Alt and press Backspace to delete the characters in front of the cursor. Google also changed the Caps Lock key with the Search key.

Google has boasted many benefits of a laptop running Chrome. It boots quickly, in just 12 seconds and "wakes up" from "sleep" in just 1 or 2 seconds. The virus has almost no chance of penetrating when you don't actually run suspicious files and the entire system is encrypted. According to the test, the battery runs for 8 hours.

Series 5 Chromebooks certainly suffer from the shortcomings of Atom-based netbook models, even without the Windows operating system installed. Lighter web applications like Evernote are " ok " but if you play Angry Birds from the Chrome Web repository it will be very annoying. And the fact that smartphones can run Angry Birds runs smoother than this laptop. Perhaps, Samsung should choose a more powerful microprocessor, such as AMD Fusion E-350, for example, which could cause battery life to drop by about an hour, but very well with video and graphic web features.

Overall, the Series 5 does not feel very sympathetic. The lid looks pretty simple, superficial, as if they will come out in just a few months. The sound quality from the speakers is also terrible, even a small and cheap laptop also brings better sound. The device is also quite heavy with 3.3 pounds (about 1.5 kg). A laptop of this size and thin like this must be lighter.

Software

There is really no need to describe much when using Chrome OS. Just open the Chrome browser, open the window and all your computer activity will take place there. However, things don't go smoothly. The processing of documents and documents is very difficult. A help menu hidden under the nut icon gives users some basic tools, but doesn't tell you the important shortcut actions like pressing Ctrl-M will open the file browser.

Most of these shortcut keys help users perform a number of tasks that on operating systems such as Windows, OS X or Linux click on an icon, a toolbar. For example, press Ctrl-N to open a new window, a separate Chrome window. In other operating systems, users will typically have icons on their computers and just click on them. Maybe, technical experts at Google often use shortcuts - but do they know how many users are accustomed to these shortcuts?

If you want to print, Google Cloud Print is the only option. This means that you must have a printer with an HP ePrint cable or a printer connected to a Windows or Mac computer and have a Chrome browser installed, and of course the system must plug in, turn on the computer, and connect to the Internet to print. In addition, users cannot view Netflix. Currently, Netflix says: ' We are working with Google to make sure Chromebook users can watch movies and TV shows from Netflix. Details of work results will be announced in the coming months'.

Of course, Chromebook computers have its own advantages. Everything syncs with your Chrome browser on other computers. It boots quickly and wakes up quickly. It can also seamlessly update new software without even needing to remind you (of course it is also a double-edged sword).

All Series 5 experiences give users the feeling that they are going ahead for a few years. Probably a near future, someday when web applications are powerful and sophisticated enough to replace most of what is available on the computer. Along with energy-efficient, powerful and affordable processors, cheaper flash memory, a number of different versions of Chrome OS, the device with the web browser may be more meaningful. . However, until that day, users will still be able to find Windows laptops within the price range of $ 430-500, which may not seem as sleek as the Series 5 Chromebook, and may not be able to boot quickly, But it brings more great features.

At this point, the laptop running Chrome OS still seems to be more suitable for tech professionals.