1Samsung’s Chromebook Leverages Rising Buyer Interest in Chrome OS
2Understanding the Chromebook Appeal
Chromebooks are notebook PCs that run Google’s Chrome OS cloud-based operating system, which is a high-powered version of Google’s Chrome browser but includes offline support and storage. It’s a lightweight operating system that can’t compete with Windows in terms of application support and desktop features. But its light resource footprint is what makes it—and perhaps the Chromebook Plus—attractive to so many customers.
3Multi-Core ARM CPU Gives it Plenty of Processing Power
The Chromebook Plus ships with a 2GHz OP1 ARM processor. More importantly, the processor comes with a whopping six cores, allowing it to handle internet browsing, multiple web applications, games and more with ease. The computer also ships with 4GB of memory, which is sufficient in the Chromebook market.
4A Big-Screen Touch Display
5It’s also a Hybrid Notebook-Tablet
The Chromebook Plus is a full-featured hybrid, letting users employ it in four different ways. The device obviously can be used as a notebook or tablet, but it also can be propped up in a tent-like fashion for watching videos or other online content. Or, users can fold it flat to make it easy to write on the display.
6Built-In Stylus Support
The Chromebook Plus comes with a Samsung-made stylus. With it, users can digitally write on the screen, similar to Microsoft’s Surface Book or other computers that work with a stylus. In addition to writing on the screen, the Chromebook Plus’ stylus can be used for other tasks such as taking a screenshot, magnifying an image and unlocking the screen.
7Millions of Apps from Google Play
8What to Understand About Storage
9Samsung Touts this Chromebook’s Portability
Samsung said that its Chromebook Plus should be able to deliver a level of portability road warriors desire. The device is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs only 2.4 pounds, making it one of the easier-to-carry computers at the higher end of the Chromebook market. Despite that, the Chromebook Plus has a full-sized keyboard and trackpad, so users won’t lose productivity.
10But Samsung Skimped on Wireless Connectivity
For a computer that relies upon connectivity and portability, it’s odd that Samsung skimped on wireless features. The Chromebook Plus supports 802.11n WiFi, which means users won’t be able to take advantage of 802.11ac connectivity. In addition, it’s using the somewhat old Bluetooth 4.0 spec rather than newer wireless connections.
11Pricing and Availability
Samsung’s Chromebook Plus is slated to start shipping Feb. 5, according to the company. Those interested in buying the computer are able to pre-order now through Feb. 1. The Chromebook Plus is available for $450.