Google/Samsung release new lightweight Chromebook

Tuesday’s release of the next-generation lightweight Chromebooks are the latest attempt by Google and Samsung to lure consumers, businesses, and education users away from a conventional OSX or Windows based machine.

Unlike said conventional computers, Chromebooks do not contain a hard drive and function primarily through a browser and web based apps.  Instead of a hard drive, the devices come stock with 16g flash memory; the same kind found in many smartphones, tablet computers, digital cameras, and the iPod nano series.

The latest 12.1 inch Intel powered devices are said to run twice as fast and display video in higher definition.  Other added features include the ability to edit documents offline and to retrieve material from another computer at home or in an office or school.  Much of the emphasis is being placed on Chrome’s web store which currently features more than 50,000 applications specific to Chrome.

The latest Chromebook and new Chromebox will be available online only, beginning in the U.S. on Tuesday, followed by a Wednesday release in the United Kingdom. The products will go on sale in brick-and-mortar stores for the first time in still-to-be-determined Best Buy locations next month.

Check back later in the week for a review of the latest Chromebook and the new Chromebox.