First look: Google Cr-48 Chrome OS notebook
I got a Christmas surprise in the mail today from Google. I got home from work to find a plain brown box of medium weight waiting for me. It didn’t have any distinguishing features, and didn’t have a company name, just the name of an individual. I opened it up and discovered a brand new Chrome OS notebook from Google as part of the Chrome Pilot Program.
The Cr-48 notebook is a nondescript device, very unassuming with a matte black, rubberized finish all over. No logos, no decals, nothing. It’s lightweight, and has a speedy boot up.
The first thing I did was pull out my Flip Ultra HD and made a video to share with you. Check it out. (More thoughts after the video – apologies for the DailyMotion ads.)
[dailymotion xg7yz1]
This notebook clearly couldn’t replace my MacBook permanently. For one example: I couldn’t edit and upload this video on the Cr-48. I tried plugging the Flip into the Cr-48 to see if I could upload an unedited video, and the file option wouldn’t show the connected camera. I also could not use the Adobe applications I use occasionally. Of course the vast majority of my own personal computer usage is within my Chrome browser. Google Docs, Blogger, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Facebook, etc. I also can’t sync my iPod up (which I hardly ever use).
The biggest drawback I’ve seen so far for every-day use is its inability to playback HD video. This is probably due to hardware limitations. SD video looks adequate enough, but it is notable.
I think I will use the Cr-48 as my primary personal computer for a while and see how far I can go before I have to pull my MacBook out for something that requires installed software, or saved files. I’ll be providing updates on this test in the future.
If you don’t think you could live with a cloud-based operating system, try this quiz out. (I scored a 10).
If you have any questions about the Cr-48’s capabilities, let me know and I’ll try it out on camera and post it.
so how did you end up uploading the video? is it possible? i have a Cr-48 too and a flip and am having the same problem :/
I used my MacBook to upload the video.
I learned there is a secret options page for beta features at about:flags (type is exactly like that into your browser). In it you can allow the file system.
http://www.reddit.com/r/CR48/comments/eqeak/hidden_options_menu_at_aboutflags/
I tried it with my Flip and it won’t see any files on there. I think it’s for the SD card slot in the right side of the laptop.