Ever get lost in an Electronics Schematic? #TechisNotAlwaysFun

Google Chrome OS CR-48 Pilot program laptop update #1

Was I ever surprised, on December 21st, 2010 I received a package at home. I was not expecting anything to be delivered, especially 2 day air. Late that night I opened it up and saw a sticker on the box in the box about a Li-ion battery. Then it dawned on me that I had applied to the CR-48 Pilot program and surprise, that 's what was inside:)

Here is a link to a picture if you have not seen it yet. http://goo.gl/NPGvK

 

It was too late that night to geek around with the unknown laptop. So expecting a slow day at work I did what any kid with a new toy would do, took it with me the next day.

The next day when I opened up the box,  I found a plain nondescript looking laptop. No logo, no manufacturer, just a nice size simple looking device. So I inserted the battery and prepared to charge the CR-48 prior to using it the first time.

Again surprise, once the battery is installed, whenever the lid is raised the CR-48 turns on, and fast too. Next thing you know I'm going through the few screens 4 initial setup and then it's looking for a network. Oops, I was at work, no wi-fi. And I wanted to look into how the Verizon 3G service would work as far as cost, contract, etc. So again I was patient and waited till I was home that night to connect to my home wi-fi.

No complaints here, just think of using a Chrome browser and never leaving it. That is the basic idea of what the CR-48 is like. Most of my time so far has been in Gmail, Twitter and Facebook. Again, no complaints. I am not the most up to date web user however. I'm used to archaic methods such as a paper based calendar, appointments, work and personal journal etc.. So I am beginning to adjust as I think of things and moving slowly to the "cloud"

It looks like the Chrome Web Store https://chrome.google.com/webstore?hl=en-US will probably have something for everyone. In time I'll probably get around to sampling much of what's out there.

I'll update my CR-48 experience as frequently as I can as the days/weeks go by

I think it's important to keep in mind that the CR-48 is simple and when manufacturers introduce equipment outside the non pilot program, it will likely be spiffier than the plain laptop as we see today.

Again however, boot in just over 10 seconds, 8 hour or so battery life, instant on from standby.....NO complaints :)