Google announces revised Chromebook line-up, introduces new $249 Samsung model

The Chromebook could hardly be described as a runaway success since it was introduced at I/O last year. That said, Google is currently staying on track with its Chrome OS powered laptops. Gone from the line-up are the Acer AC700 and Samsung Series 5 models, leaving the familiar, larger, Samsung Chromebook 550.

To replace the smaller units is a new Samsung Chromebook model, simply called, Samsung Chromebook. On board is a 11.6-inch screen, weighs only 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), features a Samsung Exynos Dual processor and a battery that lasts about 6.5 hours. Also included is dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 3.0, a front VGA camera, HDMI, a single USB 2.0 and a single USB 3.0.

The Samsung Chromebook is, like its predecessors, very cloud-centric. Google provides 100GB of free storage for two years. You will want to use it, since the SSD on this thing is only 16GB. Or, you can buy a 64GB USB drive, or SD card for less than $20, which you are sure to want to do since there is no cellular modem (for that, you would want the Samsung Chromebook 550, or use a Mi-Fi or smartphone’s hot-spot).

This Chromebook is in a good position to be a decent all-around portable computer and is attractively priced at $249. It would be nice to see some integration with Android however. You can pre-order the Samsung Chromebook now, but it will also be available at retailers starting next week.

source: Google via Redmond Pie