Ron Schenone

Google Chrome Cr-48 Notebook – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Posted by on Jan 13, 2011 | 14 Comments

It has been just about a month since I received my Cr-48 computer and I have nothing new to report. The system for the most part works fine. Yes, there are some glitches and gotchas that Google is going to need to fix, but like any new box, that is to be expected. My experience thus far has been enjoyable for the most part. Here are some of the good, bad and ugly parts of the system.

The Good: If you have used the Chrome browser, than you have used the Chrome OS. The majority of what I do is on the Internet so this notebook is good for me. As long as you have a wireless connection, you are all set to go. In addition Google provides a free 100MB account for two years from Verizon. So no matter where I go, I have a connection.

Battery life is 8 hours as claimed.

The keyboard lacks a Caps Lock key, but this is a minor issue. Overall the keyboard functions well and the keys are just a big as the keys on my 17″ laptop.

The Bad: The only minor issue I have is that my blog runs slow when using the Chrome Notebook. At first I thought it may be my wireless system, but after a few experiments, I determined for some unknown reason, LG is just slow when using the Chrome notebook. I have connected to other wireless systems with the Chrome notebook and have experienced the same problem. All other web sites work just fine and Chrome is fast.

Though the keyboard works well, in dim light it is hard to see the letters on the keys. That’s right boys and girls. I am not a touch typist. :-)

The Ugly: The track pad stinks. I was trying to copy a link yesterday and there was no way I could get the system to recognize a right-click. I recommend connecting a USB mouse to the system to make your experience more enjoyable.

Conclusion: I think there is a market for this type of computer. My concern is price. If Google can get the pricing around $300, I believe it will be a winner. Over $300 I would have to give it a lot of serious thought. You can find inexpensive laptops on sale now for about $350.

Anyone else out there using the Cr-48? Thoughts? Opinions?

Comments welcome.

  • http://borasky-research.net M. Edward (Ed) Borasky

    I got one too and my experience has been the same as yours. I went for the USB mouse from day one, though. I had heard about the trackpad issues, but I’ve *never* had a trackpad that didn’t suck – I gave up on them years ago.

    The rumors I hear is that the production version will have a dual-core processor. That’s about the only way they could justify a $300 price tag on one of these with ChromeOS. I think it’s likely to be much less expensive – $200 and bundled with a halfway decent Verizon 3G data plan, not the 100 MB per month they have now, and bundled with a pro Google Docs account. At the rate technology is advancing, I can’t see a business buying one of these for $300 when they can get a Windows or Meego notebook for $300 and have a complete local OS.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hi Ed,
      Good points. Have you connected to Verizon 3G? I have been on the phone with Verizon and still can not get mine connected.
      I am expecting a call from Verizon tech. support this afternoon to try and fix the problem.
      Regards, Ron

  • Nick

    No 3g sim card? Surely with no wireless connection it is technically just a plastic box?

    Really cant see the attraction of an OS that is just a browser just for a few seconds less boot time.

  • Andrew

    Hold down the ALT key and click to do a right-click. Not ideal, but actually pretty easy to get used to.
    -Andrew

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Thank you Andrew. I’ll try that the next time I don’t have my mouse connected. :-)

  • Eric

    Ron – Don’t know if you knew this, but to right click you just click with two fingers touching the pad. Hope that helps. If not, alt + click works, too. I’m on mine right now and LG is a little sluggish.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hi Eric,
      That is what I was trying. Two fingers, but it was not working.
      I noticed today there was an update to the Chrome OS. Guess what?
      The two finger click now works on my system.
      FWIW Both Google and Verizon did a great job getting my unit connected to 3G

  • Dick

    I too cannot use a touch pad. I have a cheapo mouse that I drag out for laptops.
    Ron, do you know if you get to keep this netbook? I would imagine you’re glad the testing is over.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hi Dick,
      I would venture a guess that we will be allowed to keep the netbooks.
      I base this on the fact that I am now activated on the Verizon network and the plan is good for 2 years.

      How is Mint coming?

  • Daniel Stefani

    It might be cool for internet since the OS seems just like a browser IDK but maybe the price would be reeeealy low and I think it also maybe a future scheme for Verizon to sell their internet on a device. Might have been kewl if it had Android on it too! And be able to store and play files! Signed up for one… But did some research to see what its about anyway…

    They shouldn’t sell it for more than a $100-$200 but if Verizon were to be selling it bundled with their internet service and contract like I said it might be a really cheap inexpensive option since other carriers like Att have had Netbooks bundled already with wireless internet service and contract at a lower price!

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hello Daniel,
      Good points.

  • Pingback: Popularity Crashes Cubeduel | 香港新媒體協會

  • http://donphinney.com Donald Phinney

    I have found all the blogs on locker gnome to load slowly.
    I use netbooks a lot and every other site works great, but the excessive use of flash and other clutter on the locker gnome pages brings most of the lower end computers to a halt for at least 3 seconds while it attempts to load all the garbage.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Thanks Donald for sharing your opinion.