Ron Schenone

Could A Google Subscription Service For The Chrome Notebook Computer Work?

Posted by on Apr 21, 2011 | 19 Comments

Microsoft has discussed a subscription service for its Windows operating system and Office system for years. I recall many discussions about how one day subscriptions to all software products would become standard and that distribution by CD and DVD would evaporate. But it seemed that the idea of subscription software went the same way as the paperless office went and never matured. There is now a rumor that Google may try such a service when it releases its Chrome operating system on notebooks some time in June or July of this year.

Though the exact plans are sketchy, the service would work by having the consumer purchase the notebook from a vendor. The notebook would have the Chrome operating system pre-installed. The user would then have the option to purchase a subscription costing between $10 to $20 a month. The service will provide hardware updates and may also include the replacement of faulty hardware during the subscription period.

What the Chrome OS could do is to redefine what the original notebook or netbook computers could not do. The original concept was that these lightweight computers were originally meant to be cheap devices connecting to the Internet only to access the cloud. What happened was that some companies tried to shoehorn Microsoft Windows onto the notebook and netbooks, and the hardware could not handle the heavy load of Windows. The Chrome OS is basically a browser that connects to the Web, starts fast, and boots in under 10 seconds. While this is a very attractive device, some question whether or not this is enough to unseat the Apple iPad or iPad 2 from their perches.

I have been beta testing the Google Chrome Cr-48 notebook computer since mid-December when I was fortunate enough to have received the device. During this time, I have had the opportunity to test and play with the system. I find some of the features very attractive for what I do on the Internet, e.g., blog for two sites, check email, surf for interesting articles, stay in touch with Facebook family and friends, and in general use the device for work more than to have fun with. The Chrome OS notebook has few options for game playing when compared to other devices.

The difference I see between the Google Chrome OS notebook computer compared to the Apple iPad is very simple: the Google Chrome OS notebook computer is a work machine whereas the Apple iPad is more for fun. IMO. Your opinion may differ from mine. But my opinion is the correct opinion. LOL

What do you think? Would you pay for a subscription plan for the Google Chrome OS notebook computer?

Source – Neowin

  • http://twitter.com/bnleez bnleez

    I’d have to see it in action before deciding on a subscription. But from what I’ve heard, I like to idea of Google Chrome OS (as a work machine) – if I want fun, I don’t turn to my computer.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      It may be a good knock-around machine at home. Not sure it’ll work as well outside those walls.

  • http://twitter.com/bnleez bnleez

    I’d have to see it in action before deciding on a subscription. But from what I’ve heard, I like to idea of Google Chrome OS (as a work machine) – if I want fun, I don’t turn to my computer.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      It may be a good knock-around machine at home. Not sure it’ll work as well outside those walls.

  • http://profiles.google.com/techbaseuk tech-base UK

    i’m not too sure in this case. what would the subscription come with? if it was just the right to use the system then i think it is a bit insane.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      Right. That remains to be seen. I’d argue that we’re providing more value to Google by giving them our eyeballs…

  • http://profiles.google.com/techbaseuk tech-base UK

    i’m not too sure in this case. what would the subscription come with? if it was just the right to use the system then i think it is a bit insane.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      Right. That remains to be seen. I’d argue that we’re providing more value to Google by giving them our eyeballs…

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ash-Caldwell/100000514988986 Ash Caldwell

    I really dislike subscriptions.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      Yeah, they can be expensive. Of course, “all you can eat” from a single payment is not likely to happen ever again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ash-Caldwell/100000514988986 Ash Caldwell

    I really dislike subscriptions.

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      Yeah, they can be expensive. Of course, “all you can eat” from a single payment is not likely to happen ever again.

  • Busko

    I dont think this is a good idea for google. Ppl would just install another OS to work with the laptop

    I too have been lucky to get the cr48 mid December. The one thing that i wish was operational was the usb(ext hd) or sd card slot. I have to use my other laptop to upload pics/vids. But I’ve been tempted to dual boot to ubuntu which would solve these issues. Anyone else here tried to install ubuntu/mac/win os on it?

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      I don’t know if I’d care to run anything but ChromeOS on these things. It’s sub-netbook, and I’d say that the costs just don’t “work” unless Internet access is free with the subscription.

    • http://twitter.com/GavinRoskamp Gavin Roskamp

      In response to the SD/USB ports, you can easily make them (mostly) functional. Just start it up, click in the address bar, type “about:flags” (without quotes), and click enable under “Advanced File System.” I have switched mine over to the developmental channel (Wrench>About Chrome OS>More Info>Channel), so I’m sure that I have a more recent version of this capability, but it *should* still work if you’re still on the beta channel.

      Anyway, after enabling it and rebooting, just pop in a USB drive or an SD card and it will come up with a window saying that it is scanning your device. After it’s done, just hit Ctrl+O to launch the content browser, then just click on your drive’s name. It’s not very advanced at all, but it works. For uploading things, just go to the website, click the upload button, and it should bring up a similar window. Just navigate to your drive’s name and you’ll have access to all your files.

      As for the dual-booting, do remember that this thing has a tiny HD, so dual-booting is kinda illogical. I too have thought of trying to put Windows or another Linux distro on it, but have stopped myself because of lack of time and because it just feels wrong, since you did agree to keep Chrome OS on it when you applied.

      • Busko

        I have been in dev channel for sometime, waiting for new update since it has messed up w/ my ext’s like springpad and bitly, oh and google voice.

        I will have to try the sd/usb thing…this is new to me.

        even on the chromium website, it talks about installing ubuntu, so i dont htink this is a big deal.

  • Busko

    I dont think this is a good idea for google. Ppl would just install another OS to work with the laptop

    I too have been lucky to get the cr48 mid December. The one thing that i wish was operational was the usb(ext hd) or sd card slot. I have to use my other laptop to upload pics/vids. But I’ve been tempted to dual boot to ubuntu which would solve these issues. Anyone else here tried to install ubuntu/mac/win os on it?

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      I don’t know if I’d care to run anything but ChromeOS on these things. It’s sub-netbook, and I’d say that the costs just don’t “work” unless Internet access is free with the subscription.

    • http://twitter.com/GavinRoskamp Gavin Roskamp

      In response to the SD/USB ports, you can easily make them (mostly) functional. Just start it up, click in the address bar, type “about:flags” (without quotes), and click enable under “Advanced File System.” I have switched mine over to the developmental channel (Wrench>About Chrome OS>More Info>Channel), so I’m sure that I have a more recent version of this capability, but it *should* still work if you’re still on the beta channel.

      Anyway, after enabling it and rebooting, just pop in a USB drive or an SD card and it will come up with a window saying that it is scanning your device. After it’s done, just hit Ctrl+O to launch the content browser, then just click on your drive’s name. It’s not very advanced at all, but it works. For uploading things, just go to the website, click the upload button, and it should bring up a similar window. Just navigate to your drive’s name and you’ll have access to all your files.

      As for the dual-booting, do remember that this thing has a tiny HD, so dual-booting is kinda illogical. I too have thought of trying to put Windows or another Linux distro on it, but have stopped myself because of lack of time and because it just feels wrong, since you did agree to keep Chrome OS on it when you applied.