Google is bringing Chromebooks to Australia – finally (well, to Chris probably). In a blog post today, Samsung and Acer will release their Chromebook models to select JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman stores today; with HP releasing theirs on a later date.
The Chromebook is essentially a netbook, except running Chrome OS. Google touts that you don’t need to worry about security updates (like Chrome, updates are installed automatically) or installing software (mainly because most of the apps are web apps running behind Chrome). It is supposed to “just work”.
Both the Acer and Samsung Chromebooks feature an 11.6-inch screen. However, the Samsung Chromebook runs on its Exynos 5 dual-core processor, and features a VGA camera, 2 USB ports (1 x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0), and a HDMI port. The Acer model (above) runs on a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, has a HD camera, 3 USB 2.0 ports, a HDMI port, Ethernet port and a 2-in-1 memory card slot.
Both will also come with 100GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years.
The Acer Chromebook costs $299, while the Samsung Chromebook costs $349.