We’ve had plenty of pre-knowledge on this, but surprisingly this is our first actual glimpse of Google’s new unbranded “Cr-48,” the very first Chrome OS laptop. Google will distribute the laptop through its Chrome OS Pilot Program, in a sort of public beta. You actually have to apply to join the program, and there are going to be a limited number of the laptops available — retail Chrome OS models from Acer and Samsung will be available in the middle of 2011 for the masses. Google’s doing a number of little promotions to give away the devices to
interested users and businesses which will provide feedback, and it looks like there’s no way to actually pay money for one right now.In case you’re wondering about the name, Cr-48 refers to an isotope of the element chromium (though you’ll probably see it spelled Cr48). It’s a pretty clever naming convention on Google’s part and, if nothing else, they’ll avoid any unnecessary lawsuits like when Google named their first phone the Nexus One. Now, for the specs:
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