03 April 2015

Google Chrome Blog: “More Chromebooks, for everyone”

A little bit more...

This summer, ASUS will launch a new type of Chrome device: the Chromebit. Smaller than a candy bar, the Chromebit is a full computer that will be available for less than $100. By simply plugging this device into any display, you can turn it into a computer. It’s the perfect upgrade for an existing desktop and will be really useful for schools and businesses.

Katie Roberts-Hoffman

An interesting idea, that would (almost) tempt me to try ChromeOS. I suspect the prices will go down even more and, probably in a couple of years, will simply offer Chromebits for free (ad-supported, of course).

On the other hand… I don’t really understand how users are supposed to interact with a PC without any input devices. There are few smart TVs with touch screens – that I know of – and, while the device has Bluetooth, I imagine it will be difficult to pair this to a wireless mouse or keyboard. Not to mention carrying a set of peripherals along with the stick will kill any advantage in portability over tablets or hybrids. That leaves what? Voice control? That would strain the sticks’ limited computing power. Of course, this is just speculation until the device hits the market (assuming it wasn’t yet another April Fools), but to me it doesn’t look very promising.

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