Samsung Chromebook 2, HD Screen and Partner Program: Triple Play?

Ever since Google (GOOG) introduced its first Chromebook in 2011, the search and cloud giant has been trying to take a larger bite out of the low-end laptop PC market. Samsung is happy to lend a hand — while also building out its own channel partner program.

Among the products to watch: Samsung’s high-end Chromebook 2, which Wired recenntly previewed, giving it the slightly left-handed compliment of being “almost a real laptop.” But the Chromebook 2’s real advantage is its 1920×1080 resolution screen, making this true HD offering not only affordable, but also easy on the eyes.

Chromebooks run Google’s Chrome OS and depend mainly on cloud applications. Many of those cloud applications are now backed by Google Apps channel partners. The Chromebook 2 still utilizes Chrome OS — but it also runs on Samsung’s Exynos processor, the same one used in the Galaxy 5 smartphone, according to Quartz.

Samsung’s latest Chromebook will have 16GB of storage and 4GB of RAM — potentially ideal for light- to medium-use activities. The Chromebook 2 is scheduled to be released in April and will come in two sizes: a 13.3-inch model for $400 and a slightly smaller 11.6-inch version (without the HD resolution) for $320.

After a slow start, Chromebook sales have been rising. But for Samsung the bigger story likely involves the company’s growing channel partner program. Chatter about the program has been growing in recent weeks… and there are signs that more moves are coming, according to The VAR Guy. But that’s a story that we’ll need a bit more time to write.