Review: Google Chromebook for 30 Days

A Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chromebook has arrived at The VAR Guy's doorstep. Starting January 14, our resident blogger will live on the cloud-centric notebook (running Google's Chrome OS) for 30 days. Why should channel partners, businesses and consumers care about this niche (but promising) form factor?

The VAR Guy

January 11, 2013

2 Min Read
Review: Google Chromebook for 30 Days

Google Chrome OS Chromebooks

A Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chromebook has arrived at The VAR Guy’s doorstep. Starting January 14, our resident blogger will live on the cloud-centric notebook (running Google’s Chrome OS) for 30 days. Why should channel partners, businesses and consumers care about this niche (but promising) form factor? Here are 10 points The VAR Guy hopes to cover during his real-world, month-long review.

First, a little background: Chromebooks are available from Acer and Samsung. The mobile devices cost from $199 to $449. Chromebooks also are available for rent — essentially blending software as a service (SaaS) with hardware as a service (HaaS). Google manages all the software, essentially positioning the search giant as a managed services provider (MSP). But channel partners also are cashing in on Chromebooks, selling and/or supporting the the devices in business accounts. Key partners include Cloud Sherpas.

So, what does The VAR Guy hope to learn while using his Chromebook? Here are 10 thoughts — five focused on channel partners and five focused on end-customers. (Side note: That partner/customer miz was inspired by Howard M. Cohen, a consultant who says the channel media must start to keep end-customer business value in mind).

Five Questions From the Partner View:

  • How easy is it to activate and get started with Chromebook?

  • If I experience a hardware or software problem, is Google responsive with help? Also, what are the support channels?

  • How is a Chromebook positioned vs. a tablet (Apple iPad, Surface running Windows 8 or RT, Android)?

  • Can I really recommend Chromebook to an end-customer as a complete PC replacement, or is it only for certain niche markets?

  • What are the potential value-services I can wrap around Chromebook?

Five Questions From the Customer View:

  • Can I work offline with Gmail, Google Apps and other cloud software?

  • Can I integrate Chromebook with more traditional apps like Microsoft Office?

  • Is it built to last and rugged enough for my mobile sales team and other road warriors?

  • What is the total cost of owning Chromebook each month vs. a more traditional PC or notebook?

  • How much training will my employees need if they switch from Windows and Apple devices to Chromebook offerings?

Admittedly, some of those questions will be difficult to answer. But The VAR Guy will be poking around and living on the Chromebook. Stay tuned for more updates starting Jan. 14, 2013.

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