[TelevisionUser]

I came across this article here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...loud-computing) by The Guardian's Jack Schofield about the new Google Chrome OS that's initially intended for netbooks.

It appears that it will not be able to support MP3 players or digital cameras. Not only that, it also looks like it won't have dedicated apps on a netbook's hard drive but will instead direct users to Google's online apps.

I would be interested in your opinions of the OS's capability.

Personally, I'm disappointed by this review. All the initial hype seemed to indicate that we'd be getting a fully functioning OS along the lines of Windows 7, Snow Leopard, etc. but it looks like all we're effectively getting is Google Chrome browser+.

Under those circumstances, I don't think that the executives at Microsoft need not worry about this OS and if anyone wants an alternative to OSes provided by Apple or Microsoft then their best bet might be to go to one of the many mature variants of Linux that are widely available today.

[TheBigM]

Google's idea is to move, slowly, to a 100% cloud computing infrastructure.

Some of the points you raise show just how far we still are from this and how the need for 'local' computing remains.

In theory in the future, Chrome OS would establish a link between your mp3 player and some online media player/mp3 store. Although to be fair, there are players (zune, ipod) that can grab stuff wirelessly without PC intervention.

[TelevisionUser]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

Google's idea is to move, slowly, to a 100% cloud computing infrastructure.

Some of the points you raise show just how far we still are from this and how the need for 'local' computing remains.

In theory in the future, Chrome OS would establish a link between your mp3 player and some online media player/mp3 store. Although to be fair, there are players (zune, ipod) that can grab stuff wirelessly without PC intervention.

Indeed, TheBigM, but will computer users fully buy into this concept? I can see some people having security, storage longevity and accessibility concerns about Google's idealised plans.

For example, it's no good someone finding themselves in a poor wireless connectivity area wanting to work on their laptop only to remember that they've got all their precious work stored online on Google's web-based apps.

[Mark.]

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

For example, it's no good someone finding themselves in a poor wireless connectivity area wanting to work on their laptop only to remember that they've got all their precious work stored online on Google's web-based apps.

That's why "The Cloud" is a good idea in principal, but it should never be adopted on its own.

That's where Dropbox has got it right: the files are stored online, but synched onto the hard drive of every PC you have running the software. Result: files accessible anywhere, but you've still got local copies.

[Vallhund]

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

I came across this article here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...loud-computing) by The Guardian's Jack Schofield about the new Google Chrome OS that's initially intended for netbooks.

Please keep in mind that Jack Schofield is an extreme MS "Windows Enthusiast" and unlikely to give a fair review of anything that doesn't come from Microsoft.

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

It appears that it will not be able to support MP3 players or digital cameras. Not only that, it also looks like it won't have dedicated apps on a netbook's hard drive but will instead direct users to Google's online apps.

This might be helpful 10 Things to know about Google Chrome OS.

Remember that the Chrome OS isn't aimed at being your primary computer, but something for the kitchen, the lounge or when you are travelling. It isn't intended to be an all singing all dancing computer OS

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

Personally, I'm disappointed by this review.

Jack's reviews are always disappointing!

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

All the initial hype seemed to indicate that we'd be getting a fully functioning OS along the lines of Windows 7, Snow Leopard, etc. but it looks like all we're effectively getting is Google Chrome browser+.

Google actually made it very clear from the get-go that this was going to be a browser based operating system

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

Under those circumstances, I don't think that the executives at Microsoft need not worry about this OS and if anyone wants an alternative to OSes provided by Apple or Microsoft then their best bet might be to go to one of the many mature variants of Linux that are widely available today.

Actually the execs at Microsoft have a great deal to worry about. Rumour is that they are sweating buckets and are considering reducing the price of Windows 7 Starter for netbooks to £.0 to ward off the threat of the Chrome OS.

Google has a totally different revenue model than Microsoft. Basically the more time you spend on the Internet, the more money Google makes.

The biggest obstacle standing in its (Google's) way towards a web-centric computing experience is none other than Microsoft. The two have been locked in battle for years, but Google is now stepping onto turf that the technology behemoth has dominated for decades.

Here’s the thing: Microsoft is well aware of the Google Revenue Equation. It also knows that Chrome OS and its price point (free) aren’t in its best interests. Thus, Microsoft won’t play to Google’s game, leaving Google with only option: to destroy or fundamentally alter Windows. This is equivalent to gutting Microsoft and leaving it to wither away into oblivion.

Google is setting the stage for its biggest battle with Microsoft yet. The result of its Chrome OS bet will directly affect the fate of computing, the operating system, and the web.

Will the Chrome OS be a success? It's not due until this time next year, so we will have to wait and see.

To work at its best its going to require an Internet connection and while that currently might be a limitation here in the UK it may not be that way in the future. Last month I was in the Far East and free Wi-Fi was everywhere: at the mall, at the restaurant, at the airport, at the most unassuming snack bar and that is the future.

Google could be on to a winner. They have very deep pockets and a good track record. I wouldn't bet against their success.

[alanwarwic]

Seems Dell have made a copy of Chrome available for the Mini 10V.

The fact that the image is a massive 7.5GB in size tells cynical me that it is simply Linux with google applications bunged onto it.

So are they hoping to just bypass the probably superior Ubuntu/ Ubuntu Netbook remix?

[anniebrion]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Seems Dell have made a copy of Chrome available for the Mini 10V.

The fact that the image is a massive 7.5GB in size tells cynical me that it is simply Linux with google applications bunged onto it.

So are they hoping to just bypass the probably superior Ubuntu/ Ubuntu Netbook remix?

FYI, Google have been working with Ubuntu to create Chromium OS

[IvanIV]

So why not install full Ubuntu instead and make the netbook useful when offline, too

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by anniebrion

FYI, Google have been working with Ubuntu to create Chromium OS

That no doubt means that 'loads of dosh' Google are simply paying Canonical for some of their skills.

[Vallhund]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

That no doubt means that 'loads of dosh' Google are simply paying Canonical for some of their skills.

Perhaps.

[alanwarwic]

Thinking about it, it looks a real win for Linux.

In that the endeavour to minimise excess should hopefully also result in Ubuntu etc becoming more modular and thus lighter on loading.

[BlueJoe101]

I think Chrome OS is deffo one to watch. The world could begin migrating to the cloud quite easily. However as some posters have mentioned, the problem lies with needing to have a 24/7 internet connection to access your files/programs.

Maybe google should allow the user to work offline too, then when they enter a wifi hotspot, files are then re-synced to google's servers.

I think it will succeed on the netbook market and who knows, maybe the desktop too.

[anniebrion]

Originally Posted by BlueJoe101

Maybe google should allow the user to work offline too, then when they enter a wifi hotspot, files are then re-synced to google's servers.

Google Chromium OS already does have an offline mode and does what you suggest.

[chiller15]

This sort of computing would seriously hurt people who have monthly download limits. Such as our BT 20GB per month.

[Tadpole]

Originally Posted by TelevisionUser

It appears that it will not be able to support MP3 players or digital cameras

Google demonstrated a digital camera interface in the launch video

http://investor.shareholder.com/goog...?eventid=75092 - around 22-23 minutes in.

It's not exactly user-friendly at the moment, but it works.

It looks like Offline mode uses an evolution of Google Gears, see here for a demo of Gmail being used offline. The demo is on Firefox on Linux, but the plugin exists for Windows too.

Also here for demo of Google Documents being used offline

With Google gears, data is sync'd from Google's servers to the local Netbook, the apps (gmail, google docs) are still run in the local browser even when not connected to the Internet. Once the internet connection is restored, then the documents / emails are resynchronised with the Google's servers. The Google cloud is basically the hub of the library.

Google Gears website