I had heard about Google coming out with an inexpensive laptop, but thought it was too good to be true. Then I saw an ad for it last night. The Google Chromebook is only going to be $249. This is pretty amazing, but it makes me scared for my privacy. How much data is Google going to be getting off of people from these computers? I'm just paranoid.
I personally don't like this new "cloud movement." I don't feel that everything should be stored online, and yet, that's kinda what the Chromebook is... It uses you Google account to sync your information with it's servers... If you'v ever used Google Chrome, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. When you first set up Chrome, you have the option to log into your Google account. When you do this, your history, bookmarks, and other commonly used things will be saved in the "cloud." One of the big problems with the Chromebook that I have heard, but cannot prove, is that because of it's dependency on the cloud, you can't use your laptop without internet. Again, all of this post is just what I have heard from others, and is not been proven. I personally can't say TOO much about it, as I don't like it one bit. However, it is meant to be cheap and simple, and I think that it's does what's advertised. It's designed for those who don't do much more with there computers than play Flash games and browse the internet. PC power users, I'd stay away from the Chromebook.
...The Google Chromebooks have been out for quite a while now, so you're a bit late to the bandwagon. But anyways, if you're really paranoid about privacy and data, don't be. The more you think about it, the more it happens, as you may try to take some sort of "software" that protects your privacy, when it reality, it actually infects your computer with malware, spyware, adware, or a rogue antivirus. If you have a computer at home - PC or Mac, install Google Chrome on it (if it already isn't installed), and sign in with your Google account (assuming you have one). Chrome OS is basically Google Chrome that has some added functionality (WiFi connections, hardware detection, etc.) If you like Google Chrome and you use it all the time, writing documents on Google Drive, checking email, watching YouTube videos, using Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or any other social media site, and you don't usually spend time on the computer itself (Storing files, playing complex games, etc.), then you could get a Chromebook and use it as your main computer. Although, keep your laptop/desktop handy, as you may need to use it to install an application that is required for school, work, etc.
