Notebook Review Google Cr-48 Chrome

The Google Cr-48 is a prototype notebook currently being tested in Google's pilot program for the Chrome operating system. Google hopes consumers and businesses will abandon traditional notebooks in favor of what is essentially "a web browser in a box." Keep reading to find out what we think.
Google Cr-48 Technical Specs:

• Google Chrome OS
• 12.1-inch matte screen (1280 x 800) with LED backlighting
• Intel Atom N455 processor (1.66 GHz)
• Intel integrated graphics
• 2 GB DDR3 RAM
• 16 GB SSD (SanDisk SDSA4DH-016G NAND flash)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Mobile Broadband (3G): CDMA-based WWAN (Qualcomm Gobi2000)
• Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR (Atheros AR5BBU12)
• One USB 2.0 port and SD/SDHC memory card reader
• Li-ion battery (63 Wh capacity)
• Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches 
• Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Price: FREE ... if you can get on Google's pilot program list

Build and Design
The team at Google made some interesting design choices when they developed the Cr-48. For starters, the design is a simple and traditional clamshell shape with lots of 90-degree angles and straight lines. Combine the boxy exterior with the matte black rubberized paint and you might mistake this prototype notebook for an old ThinkPad. Open the rectangular lid and you'll see a more modern looking Chiclet or island-style keyboard and a MacBook-esque touchpad both covered in an industrial-looking matte finish.

Both the screen lid and the bottom of the notebook share matching rubberized black paint that resists fingerprints and is extremely easy to keep clean. A quick view of the bottom of the Cr-48 reveals no access plates; you just get a massive battery and a small air intake for the cooling fan. The chassis feels extremely durable and doesn't bend or squeak when you try to twist the notebook between your hands. It's clear that the design team responsible for the Cr-48 wanted this laptop to look like it means business. That could be good or bad depending on who you ask.
Although I personally love the retro style of the Cr-48, it's a bit of a tough sell when you consider what the Cr-48 really is. This "notebook" is really just an Atom-powered netbook with a new operating system (which is basically only a web browser) and a giant battery. I'm not sure how many people are going to line up to buy a laptop that is LESS functional than current Atom-powered netbooks if the laptop in question is bulkier and weighs an extra pound or more.