Update 060512

Over a year since I've last posted and this netbook is still working very well.  The OS has been updated multiple times, automatically downloaded and manually updated.  Everything is still working correctly; keyboard, touchpad, display, power supply, battery, everything is great.  I still use this netbook while combined with my MacBook, about 70/30 split.  Couldn't be more satisfied than if I'd paid for this device.

I've been using my netbook a lot and I've really enjoyed the brevity of this device.  If I were to take a road trip today, I believe that I would probably take my netbook instead of my macbook.  However, the pointing device has been aggravating me a lot.

I have been using my little netbook to do all kinds of research as well as general web surfing that includes Facebook.  However, while typing comments into a Facebook section, the mouse/pointer "steals" the point of my comment by moving the insertion point of my typing to another place on the page.  This can get quite annoying and I have learned to ensure I place my mouse/pointer off of the section in which I am typing to prevent the need to erase a lot of typing.  This doesn't stop the pointer from moving but it does prevent my typing in unintended areas.

Other than that, I find the Cr-48 Chromebook quite a nice tool for almost anything.  I have even created a spreadsheet, using Google docs, to track my maintenance records for my motor vehicles.

I see that Google has begun development of a Chrome phone.  It may have been the plan all along to using the netbook craze to prioritize the OS development for a smart phone.  Just maybe...

Using it lightly

I just wanted to say that I am still in love with this Chromebook!  I have been using it for all of my light weight web browsing and I find myself reaching for some of those dedicated keys when I am at work.  Like the new page key or the simple power down feature.  And I love the fact that it only weighs just over three pounds.  I have loaded it up for trips because it's so simple to just grab and go.

Another limitation

I have discovered another minor limitation to using my Chromebook: I can't attach my Garmin GPS to the USB port and expect to address the GPS to upload or download data.  Now I know that some people have figured out how to address the internal file system and therein could manage to move smaller files between devices and the Chromebook.  However, I don't think that most people are going to be interested in learning this "hack" to manage their netbook.  I believe the fact that it would take another laptop to communicate with the GPS is another strike against a netbook.

I still love my Chromebook and enjoy using it for it's intended purpose.  The battery life continues to serve exceptionally well for light to medium web surfing.  If I think that I'm going to be doing a lot of research or media activities I will get the charging cable as required but generally I find it a extremely productive unit.

just playing around

Use my Chromebook last night for some Facebook work and just goofing off.  I sure like this little beauty!

Power consumption

Yesterday's test of tethering my phone to produce a wifi connection was quite successful, in my opinion.  I used the my Nexus One phone to present a mobile wifi hot spot that I connected my Chromebook to for over five hours.  At the end of this period my phone remained fully charged and my netbook was down to about 65% battery.  That's pretty good for almost five hours of continuous web surfing.

My review will continue but my posting will become more sporadic.  I have completed all of the specific evaluation tests that I can think of and now I will simply use the Chromebook as I would use my Macbook.  I will report on general perceptions and results to keep you informed as events unfold.

I will confess that I am impressed with this device.  I was originally reluctant to consider this netbook as a viable option to my Macbook because of the restrictions to loading other applications.  However, as I use my Chromebook more and more I find that it is a competent and capable device for daily use since most of my daily activities are web related.

The question remains if this device can survive in the open market place.  At issue will be on of flexibility versus functionality, at least in my opinion.  What I think about when I consider divesting myself of one of the two devices that I use:

1. Does this unit contain all the tools and applications that I need to complete my daily, weekly, and monthly computing tasks?

For me, at least, I am at a critical crossroads in a decision making matrix as far as my analysis is concerned.  A perfect real-life example of this point was presented this weekend when we hosted my daughter's baby shower at which I was taking over 150 pictures as a photographer.  For most, the Chromebook would satisfy even this need.  However, I find myself using Adobe Lightroom to sort and edit my photographs before presenting to Shutterfly, Picasa, or  Flickr.  The professional photographer, although retired, will not allow me to simply upload images that are not "presentable" without post-processing.  That means I need access to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom, or both, to complete my work that requires extensive local storage to facilitate my post-processing requirements.  This example is just one that illustrates the specialized needs of one atypical user where a netbook like my Chromebook will inevitably fail.  However, this doesn't mean that the Cr-48 has completely failed.  What I have outlined, also identified by others on other sites within other evaluations, is the hybrid nature of a netbook and the idea that one tool or device cannot fit all needs.

I think that ultimately, I will be ready to surrender this device to someone that can employ it's capabilities to satisfy some specific requirements that it was designed to excel at supplying.  However, for me, I continue to need my Macbook with the expanded hard drive to store, sort, and access multiple files and programs that exceed the capabilities of "apps."  Apps are fine and do a great job to provide a lean service to many.  But apps can't answer all needs.  At least, not at this time.  Things may change and the evolution of the online music industry that may ultimately provide online access to a cloud database of personal music could evolve to include video-on-demand from the cloud.  From there it is only a short jump to applications on demand from the cloud.  I think we may be a significant period of time away from that level of sophistication, but I see it happening someday...

Until then, I am stuck with a full blown laptop to satisfy my needs.  I am pleased to be participating in the beta testing and evaluation of the Cr-48 and I am honored that Google included me in this program.  I intend to continue to use my Chromebook as well as use Chrome on my Macbook as my primary browser.  I wholeheartedly recommend Chrome to anyone interested in a full function browser that exceeds my expectations.  Google rocks!  I am a committed Google guy and look forward to the tools apps that Google will initiate and provide.

Power Supply

My Chromebook ran great all weekend.  Of course I didn't use it much on Saturday because we hosted a baby shower for my daughter.  But Sunday was Super Bowl XLV and I Facebooked more than normal during the game as well as quite a bit of web surfing prior.  Power levels we great all weekend I didn't plug up to charge until Sunday night.

Today, I will continue with using my Nexus One phone as a tethered wifi hotspot but I have decided to throw a curve into the power usage.  I have connected my phone to the Chromebook because my Nexus One will run out of power before the eight hours of my normal workday so by connecting my phone to the netbook I can maintain my wifi connection for an extended period.  This will test the ability of the Chromebook to supply power to my phone while simultaniously powering the netbook.  This would be a normal configuration for this device, especially while traveling so this is the next level of review/testing for this nice little machine.