Kogan Agora the first Chromebook laptop

t looks as if while we were waiting for the likes Acer and Samsung to launch their version of a laptop running Google’s Chrome operating system in the US, an Australian based computer maker has beaten them to it with the launch of the twelve inch laptop.

The twelve inch Agora from Kogan will be going on sale tomorrow (7th June!) with a starting price of around $375, we can finally see what all the fuss is about. Basically, it seems that the Chrome OS experience will be like using netbook, but with all the benefits of a laptop and it is all down to the low power requirements of the Chrome OS.

This laptop does sound like an interesting proposition, so what can the consumer expect to see in this new direction for laptop computers? First of all, it will come with an 11.6 inch WXGA Widescreen high definition LED Display with a 1366 x 768 of pixel resolution, an aspect ratio of 16:9 and there is a built in 1.3 mega pixel web camera.

It will be powered by the Intel Celeron M ULV Processor (SU2300) providing the user with a 1M Cache, 1.30 GHz and 800 MHz FSB. While the video and graphics will come from the Intel GS40 integrated graphics card.

In true netbook style this laptop will be using a 30 GB SATA Solid State hard drive built in and a memory of just 1 GB of DDR2 Ram, but will support up to 4 GB.

Networking is covered with an 802.11 B/G/N Wireless Card and built in Bluetooth, finally for portability the Agora will have a four Cell 4600 mAh Polymer Battery, which is said to be good for up to 3.5 hours of use.

The price of the 12 inch Kogan Agora will start at $375

Source [Free Access]

 

Samsung New Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook

Samsung bring Series 5 XE500C21-A01US Wi-Fi Chromebook. Innovatively designed to go as long as you can, the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 lets you spend the whole day surfing, streaming, and working on the web on just one charge. With less than 10-second booting and an amazing 8.5 hours of battery life, the light and sleek Chromebook Series 5 gives you the ultimate web experience that you won’t find on any other laptop.

Product Features:
* Google Chrome OS
* Intel ATOM Processor N570 1.66Ghz
* 12.1″ LED (WXGA) 1280×800
* 1 Mega Pixel HD webcam
* 16GB, Solid State Drive (mSATA)

Cases and Expandability:
* Size (LWH): 11.6 inches, 8.6 inches, 0.8 inches
* Weight: 3.26 pounds
The Google Chrome OS features a minimal user interface where most of your interactions take place on the web–where you already spend most of your computing time. All your apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud. Every Chrome notebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. And the Chromebook Series 5 notebook uses advanced technology to help prevent malware and viruses from accessing your data without you ever having to lift a finger.

This Chromebook Series 5 notebook in White (model XE500C21-A01US) features a 12.1-inch LED-backlit display with an anti-reflective screen. It’s powered by a next-generation, dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor, which combines performance and energy efficiency to provide new levels of support for applications like games, as well as Adobe Flash technology for improved access to multimedia sites such as YouTube and Hulu. Weighing in at 3.3 pounds, the ultra compact design provides maximum portability without compromising on functionality and optimal performance

You’ll be able to connect to ultra-fast Wireless-N networks in your home or office, and it includes a 16 GB solid-state drive (SSD), two USB ports, a 4-in-1 memory card reader, buttonless touchpad with multi-gesture support, and a 1-megapixel webcam for video chats and snapping pics for social networking sites.

Chrome OS Features
Instant On
The Samsung Chromebook gets you on the web as quickly as possible. It boots in less than 10 seconds and resumes instantly from sleep. Open the lid, and you’re back on the web so you don’t miss a beat. And Chromebooks are designed to get faster over time as updates are released.
Find Your Next Favorite Web App
Every Chromebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. Thanks to the power of HTML5, many apps keep working even in those rare moments when you’re not connected. To try the latest apps, visit the Chrome Web Store or just type in a URL. You can easily create shortcuts on your new tab page to launch your favorite web applications, so that you can enhance your online experience. No CDs required.
Simplicity in Sync
Chromebooks keep your apps, documents, favorites and settings safely in the cloud. That means you can login to a friend’s Chomebook and access your profile without disturbing theirs. Or, if you lose or break your Chromebook you have nothing to worry about. Just get another and login, you will be back up and running in minutes like nothing happened.
Forever Fresh
Your Chromebook gets better and better over time, unlike a traditional PC. When you turn it on, it updates itself. Automatically. All of your apps stay up-to-date, and you get the latest and greatest version of the operating system without having to think about it. Annoying update prompts not included.