Samsung Chromebook Wifi (Launched Oct 2012)
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This will be a lengthy review. For anyone wanting a short summary, I'll include one by the end.
The application
For all those unclear, Chrome OS (that your Chromebook runs) is fundamentally different to a Windows, Mac or Linux-based laptop, desktop or netbook. This is because it runs the internet. No native applications exist specifically for this machine. There are apps (sometimes referred to as Chrome apps) in addition they work in the Chrome browser.
Because this computer runs what many call 'just a browser' it has several advantages, in addition to disadvantages when compared to a Windows machine. I've chosen Windows for many comparisons because lots more people typically use Windows than a Mac or Linux machine.
Security
You cannot install Windows applications (or another native software) on Chrome OS. Which means that your computer can operate more securely than a Windows machine simply because your computer knows what should be installed. If something can there be that must not be there, the pc will erase all local data and put in a sort of the software that's saved in a safe and secure area. Once you're attached to the internet, you will end up updated for the newest form of the operating-system.
More details
Acer C7 11.6-inch Chromebook (2GB RAM, 320GB HDD)
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I wouldn't normally write an assessment but because the only other one on here provides Chromebook one star I felt compelled to incorporate my own experience.
I desired something small but functional to replace a Windows 7 laptop. I'd never had a Chromebook before, but understood the restrictions (ie the inability to install Word/Excel etc) and is an individual of gmail together began to use Google Docs etc. I also liked the thought of fast boot up times, understanding that there'd be no requirement to have virus protection. I've were built with a Mac Mini as my home computer for many years with no issues ever, so hoped this google OS would provide similar reliability.
So I took the plunge.
I might have gone for that little Samsung (this Acer was not in the marketplace when I first wanted the Chromebook), however the local John Lewis store (who offer 2 year warranties) lost of stock. Therefore i waited until they had more, after which right before they were given new stock, I saw this Acer was launched. I had been swayed by the 320gb hard disk, as the Samsung's is merely 16gb. The Acer is slightly slower as well, but nonetheless vastly quicker when compared to a Windows laptop. And the Acer will be less than the Samsung. Anyway I went because of it, buying it through Amazon, having watched a couple of early reviews on youtube.
When the Acer arrived, it was a pleasing experience unpacking the Amazon box, then your smaller Acer box. Inside the dinky little computer was found- some sort of gunmetal grey colour. I remember it really started up when I lifted the screen. I simply followed the instructions and logged onto my house network and my gmail account, and I was off. The screen looked bright and clear, 11.6 inches in proportions, just as the macbook air. I followed some quick training on with all the trackpad.
I have found it completely reliable, and very enjoyable to utilize.
More Details Acer C7 11.6-inch Chromebook (2GB RAM, 320GB HDD)
Samsung Series 3 XE303 11.6 inch Chromebook-Silver (ARM Cortex A15, 2Gb RAM, 16Gb eMMC, WLAN, WWAN, Webcam, Integrated Graphics, Google Chrome)
This item already is loaded with lots of well-written & informative reviews about the advantages of Chromebooks over conventional laptops. So I thought I'd focus instead upon the matter which most concerned me when buying & which I struggled to discover any user opinions on - the real difference between this model & the more expensive Samsung Series 5 550 Wi-Fi Chromebook. Can it be definitely worth the extra money?
Personally i have tried both since i initially bought this version (I'll it is known as the '303' based on its model no .) since I felt that from considering other reviews & comparing their specs, there wouldn't be enough distinction between them with regards to performance to justify the bigger price tag with the 550. However returned the 303 to Amazon within 14 days & part-exchanged it for your 550. Yet while the 550 is indeed better quality in certain fundamental areas, the 303 still has some advantages on the more costly model.
PROCESSOR
This is the main among both the models & the primary reason for my upgrade. The 303 has an ARM chip, usually present in cell phones & tablets. A Windows machine running all manner of installed software would battle to deal with such a processor nevertheless the Chromebooks' Cloud-based setup makes the ARM more than sufficient. Booting up from a full shutdown truly does take less than Around 10 secs. Unfolding the Chromebook if this has not been turn off results in it returning on right away.
The ARM chip in the 303 has the good thing about a faster booting-up speed. Nevertheless, the Intel contribute the 550 ensures it is just about 3 seconds seconds behind. And also the trade-off for your is best performance. While the 303 is a lot more than adequate for browsing regular websites, the 550 can handle having more tabs open at once. Also it copes a lot better with streaming movies, large YouTube clips, etc. I stream lots of video clips, so for me this was a important aspect. But when you're more probable to browse conventional websites & create/edit documents, the 303 will serve your unique needs well.
SCREEN
Since i have mentioned video streaming, I used to be surprised just how the picture quality is, considering the fact that it's not HD. Here is the tradeoff for having a lot less reflective screen, which does indeed give a good picture in sunlight. I didnrrrt notice any difference in picture quality between your 2 models, although the 550 includes a 0.5" larger screen. Conversely, I was concerned that the 11.6" display size on this version could be not big enough in my preferences but it didn't believe that way in any way.
Construction
Both models are light - substantially lighter than my old Dell laptop. The 550 is noticeably heavier compared to the 303, although still not heavy by any means. Chiefly because of its larger size & processor but I suspect it's aided by quality too. The 303 is constructed of a plastic so thin it indents when you lightly press the frame around the screen, even though it does then pop to its original place. Also, lower than Couple of hours out of the box, I noticed it already had some significant scratches on its base. I have no idea what could have caused them since I placed it straight onto my desk but it can't have taken much. The 550 remains made of plastic but it's much sturdier stuff - light but noticeably stronger.
Laptop keyboards is the same on both & will be considered exceptionally good on a larger laptop, never mind a netbook. I discovered even though typing on the 303 the bottom of my palms would accidentally brush the trackpad, inducing the cursor to maneuver to the wrong place. This hasn't happened about the 550, that we suspect is primarily down to its slightly different dimensions & partly because I'd gotten used to design prior to the 550 arrived.
SOCKETS/CONNECTIVITY
That's where the 303 really has its very own. Despite is the lower spec machine, this is the newer model by Half a year & thus has more progressive features. To begin with, it features a USB 3.0 socket, that your 550 doesn't. Additionally, it has Bluetooth, that your 550 does not - although it is only for peripherals like a mouse or keyboard. It will not support Bluetooth headphones or another devices.
SUMMARY
Should you stream high-quality movies, need to alternate quickly between several websites at once or, like me, browse 1 or 2 resource-hungry websites simultaneously while streaming music from another (e.g. Amazon Cloud or Spotify) then I'd recommend the 550. Also, some apps will apparently work on Chromebooks with Intel chips but not ones with ARM chips, if you really should use a specific app, some study might be in order. In regards to general browsing or creating documents, the 303 remains a great performer that we would recommend unreservedly over Windows-based Netbooks.
Considering that Chromebooks don't slow down over time, the sole top reasons to replace them is a hardware upgrade or because they fall to pieces. While the 550 feels as though it's more unlikely to fall to bits or get scratched, the 303 is potentially more helpful moving forward, due to its USB 3.0 socket.
As i eventually opted for the more expensive 550, I couldn't bring myself to give this version any less than a 5-star rating. It's not quite perfect because of its thin, plastic cover & processor which isn't suitable for my personal needs and can suit a lot of people. Plus the Chrome App store is extremely a piece in progress*. Yet over a Windows-based netbook, it is a joy to utilize & excellent value when you compare performance rather than specs (which is apples & oranges because having little in the way of RAM-hungry software makes sure that a much less powerful chip goes much, much further). Whichever one you go for, I'd strongly recommend a Chromebook.
* Don't fall into the trap I did so of assuming every one of the apps from Google's Android store could be available (indeed I didn't even realise they were separate stores). Plus many apps inside the Chrome store are prepared for conventional PC's/laptops merely with all the Chrome browser & require plug-ins that you simply can't actually install on the Chromebook. It might be good to see Google reorganise a shop using a separate section for Chromebook-specific apps.
Samsung Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook (Titan Silver)
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Samsung Chromebook, exactly what a fantastic piece of kit.
it has reached be the best piece of equipment i've come across used or owned in the while i actually do like my gadgets and so i doubt basically will probably be rediscovering the reassurance of my windows PC, its fast, light in weight/portable, the BT Hub while using wireless connection is fantastic as I've used it all over the house and i also obtain a good connection each time wherever i will be, its convenience nice bright screen, the webcam well it simply works and very well too good image quality crisp and sharp, online its great using a nice bright display quality, the keyboard is great and quiet and responsive, hardly any fan noise nothing like some laptops/netbooks I've heard in the past, the delivery was amazing ordered it around the 28/December at 10.10am delivered by DPD about the 29/December at 11.45am now that's what i call a delivery, however i did so pay extra to the at seven pounds fourteen pence, nevertheless it was worth the cost.
It seemed strange in the beginning with the keys being slightly different than a regular keyboard however i soon got accustomed to it, and i'm sure you will, the trunk forward, reload, full screen, and search function keys really are a nice touch so when you are into while using shortcut keys it will likely be a piece of cake applying this fantastic Samsung Chromebook.
other points to consider are BBC iPlayer is useful, as does ITV Player, the video on all the newspaper websites including youtube been employed well, ln fact i cannot find any negative sides to the chromebook in any way, its light, ultra portable, wifi works great and simple to set-up, battery well i oftentimes tried it the other day quite often more about than off and it lasted the entire day, and so i guess you have access to a good 8 to 10hours out of it they do say 8+ however guess you will get more, which if you ask me is completely amazing and its particular so quiet hardly any fan noise in any way.
So bottom line is if you're looking for a good all round light ultra portable small computer this is a good option to windows with good value price tag which can be between a laptop along with a netbook here is the one to go for, I haven't found anything negative about this yet although I've only been with them considering that the end of December 2011i know one thing i won't be sending it back, only wish I'd have known about it when they first arrived on the scene, you will be surprised what apps you will find in the store free of charge, I used to be a skype user but i can live with using MSN for video chat and IM, it does have Skype but its nothing can beat what you should use on a Windows 7 machine.
More Details Samsung Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook (Titan Silver)
Samsung Series 5 3G Chromebook (Titan Silver)
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PROS
Fast...very fast as well; some apps may be laggy, especially if lots of network visitors are required
Light, 1.3 kg
Reasonable size screen...when compared to usual 10 inch netbook form factor
User friendly; practice over a Chrome Browser on the PC
Thousands of Apps readily available for instant download.
Data on cloud...whatever one feels regarding it, nice top be capable of access the data although you may leave the chrome book at home, or lose it.
CONS
Inadequate manual
Limited functionality when offline...limited functionality.
Establishing Skype requires using IMO webApp, and a rather complicated configuration steps (disabling the "pepper" version of the shockwave player in chrome://plugins, then likely to AdobeFlashPlayer Settings manager, and allowing imo.im to have use of camera and microphone)
Creating printers requires a web connected printer or even a printer connected to a computer (which includes chrome on it) attached to the internet.
First Impressions
Great bit of kit, somewhat pricey but perhaps worth it for that speed and long life of the battery. My daughters is Windows only girl along with a techno-phobe. She settled into the device quickly. The fiddly nature of establishing such things as Skype and printing includes that it is beneficial to have the ability to google instructions for setting up various things. If a native RDP or VNC client is protected in the future upgrades, this product becomes unbeatable.
More Details Samsung Series 5 3G Chromebook (Titan Silver)
