Google have announced that they are building, what seems to be a web based OS, or at least an OS which will only be any good if you're connected to the internet...
That reads as "Google Gears on a Linux netbook", but tied into a specific browser...
Submitted by babychaos on Wed, 2009-07-08 12:47
It reads that only if you're not actually reading the same words. Linux kernal != Linux netbook. Mostly because of, say, the GUI. I think it's a bold move in the right direction.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 13:20
Ok lads, I want you to both take to your respective corners... Points will be awarded for good flair and well judged snipes. Keep those comments high, nothing below the belt or you run the risk of disqualification. Remember to stay on topic... All set?
[ding]
Of you go then. :)
Submitted by Nibbles on Wed, 2009-07-08 13:25
I have to say I'm mostly with pete on this one. It feels like ubuntu netbook edition with chrome and gears preinstalled.
I mean they go on about how revolutionary Chrome the browser was but when you get right down to it it's a tweaked version of webkit with all the clever ideas that firefox or safari already have altered slightly.
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 13:38
I judge a point scored to EvilMatt there.
edit: although that makes the fight a threeway bout i guess...
re-edit - looks like editing a post changes the order placing the newly edited post at the bottom of the postlist. confuzling.
Submitted by Skunty on Wed, 2009-07-08 14:21
Ubuntu without, say, the desktop. And the inbuilt features. Just the kernal then. And the fact everything runs in a browser with HTML/Javascript. I'd say that wasn't Ubuntu. I'd say that was a new OS. In the same way OSX isn't Ubuntu. In the same way Red Hat isn't Ubuntu. That's what they call new, when it's different.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 14:14
Oh and Chrome was new - it was the first truly multithreaded browser.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 14:18
depends what you mean by multi threaded it was the first to create a process for each tab but not the first to use multithreading. As an aside I'm not overly sure the multiprocess thing is actually a good idea it leads to one hell of a memory overhead.
it's not really a new os its a new gui it's the difference between KDE and Gnome or Vista Aero and Classic. The same mechanics are running underneath it's just the wrapper that's changed. In this case it's not even really a proper gui from what they've said it's not so much an OS as a stripped down web tablet app putting everything in the browser. It doesn't sound like it will be very flexible as there is only so much you can do with Jscript and Html.
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 14:36
There is no GUI! You can't run any other programs on top of the Kernal apart from Chrome. Chrome IS the desktop + task manager + everything. As you say, it's stripped down. They've taken away all the extra guff you don't need if all you do is access the web. It's bold but it's completely different from other OSes because it doesn't have a middle layer. It is Kernal + The Thing Used To Browse A Website. No middleman, no extra overhead. I don't need a desktop when I am surfing the web/using gmail/ebay/chom isis or any of the other shit. I can do it all online and wherever I am, the tool is just there.
Chrome was the first multithreaded - as a child thread slave to a parent thread isn't really multithreaded. It's a worker thread, which is cheating. For processor independence, especially on modern machines, you need separate processes. The memory overhead is a small price to pay if you're going to use Chrome as an operating system. All the clever shit you have to do to make a browser multi-process (or properly thread independent) is extraordinary (they share sessions!). It also does it more consistently and reliably than IE8 without a big memory overhead.
Javascript and HTML 5 is massively powerful. More and more stuff is moving online - you'd be surprised what you can do with it.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:06
I see the self appointed score keepers have given up.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:06
Its all gone a bit WWF, no sooner had the scrap started then on rushed Evil Matt and hit you (Rob) over the head with a chair.
So far:
BabyC - 0
EvilMatt - 1
Brainwipe - 1
Scoring punches have been landed for the kernal/gui/lack of gui stuff. Seeing as Chrome (le browser) is slightly OT.
Regards
Self Appointed Scoring System
Submitted by Nibbles on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:20
Sounds familiar. Sounds kind of like Splashtop to me.
OK, it'll probably multithread better, but its the same remit really.
Submitted by byrn on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:42
Well there is a GUI it's just in this case limited to browser functions all running over the top of linux, which is not without precedent there are already many os's that already do that to greater or lesser degrees my motherboard has one a linux based stripped down os that uses a browser as it's GUI that runs out of flash without needing the main OS. You could argue the eeepc in simple mode does roughly the same thing.
It's not revolutionary in most cases it would be a huge step backwards in functionality.
I've always thought of separate processes as messy using up resource carelessly but then my programming area of expertise is embedded so we don't have megabytes to waste especially when we are multithreading.
theres a lot you can do sure but a lot of restrictions too. I mean look at googles own apps the online version of picasa is useless for loading photos onto it yes you can do it but it would take a week to load up a decent album. You basically have to use the offline java based tool and things like image editing (I don't mean photoshop grade stuff I mean the basics crop colour correction contrast adjustment redeye and the like) are not likely to be achievable in the web equivalent. A lot of there apps also only maintain the functionality they have as long as they are online various bits turn off as soon as you are disconnected from their databases and processor farms. So while you have wifi you might be ok with the chrome os but as soon as you loose it it'll be much less useful.
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:52
yeah I think mine is splashtop
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 15:55
there are even things like gOS that already do the cloud based computing from a cut down linux based os
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 16:37
We'll just have to see when it comes out. Didn't know of the other OSes that already do this. However, they're not powered by Google, the giant. You have to take into account Google's enormous market power.
It's odd that you think multi-process is messy and yet it is a "huge step backwards in functionality". Multi-process is a huge step forward in functionality. Not having it is a huge step back. I think the Google OS is about being fit for purpose. I would buy a netbook for the missus for surfing the web. Not doing lightwave. Not photoshop. Surfing. Most of what she uses the net for. My mum is the same. Dad needs a gaming machine but most people fit into the just-need-the-web and they don't want to bugger about with OS types, they just need it to work and this is what this sounds like.
Oh, and image editing will be possible in HTML 5, with the canvas object et al. I use chrome and FF with gears offline and can do all my google docs stuff and write emails.
Submitted by brainwipe on Wed, 2009-07-08 16:37
Google are an odd duck they don't finish things I mean look at chrome it's still fairly buggy in places it will randomly kill the sound on a computer or refuse to sync with googles own service on gdocs its not yet prime time it's a beta. I hear android is better turned out.
I should split my points up better
multiprocess in and of itself is ok but in that sort of form factor it's not really essential the messiness is more architecturaly and from my own view as a developer used to constrained embedded development.
The huge step backwards in terms of functionality is more going from a full operating system to something constrained to fit into a browser. I use my netbook for a bit of everything a touch of programming a bit of web dev stuff looking at my photos doing editing of them getting them into picasa doing the geotagging doing panoramas bit of wordprocessing bit of video bit of this that and the other some of this can be done with a browser limited os but not all.
Submitted by Evilmatt on Wed, 2009-07-08 18:13
I'd like to claim a point for making a single throwaway comment, and then buggering off into meetings for the rest of the day, causing a huge argument in my name while taking no actual part. While all the above was going on I was buying ice cream for 70 people...surely that has to count for something...
If you look at the current Netbook market, it's dominated by XP, even though originally most machines had Linux-based OS'es. Linux is all well and good until you want to use something that is not compatible with it (case in point, I got my netbook with the express purpose of using a new webcam with it. Drivers for said webcam were only available for Windows flavours). Joe Public is not going to notice performance improvements, or worry about the same things that Google sell much of this technology on. They just want to plug in randomly bought toys, and make sure they work...
From the sounds of it Chrome won't offer anything visibly new. Irrespective of the OS, Joe Public will still be able to surf the web, read email, view funny pictures of cats. They probably want to plug in their camera/phone and view less funny photos of cats as well, and as soon as the driver is not available they will take it back to PC World to complain, only to have some slightly under-knowledged teenager explain to them that their camera is not "compatible" with the laptop (and they may even start whittering on about drivers, Linux OS's, some type of shiney metal etc etc...). And then they will hand it back, and take home a Windows netbook instead, which will be slower, less secure, and generally more in-efficient, but they won't care because they can email granny that hilarious (and slightly blurry and off-centre) photo of a badly parked car... They can install that shitty, spyware-ridden game their girlfriend likes, and they already know how to put a picture of the over-priced supercar as their backdrop, 'cos they did it on their work PC, and thats the same OS.
Submitted by babychaos on Wed, 2009-07-08 22:41
Is Google Chrome OS free?
Yes – Google Chrome OS is an open source project and will be available to use at no cost.
Submitted by Sparky Marky on Thu, 2009-07-09 08:53
The problem we have here is that we're judging it from our needs - not the needs of the people it's designed for. It's like Pete saying "That mobility carriage isn't very fast" or EMW saying "I can't carry all this stuff on it" it's not for that. It's not intended for that. It's a different way of thinking. It's for people who do everything online.
The Mrs is a good example of this. I was trying to help tidy up her account on the home computer. We've found RocketDock really useful for that. What does she use? Firefox and MSN. MSN is a install program but it doesn't need to be. Spreadsheets and Letters are all in Google Docs now. The PC is massively overpowered and all the shell is doing is displaying a picture of us being married. Mum uses her silly powerful laptop for a little more but only watching DVDs and looking at pictures of her grandchildren. I concede that she uses OS features for that. Mum plays a lot of games but they're all Flash and Shockwave ones.
Submitted by brainwipe on Thu, 2009-07-09 09:03
Pete's point was before the bell. If he gets one, I get one too.
Submitted by brainwipe on Thu, 2009-07-09 09:04
People will buy these Google OS netbooks because Europeans trust Google and the netbook will cost a shedload less than a Windows 7 one because you won't have to pay £50 or more for the OEM license.
Submitted by brainwipe on Thu, 2009-07-09 09:07
Scores on the doors thus far:
Byrn - 1
EMW - 5
Brainwipe - 2
BabyC - 0
Pete gets nothing for before the bell and even less for the ice creams/being in meetings shizzle and zip for the (entirely unstartling) prediction that MS will remain dominant in the market place. EMW is in the lead for remaining consistant, keeping largely on topic and wading in with relevant points throughout. Robs only real scoring blow came about with the fit for purpose stuff.
Regards
S.A.S.S.
Submitted by Nibbles on Thu, 2009-07-09 10:33
Rob should lose at least one point for replying to his own post 3 times.
As Matt's initial post advised that "he agree's with me" I should also be allowed to claim at least one point for the assist.
Other than that all I can really say that unless all the various software companies out there I do/may use decide to write drivers etc for this new platform, then it's no use to me.
The XP Netbook license is £20. I'd call that negligible. People will buy XP-based netbooks because they know how to use them. same reason people buy Nokias etc etc.
Finally, I also don't participate in fights that are delimited by a bell. I insist on either a gun, or a thrown pint-glass.
Submitted by babychaos on Thu, 2009-07-09 11:37
I'm backing Pete's vote of no confidence in the scoring.
Submitted by brainwipe on Thu, 2009-07-09 12:04
I believe the triple and double posting by Rob was largely down to me editing a single post down through the discussion.
If the hardware manufacturers (sp?) are on board then I can't see how this is going to end up a failure. Athough consumers might sway to the windows option out of familiarity there are three factors that i think may play to googles advantage:
1) Google is an established on-line brand, although uptake of the miriad apps they provide is not massive lots of people use at least two services regularly (search + mail in my case). If you're presented with a netbook that allows access to apps you already use AND is a gateway into other apps that aren't entirely disparate then it makes sense to "go with what you know" (especially when you know it works well - see pt.2)
2) Microsoft have a less than sterling reputation, not just amongst those that take an interest in tech companies and their shady practices. Joey dimwit Blogs by now may have a similar viewpoint, over the years they've had to spend hours downloading service packs, wondering why on earth it takes a desktop ages to start up and why crashes result in a "click yes to send data to microsoft" (shouldn't they have worked it out by now my pc in the early 90's had the same exact message). Add to that the fact that their offering is a slimmed down defunct OS (vista) and i can see mr blogs thinking that a change is a good idea.
Apparent first views of the OS.... to take with a pinch of salt, me thinks...
edit: I was right, was a fake.
Submitted by Sparky Marky on Fri, 2009-07-10 09:46
New scores:
BabyC = -1/2
Brainwipe = 1
EMW = 5
Byrn = 1
Pete got a half for the mention in EMWs post but lost a point for joshing with the scoring system, as did Rob.
Regards
S.A.S.S.
Submitted by Nibbles on Thu, 2009-07-09 14:41
I'm now working on the assumption that the scoring system is based off show-jumping. As such I now have a better than perfect score.
I also move that this self-appointed S.A.S.S. not only come up with a more transparent ratings system (and preferably one un-suitable for children under the age of 12), but also declares all his expenses for the last 4 years, without redaction.
Submitted by babychaos on Thu, 2009-07-09 15:31
The scoring system is similar to the one used on BBC Radio's "Fighting Talk". Accordingly rather than having a better than perfect score you are a frankly shocking last.
The S.A.S.S. is pleased to report that it has incurred no expenses over the past 4 years whilst engaged in activities relating to scoring. And further more agrees that posts should be less suitable for a family audience.
CUNNILINGUS
There you go.
S.A.S.S.
Submitted by Nibbles on Thu, 2009-07-09 15:41
I'm impressed the argument has continued in my absense and that scoring wise I'm still in the lead despite having spent the day sick in bed mostly asleep.
Netbooks are all about convience they are small cheap run most things you might want to out about and don't weigh a ton. The whole loss of flexibility of going to a stripped down os is probably not something that would ender them to people.
You might argue that most people don't want that flexibility that the average user isn't going to realise they have lost something. I disagree the people you are talking about don't understand the concept of an operating system nor the difference between one and another. They think of the pc in terms of a magic box. Plenty of people use laptops instead of PC's because they don't need a desktop and a laptop is perceived to be easier to use. They are the sort that would buy a netbook simply on price. They expect to just turn it on use it for what ever and not have to worry about the os underneath. They expect to take what ever bit of software they want and run it on the machine. With a windows based netbook for the most part they could do that. Most of the apps they want to run will work (maybe a touch slowly but they probably won't notice) if they want to watch a dvd on it they can (they would need to buy a usb dvd but they could and it would work fine just plug it in and away you go getting that sort of thing set up on a linux machine of unknown quality would be a nightmare people like us could do it sure but not someone like this)
These sorts of people don't know anything about the cloud or what it means and you would have a job to explain it to them.
I personally think the market for this device is not the general public at all but geeks who understand it's implications and can deal with a device that has such tightly defined limits.
You could almost say this isn't a netbook it's a smartphone with a bigger screen, in fact install skype on it (as it probably will have preinstalled most of the splashtop like things do) and it will be.
Submitted by Evilmatt on Fri, 2009-07-10 02:10
Just reading the Ars Technica point of view and they mention gDrive, which I've been WAITING FOR FOR YEARS, GET ON WITH IT, BIG G. And this starts to make more sense.
Comments
Wooyay!
That reads as "Google Gears on a Linux netbook", but tied into a specific browser...
It reads that only if you're not actually reading the same words. Linux kernal != Linux netbook. Mostly because of, say, the GUI. I think it's a bold move in the right direction.
Ok lads, I want you to both take to your respective corners... Points will be awarded for good flair and well judged snipes. Keep those comments high, nothing below the belt or you run the risk of disqualification. Remember to stay on topic... All set?
[ding]
Of you go then. :)
I have to say I'm mostly with pete on this one. It feels like ubuntu netbook edition with chrome and gears preinstalled.
I mean they go on about how revolutionary Chrome the browser was but when you get right down to it it's a tweaked version of webkit with all the clever ideas that firefox or safari already have altered slightly.
I judge a point scored to EvilMatt there.
edit: although that makes the fight a threeway bout i guess...
re-edit - looks like editing a post changes the order placing the newly edited post at the bottom of the postlist. confuzling.
Ubuntu without, say, the desktop. And the inbuilt features. Just the kernal then. And the fact everything runs in a browser with HTML/Javascript. I'd say that wasn't Ubuntu. I'd say that was a new OS. In the same way OSX isn't Ubuntu. In the same way Red Hat isn't Ubuntu. That's what they call new, when it's different.
Oh and Chrome was new - it was the first truly multithreaded browser.
depends what you mean by multi threaded it was the first to create a process for each tab but not the first to use multithreading. As an aside I'm not overly sure the multiprocess thing is actually a good idea it leads to one hell of a memory overhead.
it's not really a new os its a new gui it's the difference between KDE and Gnome or Vista Aero and Classic. The same mechanics are running underneath it's just the wrapper that's changed. In this case it's not even really a proper gui from what they've said it's not so much an OS as a stripped down web tablet app putting everything in the browser. It doesn't sound like it will be very flexible as there is only so much you can do with Jscript and Html.
There is no GUI! You can't run any other programs on top of the Kernal apart from Chrome. Chrome IS the desktop + task manager + everything. As you say, it's stripped down. They've taken away all the extra guff you don't need if all you do is access the web. It's bold but it's completely different from other OSes because it doesn't have a middle layer. It is Kernal + The Thing Used To Browse A Website. No middleman, no extra overhead. I don't need a desktop when I am surfing the web/using gmail/ebay/chom isis or any of the other shit. I can do it all online and wherever I am, the tool is just there.
Chrome was the first multithreaded - as a child thread slave to a parent thread isn't really multithreaded. It's a worker thread, which is cheating. For processor independence, especially on modern machines, you need separate processes. The memory overhead is a small price to pay if you're going to use Chrome as an operating system. All the clever shit you have to do to make a browser multi-process (or properly thread independent) is extraordinary (they share sessions!). It also does it more consistently and reliably than IE8 without a big memory overhead.
Javascript and HTML 5 is massively powerful. More and more stuff is moving online - you'd be surprised what you can do with it.
I see the self appointed score keepers have given up.
Its all gone a bit WWF, no sooner had the scrap started then on rushed Evil Matt and hit you (Rob) over the head with a chair.
So far:
BabyC - 0
EvilMatt - 1
Brainwipe - 1
Scoring punches have been landed for the kernal/gui/lack of gui stuff. Seeing as Chrome (le browser) is slightly OT.
Regards
Self Appointed Scoring System
Sounds familiar. Sounds kind of like Splashtop to me.
OK, it'll probably multithread better, but its the same remit really.
Well there is a GUI it's just in this case limited to browser functions all running over the top of linux, which is not without precedent there are already many os's that already do that to greater or lesser degrees my motherboard has one a linux based stripped down os that uses a browser as it's GUI that runs out of flash without needing the main OS. You could argue the eeepc in simple mode does roughly the same thing.
It's not revolutionary in most cases it would be a huge step backwards in functionality.
I've always thought of separate processes as messy using up resource carelessly but then my programming area of expertise is embedded so we don't have megabytes to waste especially when we are multithreading.
theres a lot you can do sure but a lot of restrictions too. I mean look at googles own apps the online version of picasa is useless for loading photos onto it yes you can do it but it would take a week to load up a decent album. You basically have to use the offline java based tool and things like image editing (I don't mean photoshop grade stuff I mean the basics crop colour correction contrast adjustment redeye and the like) are not likely to be achievable in the web equivalent. A lot of there apps also only maintain the functionality they have as long as they are online various bits turn off as soon as you are disconnected from their databases and processor farms. So while you have wifi you might be ok with the chrome os but as soon as you loose it it'll be much less useful.
yeah I think mine is splashtop
there are even things like gOS that already do the cloud based computing from a cut down linux based os
We'll just have to see when it comes out. Didn't know of the other OSes that already do this. However, they're not powered by Google, the giant. You have to take into account Google's enormous market power.
It's odd that you think multi-process is messy and yet it is a "huge step backwards in functionality". Multi-process is a huge step forward in functionality. Not having it is a huge step back. I think the Google OS is about being fit for purpose. I would buy a netbook for the missus for surfing the web. Not doing lightwave. Not photoshop. Surfing. Most of what she uses the net for. My mum is the same. Dad needs a gaming machine but most people fit into the just-need-the-web and they don't want to bugger about with OS types, they just need it to work and this is what this sounds like.
Oh, and image editing will be possible in HTML 5, with the canvas object et al. I use chrome and FF with gears offline and can do all my google docs stuff and write emails.
Google are an odd duck they don't finish things I mean look at chrome it's still fairly buggy in places it will randomly kill the sound on a computer or refuse to sync with googles own service on gdocs its not yet prime time it's a beta. I hear android is better turned out.
I should split my points up better
multiprocess in and of itself is ok but in that sort of form factor it's not really essential the messiness is more architecturaly and from my own view as a developer used to constrained embedded development.
The huge step backwards in terms of functionality is more going from a full operating system to something constrained to fit into a browser. I use my netbook for a bit of everything a touch of programming a bit of web dev stuff looking at my photos doing editing of them getting them into picasa doing the geotagging doing panoramas bit of wordprocessing bit of video bit of this that and the other some of this can be done with a browser limited os but not all.
I'd like to claim a point for making a single throwaway comment, and then buggering off into meetings for the rest of the day, causing a huge argument in my name while taking no actual part. While all the above was going on I was buying ice cream for 70 people...surely that has to count for something...
If you look at the current Netbook market, it's dominated by XP, even though originally most machines had Linux-based OS'es. Linux is all well and good until you want to use something that is not compatible with it (case in point, I got my netbook with the express purpose of using a new webcam with it. Drivers for said webcam were only available for Windows flavours). Joe Public is not going to notice performance improvements, or worry about the same things that Google sell much of this technology on. They just want to plug in randomly bought toys, and make sure they work...
From the sounds of it Chrome won't offer anything visibly new. Irrespective of the OS, Joe Public will still be able to surf the web, read email, view funny pictures of cats. They probably want to plug in their camera/phone and view less funny photos of cats as well, and as soon as the driver is not available they will take it back to PC World to complain, only to have some slightly under-knowledged teenager explain to them that their camera is not "compatible" with the laptop (and they may even start whittering on about drivers, Linux OS's, some type of shiney metal etc etc...). And then they will hand it back, and take home a Windows netbook instead, which will be slower, less secure, and generally more in-efficient, but they won't care because they can email granny that hilarious (and slightly blurry and off-centre) photo of a badly parked car... They can install that shitty, spyware-ridden game their girlfriend likes, and they already know how to put a picture of the over-priced supercar as their backdrop, 'cos they did it on their work PC, and thats the same OS.
Is Google Chrome OS free?
Yes – Google Chrome OS is an open source project and will be available to use at no cost.
The problem we have here is that we're judging it from our needs - not the needs of the people it's designed for. It's like Pete saying "That mobility carriage isn't very fast" or EMW saying "I can't carry all this stuff on it" it's not for that. It's not intended for that. It's a different way of thinking. It's for people who do everything online.
The Mrs is a good example of this. I was trying to help tidy up her account on the home computer. We've found RocketDock really useful for that. What does she use? Firefox and MSN. MSN is a install program but it doesn't need to be. Spreadsheets and Letters are all in Google Docs now. The PC is massively overpowered and all the shell is doing is displaying a picture of us being married. Mum uses her silly powerful laptop for a little more but only watching DVDs and looking at pictures of her grandchildren. I concede that she uses OS features for that. Mum plays a lot of games but they're all Flash and Shockwave ones.
Pete's point was before the bell. If he gets one, I get one too.
People will buy these Google OS netbooks because Europeans trust Google and the netbook will cost a shedload less than a Windows 7 one because you won't have to pay £50 or more for the OEM license.
Scores on the doors thus far:
Byrn - 1
EMW - 5
Brainwipe - 2
BabyC - 0
Pete gets nothing for before the bell and even less for the ice creams/being in meetings shizzle and zip for the (entirely unstartling) prediction that MS will remain dominant in the market place. EMW is in the lead for remaining consistant, keeping largely on topic and wading in with relevant points throughout. Robs only real scoring blow came about with the fit for purpose stuff.
Regards
S.A.S.S.
Rob should lose at least one point for replying to his own post 3 times.
As Matt's initial post advised that "he agree's with me" I should also be allowed to claim at least one point for the assist.
Other than that all I can really say that unless all the various software companies out there I do/may use decide to write drivers etc for this new platform, then it's no use to me.
The XP Netbook license is £20. I'd call that negligible. People will buy XP-based netbooks because they know how to use them. same reason people buy Nokias etc etc.
Finally, I also don't participate in fights that are delimited by a bell. I insist on either a gun, or a thrown pint-glass.
I'm backing Pete's vote of no confidence in the scoring.
I believe the triple and double posting by Rob was largely down to me editing a single post down through the discussion.
If the hardware manufacturers (sp?) are on board then I can't see how this is going to end up a failure. Athough consumers might sway to the windows option out of familiarity there are three factors that i think may play to googles advantage:
1) Google is an established on-line brand, although uptake of the miriad apps they provide is not massive lots of people use at least two services regularly (search + mail in my case). If you're presented with a netbook that allows access to apps you already use AND is a gateway into other apps that aren't entirely disparate then it makes sense to "go with what you know" (especially when you know it works well - see pt.2)
2) Microsoft have a less than sterling reputation, not just amongst those that take an interest in tech companies and their shady practices. Joey dimwit Blogs by now may have a similar viewpoint, over the years they've had to spend hours downloading service packs, wondering why on earth it takes a desktop ages to start up and why crashes result in a "click yes to send data to microsoft" (shouldn't they have worked it out by now my pc in the early 90's had the same exact message). Add to that the fact that their offering is a slimmed down defunct OS (vista) and i can see mr blogs thinking that a change is a good idea.
3) cost
http://chromeosleak.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/the-first-pics-of-the-chrom...
Apparent first views of the OS.... to take with a pinch of salt, me thinks...
edit: I was right, was a fake.
New scores:
BabyC = -1/2
Brainwipe = 1
EMW = 5
Byrn = 1
Pete got a half for the mention in EMWs post but lost a point for joshing with the scoring system, as did Rob.
Regards
S.A.S.S.
I'm now working on the assumption that the scoring system is based off show-jumping. As such I now have a better than perfect score.
I also move that this self-appointed S.A.S.S. not only come up with a more transparent ratings system (and preferably one un-suitable for children under the age of 12), but also declares all his expenses for the last 4 years, without redaction.
The scoring system is similar to the one used on BBC Radio's "Fighting Talk". Accordingly rather than having a better than perfect score you are a frankly shocking last.
The S.A.S.S. is pleased to report that it has incurred no expenses over the past 4 years whilst engaged in activities relating to scoring. And further more agrees that posts should be less suitable for a family audience.
CUNNILINGUS
There you go.
S.A.S.S.
I'm impressed the argument has continued in my absense and that scoring wise I'm still in the lead despite having spent the day sick in bed mostly asleep.
Netbooks are all about convience they are small cheap run most things you might want to out about and don't weigh a ton. The whole loss of flexibility of going to a stripped down os is probably not something that would ender them to people.
You might argue that most people don't want that flexibility that the average user isn't going to realise they have lost something. I disagree the people you are talking about don't understand the concept of an operating system nor the difference between one and another. They think of the pc in terms of a magic box. Plenty of people use laptops instead of PC's because they don't need a desktop and a laptop is perceived to be easier to use. They are the sort that would buy a netbook simply on price. They expect to just turn it on use it for what ever and not have to worry about the os underneath. They expect to take what ever bit of software they want and run it on the machine. With a windows based netbook for the most part they could do that. Most of the apps they want to run will work (maybe a touch slowly but they probably won't notice) if they want to watch a dvd on it they can (they would need to buy a usb dvd but they could and it would work fine just plug it in and away you go getting that sort of thing set up on a linux machine of unknown quality would be a nightmare people like us could do it sure but not someone like this)
These sorts of people don't know anything about the cloud or what it means and you would have a job to explain it to them.
I personally think the market for this device is not the general public at all but geeks who understand it's implications and can deal with a device that has such tightly defined limits.
You could almost say this isn't a netbook it's a smartphone with a bigger screen, in fact install skype on it (as it probably will have preinstalled most of the splashtop like things do) and it will be.
Just reading the Ars Technica point of view and they mention gDrive, which I've been WAITING FOR FOR YEARS, GET ON WITH IT, BIG G. And this starts to make more sense.