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Would You Use a Free Netbook From Google?
Glyn Moody writes "The response to Google's Chromium OS has been rather lukewarm. But suppose it's just part of something much bigger: a netbook computer from Google that would cost absolutely nothing. Because all the apps and data are stored in the cloud, storage requirements would be minimal; screens are getting cheaper, and the emphasis on lean code means that a low-cost processor could be used. Those relatively small hardware costs could then be covered by advertising in the apps — after all, they are just Web pages. Interestingly, Google has not only rolled out advertising to more of its services recently, it has also started running AdSense ads in the desktop application Google Earth. Would you accept a free Google netbook — or is the price you would pay in terms of the company knowing even more about what you do on an hour-by-hour basis just too high?"
They asked me to, and I did it! Why wouldn't I? They're Google, after all, and they can Do No Evil. Besides, it was shiny, and open source...
Sure, as long as it wasn't too difficult to wipe it and install Debian.
Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
with a free CueCat, sure!
If so, then yes yes, oh $diety yes! And the first thing I'll do is give it to my parents with a giant sticker on it that says "For support call 1-800-googlez"
It's just out of the question that a single user would be worth $150 for Google.
Man, it's a good thing that Google has you to make tough judgements like that for them. Where would they be without you?
How much will it cost to get you to respond to this thread again? I'll take up a collection.
If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
Your attention is worth $150 an hour, and you can't even focus it enough to ignore ads you don't care about? Shit, mine must be worth BILLIONS!
-- 'The' Lord and Master Bitman On High, Master Of All
cloud applications can be cashed
That's certainly what google is hoping for.
You can buy a Sheevaplug, retail, for $100 right now. It is essentially a netbook, sans screen/keyboard/touchpad/battery.
Wholesale it is approaching $50. Keyboards & touchpads are a couple of dollars wholesale, netbook screens can be had for ~$50, and undersize netbook batteries for the same.
Wait another year or two, when the core will come down to $25 and find a battery/screen combo for under $75, albeit with only a few hours of charge and a 7" screen. It won't run Windows, but it'll be better than the netbook sitting on my desk right now.
Please Send check to:
Anonymous Coward
5050 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 11220
Looking for a faster word processor?
Microsoft Office 2010.
50% off with a real pc.
Never? Bill, is it you?
L.
If I ever run into someone who doubts that Stockholm Syndrome is real, I'll just direct them to your post.