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?"

Comments

Re:No thanks.

[brkello]

*cough* Privacy? You do realize you are posting on the Internet right? I am so tired of people throwing around the word privacy and freedom. Is this a Palin rally or something? You are on the Internet, you send you e-mail through the Internet, you have a Slashdot account...you don't have privacy. The only way to win is not to play. Coming up with some conspiracy on how China will do something or how we will do something like it makes you look like a nut job. Other than advertisers or identity thieves, governments don't give a rats ass about your data. Do you have any idea how much data is out there? And you think you are so special that anyone cares what you do in your insignificant little life? You need to read more Bruce Schneir books. Just cause you read the Government somewhere at sometime did something doesn't mean they are constantly trying to get info on you. Turn off Glenn Beck or whatever it is that is making you crazy.