Acer Launches Colorful Line of Affordable Netbooks

  • Computer manufacturer Acer announced the launch of its Aspire One Happy 2 netbook line.
  • The new netbooks feature 10.1-inch displays, Intel Atom N570 processors, and battery lives of up to eight hours.
  • Less than one inch thick, they also come in four colorful cases (Banana Cream, Blueberry Shake, Papaya Milk, Strawberry Yogurt).
  • Additional features include 1GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB hard drive, Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking, and a VGA webcam for video chat.
  • Price point may help make the line a viable alternative to tablets; the Acer netbooks are currently available starting at $270.

Google Unveils Its New Chrome OS Netbooks

Anxious to promote its new Web-based Chrome operating system introduced this week at Google I/O in San Francisco, Google announced its plans to begin selling netbooks based on the Chrome OS starting June 15. The devices, aimed primarily at enterprise customers, will use Web-based applications rather than storing software.

The new Chromebooks will initially take the form of Wi-Fi- and 3G-based laptops from Acer and Samsung that will start at $350 (available from retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy). Verizon will offer 3-year 3G contracts priced at $28/month for up to 100MB of wireless data usage.

Google also announced a new feature to the Chrome Web Store that will enable developers to configure one-touch in-app purchases. Google will reportedly take only 5 percent of the purchase price (comparatively, Apple takes 30 percent).

According to InformationWeek: “The pricing of Google’s subscription plan is modest: For $28 per user per month, businesses will receive Chromebooks, Web-based administration controls, enterprise-level support, a warranty, and hardware replacement upon subscription renewal. Schools and governments have access to the subscription package for $20 per user per month. Access to Google Apps for Business is not included; it will continue to be offered for $50 per user per year.”

Related CNN Money article: “Google makes push for the Enterprise with Chrome” (5/12/11)

Related PC Magazine article: “Hands On: Samsung Series 5 Chromebook” (5/12/11)