Can a browser-based operating system unseat Windows in the budget notebook space? Samsung Chromebook Series 5is the first netbook alternative on the market to use the Google Chrome operating system rather than a more traditional OS like Windows laptops. Based in no small part on the Google Cr-48 prototype notebook that we previously reviewed, this 12-inch thin and light laptop offers two years of free Verizon 3G connectivity, the Series 5 is made for students and other consumers who don’t need a lot of power. But does the $499 Samsung Series 5 deliver as much performance as if we Pick-Cheap-laptops notebooks?
Samsung Series 5 ChromebookDesign:
Talk about the design of Samsung series 5 Chromebook it is not as minimalist as Google’s pilot-program Cr-48 (which was done up in all black), the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 also takes a less-is-more approach. The plastic lid is done in solid Arctic White (it’s also available in Titan Silver which is more beautiful but limited edition), with a chrome Samsung logo and the colorful Google Chrome insignia. The rest of the system is a matte black. It’s elegant, but we wish it had the soft-touch rubber of the Cr-48. The corners of the Series 5 are also more rounded than the Cr-48, which is a design touch we also like. Measuring 8.6 x 11.6 x 0.8 inches, the Series 5 easily slid into our shoulder bag. We really appreciated its light 3.2-pound weight after having to stand on a subway train for an hour and a half. It has2GB DDR3RAM and 16GB SSD (SanDisk SDSA4DH-016G NAND flash) Storage.
Ports and Features:
The relatively clean exterior of the Series 5 Chromebook to the port selection on the sides of the laptop. Samsung gives you a proprietary mini VGA port for connecting an external monitor (an adapter for a standard VGA port is included in the box), two USB 2.0 ports, a built-in SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card reader, and a single audio jack. There is also a hidden SIM card slot on the right side of the notebook if you have an existing 3G service plan. The lack of Bluetooth is frustrating, but it’s something most people can live without when you’re getting a $500 laptop with free Verizon 3G access. Here is a quick tour around the Chromebook like Acer Aspire V5-571P Laptop
