Confessions of a Chromebook addict

Unfortunately, and anyway you look at it, $299 is all in all not a significant price differential when compared to a basic Windows 7 netbook with comparable or may be even better hardware specs. And a low-end Windows notebook can be had for less than $400 now.

Currently, the lowest price for a 3G-enabled Chromebook is $399, compared to an Acer or Dell Windows 7 notebook with a built-in 3G modem that has similar hardware specifications to a Chromebook. Each sells for $650.

This Google operating system is, for all intents and purposes, the Chrome Web browser bolted onto a stripped down Linux distro. When using a Chromebook, imagine trying to do all of your computing tasks through the browser.

Related to the above, Chrome OS relies on the notion of cloud computing. A Chromebook as a rule must have a continuous Internet connection in order for you to be able to use it effectively. So if you have no access to Wi-Fi, or there's no 3G signal where you're using your 3G Chromebook, you're out of luck. Your Chromebook is useless, unless you use it to view images, listen to music files, or videos you have stored on it.

Ideal platform for educational

Google has been pitching Chromebooks as an ideal platform for educational and business institutions where low maintenance requirements for multiple computers could be desirable, however sales to the general public appear to be anemic.

Or, the company should greatly emphasize the 3G models, pitching their lower cost -- without the buyer needing to sign a long-term 3G contract with a carrier -- compared to a Windows notebook with built-in 3G. Google as well should build on the idea of extreme mobility, pitching Chromebooks as delivering the user Internet access nearly wherever they are.

The way the majority of smartphones

Not only is this the way the majority of smartphones, including those running Google's Android, are sold, nevertheless there are as well a number of 3G-capable netbooks and notebooks running Windows 7 that are sold or in essence given away by the major data carriers -- AT&T, Sprint and Verizon -- when a buyer signs a long-term agreement for 3G service.