Out of the hundreds of new netbook computers that have been slated for release during 2010, few generated as much hype as Google's Chrome netbook. The Chrome web browser has become extremely popular with users since its release two years ago, and the prospect of seeing an entire netbook-friendly operating system built around the Chrome model had many computer users waiting anxiously.
In theory, a Chrome OS netbook would be perfect for online netbook gaming. The web-focused approach of Chrome epitomizes what a netbook is all about. It would let players turn their favorite no download casino games into semi-permanent features by locking them down in dedicated game tabs, integrating them seamlessly with other features the netbook operating system has to offer.
Unfortunately, the Google Chrome OS is not ready for public use, and probably won't be ready for some months. But a Chrome-based netbook called the Cr-48, was given out to press and hardware reviewers last week. The Cr-48 was designed as a test platform for the Chrome OS, and will never be made available for public sale. Judging by the reviews that have hit the net during the last few days, this is a good thing.
The biggest complaint is that Chrome netbooks are absolutely useless without an internet connection, since they don't support any native apps. One could argue that this is the whole idea behind a NETbook, but it is really is limiting.
But the Cr-48 demonstrates that Chrome is bound by more than its marriage to the internet. It cannot accept peripherals like printers or webcams. It gives users no access to its file system, so it's impossible to save, move, or delete files. In fact, it offers little more than a portal to the internet, and it assumes that users will perform 100% of their computing online. This is OK if you only intend to play online casino games and surf the net, but if you hope to get more out of a netbook than that, then you have few options with Chrome.
This is a bold approach. Some might call it revolutionary. But according to one reviewer with Business Insider, Google Chrome netbooks are nothing but a waste of time.
