Samsung Chromebook Series 5 Netbooks

With the resurrection of tablets, the emergence of ultraportable notebooks and the growing power of smartphones, it would be tempting to assume that the netbook is similar to a glacier, destined to disappear. However, netbooks fill the wide gap between tablets and ultraportable notebooks. Netbooks offer better performance and better ergonomics than tablets while still remaining more portable than ultraportable notebooks. Netbooks focus on fast boot-up times, simplified user interfaces and thin, lightweight designs. However, probably the most redeeming quality of the netbook is its affordability.

With the support of Google, Samsung has released two Chromebook Series 5 netbook computers, the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 12.1” Netbook Computer (Wi-Fi Only) and the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 12.1” Netbook Computer (3G + Wi-Fi). Both Chromebooks have a 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N750 processor with 2GB of DDR3 RAM, which makes multitasking smooth and seamless. Both Chromebooks also have a 16GB mSATA solid state drive, which allows for a full boot up in just 8 seconds and instant resume from sleep mode.

Both Chromebooks have a beautiful 12.1-inch widescreen display with an antiglare finish. The display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 1280 x 800 native resolution driven by an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150. The screen is backlit with LED lamps, which are more energy efficient than their CCFL counterparts. This allows the Wi-Fi Only Chromebook’s 4-cell lithium polymer battery to provide up to 6.5 hours of battery life and the 3G + Wi-Fi Chromebook’s 6-cell lithium polymer battery to provide up to 8.5 hours of battery life.

Both Chromebooks run Google’s own Chrome operating system. This user-friendly interface has a simple 2-step verification login screen after you boot up the netbook. All your work is done in Google’s Chrome browser. The address bar doubles a search bar so there’s no need to minimize windows or open folders. You can also visit the Chrome Web Store and download various Web apps, such as Gmail and YouTube. With a wide variety of apps, you can stay productive and entertained on the go.

While both of these Chromebooks are nearly identical in hardware specifications, there is one major difference. No, it’s not that the Wi-Fi Only Chromebook comes in black and the 3G + Wi-Fi Chromebook comes in Titan silver. The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 12.1” Netbook Computer (Wi-Fi Only) only supports 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi networks while the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 12.1” Netbook Computer (3G + Wi-Fi) not only supports Wi-Fi, but 3G broadband as well. In order for you to take full advantage of its 3G connectivity, the 3G + Wi-Fi Chromebook requires a data plan from one of the available carriers, such as Mobile Broadband Service from Verizon Wireless. A data plan will allow you to check email, surf the web and video chat using the built-in webcam—no matter where you are.

Weighing in at just over three pounds and having a thickness of less than an inch, the Wi-Fi Only Chromebook and the 3G + Wi-Fi Chromebook offer ultimate portability in a compact package, without compromising functionality or performance. With a price tag of $349.99 and $449.99 respectively, you won’t be breaking the bank to stay connected while on the go.

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