I don’t know about you, but after the apparent let-down at the introduction of the iPad yesterday, I’m more than ever eagerly awaiting the debut of the Google Chrome Operating System. Do I want an iPad? Sure I do. But do I need an iPad? Absolutely not. Am I saying I’ll never buy an iPad, ever? No. But will I be waiting in line to buy it. Nope.
Here are a few reasons why I believe that purchasing a netbook with the Chrome OS install may be a better bet for me instead of the iPad:
Google Apps
I store my life on Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Calendar. I even have Google Wave and Voice. In fact, I’m typing this blog post in Google Docs right now. With the easy mobility of Google Docs– sharing with others, working on the same document from work and home without having to use a USB drive or emailing it to myself– is definitely a perfect fit for my mobile lifestyle. I love to travel and using a mobile document and storage system just makes my life work better. With the ease of Google Docs, it makes sense that Google would want to graduate towards creating a mobile operating system. Our lives are becoming more and more independent on the internet everyday, and the Google Chrome OS simply builds on this dependency.
More Affordable
Sure, $500 for a 16gb iPad is affordable– for an Apple product. But with the Chrome OS coming to a netbook near you for around $300-$500– it seems that iPad customers are paying for the name Apple rather than its real usability.
More Options Style-Wise
For now, the iPad only comes in one color. Netbooks come in all different colors, sizes, models, and brands. And with the Chrome OS being open-source, I wouldn’t have to pay for OS updates like Apple and Microsoft force me to do.
Missing Features
Does iPad have bluetooth? Nope. How about a webcam? Nope. The ability to view Flash files? Nope. What about the ability to open and edit Microsoft Word files? Nope.
Here’s a video Google released about Chrome OS. Seems logical to me. This is probably the video that got me on the Chrome OS boat. What do you think? Comment below!
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January 28th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Did you even listen to Steve Jobs? The iPad does have bluetooth (Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology) and it does open m$ office docs (just like iwork on the mac)
other then that I totally agree. What do you need an iPad for. or what do you need a chrome OS netbook for? For god’s sake, buy a real laptop!
January 28th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Whoops! Guess I wasn’t listening! When you’re listening through a webcast broadcasting a telephone, I guess you miss some stuff. Thanks for keeping me accountable.
Kelsey´s last blog ..Comparing the Usability of Google’s Chrome OS Versus Apple’s iPad
January 29th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Agree entirely, but it seems to me that netbooks and the iPad fill entirely different niches. Netbooks for people who do work, need a real keyboard, and use a desk/table to work at. iPad for people addicted to the app store with more generalized needs.
Still, the lack of a camera and USB port is baffling. Frankly, if I wanted an iPad I’d probably just buy a more powerful and versatile HP Slate (could I put Chrome on that? Now THERE’S an idea…)
January 30th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Whoa Michael! That’s a good idea– I’ve heard of the HP Slate, but it might be worth looking into to see what type of OS it has on it.
Also, I don’t really mind that the iPad doesn’t have a camera. If I ever bought one, I would be using it to read books and browse the internet, and to occasionally play games. I don’t think I’d use the camera that much.
The USB port however, I agree…is pretty weird. I’m sure later versions will have it.
Kelsey´s last blog ..Comparing the Usability of Google’s Chrome OS Versus Apple’s iPad
January 30th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
The Chrome OS netbook model is more appealing to me than an iPad, and I’m a Mac. Sure the iPad is slick-looking, but for actually doing work, the GoogleBook would be more to my liking with its real keyboard. I’m already using Web-based email and use Google Docs and Spreadsheets routinely. Give me a way to load/synch my iPod and edit the occasional video, and most of my bases are pretty much covered.
Bottom line is that compared to either of these newer computing paradigms, the Windows/Office model is looking really played.