CNETAnalysis: Google unveiled a new, ultra-easy Chromebook Monday, the Acer C7. “The core of Google’s Chromebook vision is creating a better, more simple computing experience and making it available to everyone,” said Sundar Pichai, senior vice president, Chrome and Apps at Google in a press release. “We’re excited about the Acer C7 Chromebook, the newest addition to the Chromebook family. “The Acer C7 delivers a hassle-free computing experience with the speed, security and simplicity that users expect of Chromebooks built in.” Seventh heaven Featuring an “extra bright” 11.6-inch HD Widescreen CineCyrstal LED-backlit LCD screen (that’s a mouthful) and more than 3.5 hours of battery life, the C7 has an Intel Core processor inside. It boots up in 18 seconds, resumes instantly and offers a smooth, hi-def video viewing experience with 1080p on its 1366 x 768 resolution screen. Integrated 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi offers quick connect times, too. The C7 is one-inch thin and weighs 3.05 pounds, though still manages to accommodate a full-sized keyboard and clickable touchpad. An HD 1.3MP webcam with LED indicator and microphone, three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port and a card reader that supports a SD card and MMC are also part of the package. Storage is available through a 320GB hard drive, plus Google is gifting new owners with 100GB free storage on Google Drive. Auto-updating is one of the C7′s hallmarks, while built-in security features defend against malware and viruses. Order of the day The Samsung Chromebook , by contrast, offered 16GB of internal storage and 6.5 hours of battery life with a single USB 3.0 port and a lone USB 2.0. Other differences include an ARM-based Samsung Exynos 5250 processor and the claim the 2.5-pound, 0.8-inch thick machine can boot in 10 seconds flat. Whereas Samsung’s latest Chromebook came in at $249 (UK£229), Acer is upping the odds ! of the C7′s success by lowering the price. The Chromebook will be available in the U.S. starting Tuesday through Google Play, Best Buy and BestBuy.com for $199. In the U.K. customers can pick it up via Google Play, Amazon UK, PC World and Currys. No word yet on pricing. More countries should see the C7 come soon.
