Chromebooks are low-cost laptops for those who do most of their computing on the Web.
While most Chromebooks on the market rely on Google for online services, Dell's new Chromebook 11 adds another cloud option to extend file sharing across desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
While most Chromebooks on the market rely on Google for online services, Dell's new Chromebook 11 adds another cloud option to extend file sharing across desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
The Dell laptop, announced last week, will integrate Wyse PocketCloud, which allows files to be accessed, edited and shared across PCs, Macs and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
Features and specifications
Name: Dell Chromebook 11
Screen: 11.6-inch screen
Display: 1366 x 768-pixel resolution
Processor: Intel dual-core Celeron, based on Haswell micro-architecture
Operating system: Chrome OS
Internal storage: 16GB
Ports: USB 3.0 and HDMI
Weight: 1.31 kg
Battery life: 10 hours
Availability: starts shipping in January 2014
Price: below $300 (RM1,000)
What's pencil about the Dell's Chromebook 11
The PocketCloud application will also turn the Chromebook into a remote desktop. Users will be able to access Microsoft Outlook software on PCs or edit Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents. The application will be available for download in January.
Most schools are likely to add Chromebooks to their existing Windows-based PCs, Macs and iPads, so having a tool like PocketCloud that can share files across multiple devices and multiple platforms is an advantage over those that can only use Google's services.
The addition of Wyse PocketCloud heightens the value of the Chromebook 11 over alternatives from Hewlett-Packard, Acer and Samsung that have "run-of-the-mill" Google services.
This feature will be helpful for students who want to remotely access Chromebook data from their tablets or smartphones, King said.
In October this year, Chromebooks running an updated version of Chrome OS hit the market. Here are some of them:
- 11.6-inch screen:
Acer Chromebook C720 - $199
Acer Chromebook C720P - $299 (touchscreen)
HP Chromebook 11 - $279
Samsung Chromebook - $249.
- 14-inch screen:
HP Chromebook 14 - $299
Are you using one of these? If yes, what are the major drawbacks or advantages from your experience?
More info at Dell's press release
