How To: Chrome Your Web Experience with Google's Cr-48 Notebook

Join the Pilot program and learn how to fly!  But you're not going to be flying airplanes in this Pilot program, you'll be trying your hands at Google's first laptop computer.

It's called the Cr-48, a black notebook which runs an extraordinary operating system— Google Chrome.  Yes, that's right.  Chrome.  It's no longer just a web browser, it's now a powerhouse OS.  But it's only available right now on Google's Cr-48 notebook, which is available to individuals, businesses, schools, non-profits and developers based in the United States.

If you're constantly on the web emailing in Gmail, watching YouTube videos or playing Facebook games, then the Google Chrome notebook is perfect for you.  And if you want to see how you can get your hands on the Cr-48 with Chrome OS, scroll down to the bottom of this article.

So, what's the deal with the Cr-48 Chrome notebook?

Well, it looks similar to an Apple MacBook (in black) and sports a 12.1" display, full size keyboard, large touchpad, webcam and flash storage.  It's battery is huge (but not cumbersome), and supports 8+ hours of active use and 8+ hours on standby.  As for Internet, it's easy to connect anytime, anywhere, with built-in Wi-Fi and 3G (plans available from Verizon Wireless).

It's quite the looker, but the only thing sadly missing from this notebook is the Caps Lock (but I'm sure we could live without all that shouting).

Here's the details, straight from Google.

Speed: Instant Web

Chrome notebooks boot in about 10 seconds and resume from sleep instantly.  Your favorite websites load quickly and run smoothly, with full support for the latest web standards and Adobe Flash.

Sync: Same Experience Everywhere

All your apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud.  So even if you lose your computer, you can just log into another Chrome notebook and get right back to work.

Connectivity: Always Connected

With Chrome notebooks, it's easy to get connected anytime and anywhere with built-in Wi-Fi and 3G.

As a Chrome notebook boots up, it quickly connects to your favorite Wi-Fi network so you're on the web right from the start.  When you're on the road, you can stay connected with the 3G connectivity package from Verizon Wireless.

Your Chrome notebook includes 100MB of free data each month for two years, enough for hundreds of emails or occasional browsing.  Calculate your usage

Also available are an unlimited day pass for just $9.99 and pay-as-you-go rates that are easy to understand and don't require any long-term contracts.

Data Plans

Security: Built In

In today's world, any website - even well-known, legitimate ones - may be infected with malware.  Just by visiting an infected web page, ordinary computers can get infected as well.  Malware can exploit flaws in your browser to steal passwords, personal data, and financial information.  It happens to millions of people without their knowledge.

Chrome OS is the first operating system designed with this ongoing threat in mind.  It uses the principle of "defense in depth" to provide multiple layers of protection, so if any one layer is bypassed, others are still in effect.  So while it's still important to take precautions to protect your data, Chrome notebooks let you breathe just a little bit easier.

Automatic Updates

The most effective way to protect yourself from malware is to make sure all of the software on your computer is up to date and has the latest security fixes.  This can be difficult to manage on traditional operating systems with many software components from many vendors all with different update mechanisms and user interfaces.  Chrome OS manages updates for you automatically so you are always running the latest and most secure version.

Sandboxing

On your Chrome notebook, each web page and application you visit runs in a restricted environment called a "sandbox."  So if you visit an infected page, it can't affect the other tabs or apps on your computer, or anything else on your machine.  The threat is contained.

Verified Boot

Even if malware manages to escape the sandbox, your Chrome notebook is still protected.  Every time you boot the computer, it does a self check called Verified Boot.  If it detects that your system has been tampered with, or corrupted in any way, typically it will repair itself without you lifting a finger.  You will always be able to get back to an operating system thats as good as new.

Data Encryption

When you use web apps on your Chrome notebook, all your documents are stored safely in the cloud.  But certain kinds of files, like downloads, cookies, and browser cache files, may still be present on your computer.  Your Chrome notebook encrypts all this data using tamper-resistant hardware, making it very difficult for anyone to access those files.

Guest Mode

With Guest Mode, you can let friends use your Chrome notebook without signing in.  They can use the web freely, but they won't be able to access your email or other data.  And once they sign off, all their browsing data is permanently erased from your computer.

Updates: Forever Fresh

The web evolves rapidly.  Your Chrome notebook evolves with it.  Every time you turn it on, it upgrades itself with the latest features and fixes. Annoying update prompts not included.

Amazing Web Apps

There are millions of apps on the web to do almost anything you can imagine - from spreadsheets to video chat to photo editing.  Web apps install instantly, update themselves, and store your data safely in the cloud.

Chrome Web Store

Visit the Chrome Web Store to discover amazing apps, extensions, and themes.

Browse the latest apps in:

• Productivity
• Games
• Communication
• Entertainment
• News

Guided Tour: Using a Google Chrome Notebook

See exactly what it's like to use a Chrome notebook, from start(up) to finish.

Get Yours!  The Google Chrome Pilot Program

The cr-48 Google Chrome test netbook is the one designed specifically for their Pilot program.  As said before, it's possible for anyone to get their hands on one— available to individuals, businesses, schools, non-profits and developers based in the United State.

It's the first of its kind, so if you want to jump on the bandwagon, simply go to the Pilot program website, read the details and APPLY!

Learn More!

Here's a few review videos, which show you the unboxing and quick overview off getting your Cr-48 Chromium OS notebook up and running.