Students to Get $20 Per Month Chrome OS Notebook Deal

[YosemiteSam]

The jury is still out on how Google's browser-centric Chrome OS will be received by the general public. Google has built a base of enthusiastic early adopters with its pilot program -- which famously provided free Cr-48 notebooks to users in exchange for real-world testing -- but now it appears as if Google has at least one more trick up its sleeve to give Chrome OS a popularity boost. Forbes is reporting that Google will offer a $20 per month package for students which includes a Chrome OS laptop (like the Cr-48) and an online component, which would likely include a storage bump for a user's Google Docs, Gmail, Picasa Web, and Google Music files.

This would serve two purposes. First, Google will be able to expand its existing user base for Chrome OS. For half the price of a typical cell phone contract, students will be able to pick up a netbook with 3G connectivity -- how can they possibly say no to that? Beyond the perfect price point, younger users know how to work the web and won't feel as handcuffed by Chrome OS's web-apps-only limitations. They'll also be happy to tell their friends and family about the great deal they're getting and all the cool things they can do on their 70-cents-per-day laptop.

Complete Story

 

[theogt]

Sounds cheap, but in reality it isn't. After two years, that's over $500 (including tax). Forget owning one for 4+ years, it's cost prohibitive. And that's the student discount.

 

[kapolani]

Sounds cheap, but in reality it isn't. After two years, that's over $500 (including tax). Forget owning one for 4+ years, it's cost prohibitive. And that's the student discount.

Sounds like a pretty crappy deal.

One thing I like about Apple products are the resale value.

I sold my 1 1/2 year old iPhone 3GS for $230 on Craigslist to a local guy. Bought the iPhone 4 for $199.

When I get a new laptop I'll sell my MacBook Air for $750ish or so to subsidize my next purchase.

I have 3 laptops (Dell, Lenovo, Sony) that I can't even give away.

 

[Dallas]

Sounds like a pretty crappy deal.

One thing I like about Apple products are the resale value.

I sold my 1 1/2 year old iPhone 3GS for $230 on Craigslist to a local guy. Bought the iPhone 4 for $199.

When I get a new laptop I'll sell my MacBook Air for $750ish or so to subsidize my next purchase.

I have 3 laptops (Dell, Lenovo, Sony) that I can't even give away.

That is a flat out lie bro. You can "give" them to me right now.


/waiting



You Applefanboys should get a room. This thread hasn't a THING about Apple even discussed until the fanboys arrive.

 

[the kid 05]

Sounds like a pretty crappy deal.

One thing I like about Apple products are the resale value.

I sold my 1 1/2 year old iPhone 3GS for $230 on Craigslist to a local guy. Bought the iPhone 4 for $199.

When I get a new laptop I'll sell my MacBook Air for $750ish or so to subsidize my next purchase.

I have 3 laptops (Dell, Lenovo, Sony) that I can't even give away.

what are the specs of the laptops? I'm looking for a decent sized monitor 15 inches ish to run linux on

 

[kapolani]

That is a flat out lie bro. You can "give" them to me right now.


/waiting

If you really need one PM me an address. You pay for shipping.

I currently have one with Ubuntu on it - the dell. The other others both have Vista.

I'll verify and post specs if anyone is interested.

You Applefanboys should get a room. This thread hasn't a THING about Apple even discussed until the fanboys arrive.

You mean kinda like the Fandroid Fluffer that has a hardon for SJobs?

 

[YosemiteSam]

That includes the laptop AND G3 internet access. Some people just don't get it. (or don't want too)

Chances are you pay more than $20 a month for your data plan on your phone and this one is for a laptop. This is basically a free laptop when you buy a $20 data plan for it.

Is it ignorance, stupidity or both?

 

[theogt]

That includes the laptop AND G3 internet access. Some people just don't get it. (or don't want too)

Chances are you pay more than $20 a month for your data plan on your phone and this one is for a laptop. This is basically a free laptop when you buy a $20 data plan for it.

Is it ignorance, stupidity or both?

Your post only states an "online component", which is strangely worded, so I assumed it did not mean internet service, but rather access to the Google services necessary to run the computer. If that includes all data/internet, then obviously it's an excellent deal.

The unquoted portion of the article does mention "3G" service, rather than "G3 internet access" which you just typed (whatever that is). I assume that does mean full access to the internet.

Please calm down with the personal insults. It's not necessary.

 

[the kid 05]

If you really need one PM me an address. You pay for shipping.

I currently have one with Ubuntu on it - the dell. The other others both have Vista.

I'll verify and post specs if anyone is interested.

ugh i hate dell computers...what sizes are the other two? how much do you think shippning would be? are the batteries in decent shape?

 

[theogt]

I'm looking around on the internet, and I can't find anything that definitively states whether general internet service will be included in the $20 (or $28 for non-students).

Engadget seems to indicate its just the hardware and sofware:

Instead, Chrome OS laptops will be distributed on the basis of a recurring monthly subscription, which will cost $28 per user for businesses and $20 per user for schools. That includes regular software and hardware upgrades. Hardware as a service, folks!

Forbes lists the price to include:

The service includes all the hardware and “software” (web applications) as well as the Chromebooks, the web console, support, warranties and auto-updates.

...no general access to the internet is listed.

Has there been any other sources confirm the general internet access for $28 per month?

 

[theogt]

Okay, so it looks like you can just go straight to the source and find out. The package includes 100 MB of free data, which won't last you for a full day of heavy surfing.

So much for ignorance and stupidity.

 

[theogt]

So much for ignorance and stupidity.

*crickets*

 

[Hoofbite]

If I didn't already have a netbook with wifi access nearly everywhere I go, I'd look into a service/hardware contract for $20/month.

Then again, I have an iPhone 4 which has ultimately reduced my netbook to a giant paper wight.