Google to sell Samsung Chromebook for $249

In spite of the success that Google had with their Android platform, it seems that there’s no stopping Google from releasing newer versions of the Chome OS-based laptop. Just recently, they announced the new 11.6” Samsung Chromebook XE303C12.

The new Samsung Chromebook is the first machine to be powered by the South Korean’s new ARM-based SoC, the Exynos 5 Dual. When we first featured this processor a few months back, we thought that the chip is destined for tablets or smartphones and never imagined that it’ll be the backbone of the upcoming Chromebook. Along with the dual-core 1.7GHz processor, the chipset also comes with a 2GB DDR3L RAM and a 16GB SSD, all of which are house inside a 17.53mm thin body.

Samsung Chromebook XE303C12 specs:
11.6” HD LED Display, 1366×768, 200 nits
Samsung Exynos 5 Dual 5250 1.7GHz, 1MB Cache
2GB DDR3L RAM
16GB SSD
Mali-T604 (Quad-core), openGL 3.0 (Haiti)
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
0.3MP Webcam
2x 1.5W Stereo Speaker
1 x USB 2.0 port
1 x USB 3.0 port
3-in-1 SD Card slot (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
2-Cell 30WHr Li-Po battery (up to 6.5hrs)
Chome OS
Dimension: 289.56 x 205.49 x 17.53mm
Weight: 2.43lbs

Back in May of last year we shared with you guys why we think Google Chromebook will fail in the local scene because of the Chrome OS’ internet-dependency for most of its features. Although not much has changed in terms of how the OS works, we’ve seen some improvement on the internet connectivity in our country which may help this notebook gain some Pinoy audience if ever it hits the local shelves. And that is a big if.

We still think that the Samsung Chromebook will have a hard time competing with tablet PCs especially considering that Windows RT tablets are just around the corner. However, its affordable USD249 price tag, may just give potential budget-conscious buyers a reason to grab this netbook. Would you agree?