Ask HN: Did anyone else get a Google Chrome Laptop yet?

102 pointsby simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren102 comments

I submitted the application to test drive a Chrome Notebook a couple days ago.

The laptop came this morning. The packaging was very simple: One laptop, one battery, one cord, one large single piece of paper with instructions, and one business card from Intel letting me know that if I cracked the computer open that is what I would find.

I will make a large post tonight after work (5pm EST) detailing my experiences with it and taking lots of photos.

Did any other HNers get one?

107 comments

tdupreevor 16 Jahren

Mine just showed up while reading this post! I didn't get any confirmation email. I applied using the prompt on the "new page" tab (running dev channel build) during the live OS launch. It came in a UPS truck 9:40am CST. Sweet!

EDIT: The box it came in was pretty cool, and they had fun writing the copy for their instructions card. I uploaded a scan of the instructions card to my site http://tdupree.com/2010/12/09/got-my-chrome-os-powered-cr-48....

Huppievor 16 Jahren

LOL:

"Do not expose the device to water, moisture, or rap music."

tdupreevor 16 Jahren

also, you gotta love the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy reference at the top, "DONT PANIC" :)

malkiavor 16 Jahren

Too bad. For example we got Ice T unboxing our game :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXt2Q8EdzIw

kenjacksonvor 16 Jahren

That's the best unboxing I've ever seen, bar none. Ice T should unbox everything from now on.

scramevor 16 Jahren

I don't get it.

Huppievor 16 Jahren

Read the instruction card, you will notice that it contains not only all required information, but a lot of humor too.

scramevor 16 Jahren

I did, I just don't think thats funny.

jason_slackvor 16 Jahren

Did you get confirmation that it was coming or did it just show up. I applied a few days ago and no confirmation yet..

tdupreevor 16 Jahren

No, I didn't get any confirmation email, it just showed up.

[deleted]vor 16 Jahren

kesslervor 16 Jahren

I did:

http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/09/cr-48-chrome-notebook-deliv...

balacvor 16 Jahren

what does the "full screen" button do? Isn't chrome os full screen by default?

kissickasvor 16 Jahren

In the videos posted two days ago they showed a full screen feature which only showed the active webapp to 'minimize distractions.'

s3grahamvor 16 Jahren

Hides other tabs and the address bar.

gojomovor 16 Jahren

This is becoming suspiciously like a post-Singularity intelligence crop-dusting free advanced tech on remaining Primitive communities.

ruddvor 16 Jahren

I have a feeling I'm going to be very disappointed when I get home from work today and there is no Cr-48 waiting for me.

ruddvor 16 Jahren

To all the people who voted me up because you too felt you were in the same situation, I'm sorry. I got home from work and there is indeed a Cr-48 in my possession now! Google is truly amazing. :/

lansteinvor 16 Jahren

I got a package notification email, and was psyched until I realized it was the 24-pack of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese that I ordered from Amazon :(

lansteinvor 16 Jahren

And screwed once again, this time by Target. Dammit. I don't really give a crap about that bookcase at this point.

kenjacksonvor 16 Jahren

Lanstein, that is a lot of cheese. A LOT of cheese!

teoruizvor 16 Jahren

Did you get a confirmation from Google that they were going to send you the laptop?

Where are you based?

simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren

Nashua, New Hampshire, USA

I got not confirmation. The outer box didn't even say it was from Google.

mikecarluccivor 16 Jahren

Same. No confirmation. The box had a guys name and Kentucky address. I'm in Boston. Really confused at first. Can't believe how fast they got these out.

Edit: Nope, not your name. I had no idea why he would have sent me a box.

mattdurhamvor 16 Jahren

Hopefully not my name!

fierarulvor 16 Jahren

You might very well be among the first!

I assume Google didn't ask for an NDA with this (did they ?) so I'm looking forward to the future un-boxing videos, screenshots and blogposts about this little device one can't buy (until it hits eBay ;) ).

I couldn't use it fulltime though until I'm able to code in and run Java code on that thing.

simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren

The submission app asked me to play with it an talk about it, so kind of the opposite of an NDA.

So tonight I will sing its song from mountaintops and, well, take it apart.

xentroniumvor 16 Jahren

> The submission app asked me to play with it an talk about it, so kind of the opposite of an NDA

Fantastic move from google side. I hope more companies adopt this strategy in future.

mikecarluccivor 16 Jahren

UPS arrived about an hour ago. I had the "apply" tab in Chrome.

It runs Wave without much issue, and that crawls on a lot of non-traditional PC devices. They dropped the function keys but the keyboard does have a row of accessorie keys at the top, just without the F numbering.

jasongullicksonvor 16 Jahren

Not yet (I applied as an individual developer) but I'm also trying to convince my wife's nonprofit (about 12-15 users) to apply...just need to convince them running their business as a beta test is a good idea...

They already live off gmail, google sites, google calendar, etc. so it would be a bit of a slam-dunk for them.

phluxvor 16 Jahren

Why convince them? Just apply for them -- if the machines show up, I'm pretty sure they'd be 'convinced'..

(I applied for an individual machine, as well as a set for my office)

jasongullicksonvor 16 Jahren

Subversive...I like it :)

aquadoctorbobvor 16 Jahren

I got a knock on my door a few minutes after reading this post. Signed up via the QR code during the presentation.

Also, it seems to be working with my Apps account. Yesssss.

bretthoernervor 16 Jahren

I received one also, crazy, I filled out the anonymous (non-dev) form 2 days ago.

heedvor 16 Jahren

Hmm, I applied twice, from http://www.google.com/chromeos, and from the link in the dev version of the browser. I wonder if that will actually hurt my chances of receiving one... :/

tdupreevor 16 Jahren

I'm not sure if it does or not. I did the same thing. Since the applications were so different, I figured I would fill out the general one on their website in addition to the one linked to from within the chrome dev build (I used the same Google account for both applications). I got my Cr-48 this morning, so it must not have counted against me too much.

itrekkievor 16 Jahren

I did the same thing, but first from the browser on Tuesday. Instant regret for filling out both, but the longer form has a lot more info that I thought they'd like. Either way, something worked. It showed up today.

Grievervor 16 Jahren

Wow, when I filled out the application (developer) form only two days ago I was sure I wouldn't be receiving one considering they even mentioned there were limited numbers available.

Mine showed up at my doorstep just over an hour ago. Amazing.

kogirvor 16 Jahren

I just got mine too. Sadly, as expected, flash brings it to its knees and fonts look like Linux :(

Otherwise pretty sweet. Think I'll try and sneak some better fonts on somehow and then use it for everything save Hulu and development.

patrickaljordvor 16 Jahren

> I just got mine too. Sadly, as expected, flash brings it to its knees and fonts look like Linux :(

Fonts look better on my Ubuntu than on OS X. Don't generalize.

jleesvor 16 Jahren

The fonts are fine, the rendering is an issue simply because we can't replicate 10+ years of proprietary work in fewer months. We're actively working on this. Be glad you didn't see the alpha ;)

kogirvor 16 Jahren

Wow. I'm sorry if my tone was off-putting, but what I said is true. End users won't get their devices for free and won't be forgiving. Sugar coating doesn't help the product succeed, which is what I want.

Flash performance matters. Right now it's not possible to watch web video (save for sparse HTML5 video content which works), or video chat in Gmail. I want to get a ChromeOS device for my grandparents, for video chat, and if it ships like this I can't.

Fonts might just be my personal weirdness, but I notice them and care a lot about them. I even installed Calibri on my Nexus One, and have replaced most of the fonts on my Ubuntu Maverick installation too. Linux font rendering has never been fantastic, but it's OK now. My issue is that no open source fonts I've seen shipped with any Linux distribution can compete with OS X's or Windows 7's shipping fonts.

I've been using the device and I like it a lot. I've even filed a few bugs to try and help out. I won't pretend their aren't problems, and I won't be useful to Google as a tester unless I'm honest with myself, them and others.

jacquesmvor 16 Jahren

Explain to me this: you receive something for free, and your first response is to find out what's wrong with it ?

potatoliciousvor 16 Jahren

It's a test/dev machine, I'm pretty sure that's the point.

jacquesmvor 16 Jahren

Interesting. I'd be so happy to receive a functioning computer for free with some new OS on it that I'd be too star-struck to see its warts for quite a while.

[deleted]vor 16 Jahren

(1)

mstevensvor 16 Jahren

I applied, but from a UK address. So I'm not expecting to get anything.

Pyrodoggvor 16 Jahren

I understand that Google will only ship the device to a US-based address and cannot send this device to a P.O. Box or address outside of the US

From the TOS at the bottom of the application

mstevensvor 16 Jahren

Indeed, that's why I don't expect to get anything.

Micandvor 16 Jahren

Ditto -- I'm Canadian, so I'm not holding out hope. I'd kill to get my hands on one of these to use as my daily beater at school.

thevinnievor 16 Jahren

I submitted as an individual, but haven't heard anything yet. I did already say my goodbyes to the CAPS LOCK in anticipation.

jnorionvor 16 Jahren

I applied yesterday (the day after the live launch event) from the Chrome OS page, and by that point they had a whole questionnaire to fill out about your internet habits and what software you typically use and stuff like that. Maybe the QR code mentioned earlier really was a shortcut of some sort.

Crossing my fingers for this one...

kondrovor 16 Jahren

Good luck. Hope they are onto a winner.

johnrdavisjrvor 16 Jahren

I applied as a developer as soon as the link was posted on engadget during the live show. I hope mine comes tonight, UPS usually runs around 5.

Questions: Does it have an SD card slot? Do you have any idea size of SSD? Do you know what CPU it has?

Grievervor 16 Jahren

To answer your questions, yes it has an SD slot on the right-hand side. I've been looking around but can't determine the exact size of the SSD. No idea on the specifics but I am aware that the CPU is an Intel Atom chip.

johnrdavisjrvor 16 Jahren

Just found out via Engadget teardown: http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/google-cr-48-laptop-torn-...

16 gig Sandisk SATA ssd 1 gb hynix memory module

So I just answered my own question. But now here comes the real question: Will I receive mine? I have already created 3 Chrome apps.... Would love to run it natively! :)

ctonealvor 16 Jahren

That's a lot faster than I thought they were going to get them out (I was figuring they'd be arriving around the beginning of the year). Well, here's to hoping that I get one. Definitely anticipating posts with user experiences.

ntulipvor 16 Jahren

do you get to keep it?

simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren

Yes

jrockwayvor 16 Jahren

I decided to ask for one today after seeing this. I said that I want to bring the dynamic environment of Emacs to "normal people", and Chrome OS is the first compelling technology that could make that a reality.

We'll see what happens.

rmsvor 16 Jahren

What are the tech specs?

_cbszvor 16 Jahren

In particular, x86 or ARM?

omgmogvor 16 Jahren

According to gdgt.com it's an Atom CPU, so x86

keith_erskinevor 16 Jahren

Yup - I scanned the QR Code during the press conference and filled out the form on my phone. I didn't think I stood a chance of getting one, but Christmas came early today.

Nice machine.

fsnipervor 16 Jahren

I wish I could have one. I applied for it from Turkey. But as we all know this program is US only (for now). Looking forward for an extension of the program.

cyberguy91vor 16 Jahren

For anyone interested, here is the full specs page from the CR-48. http://db.tt/OEOLnOY

elidouradovor 16 Jahren

I got one. I think that everyone that applied using the prompt on the dev channel build of Chrome got one. Can anyone refute this?

xur17vor 16 Jahren

I applied using that prompt (it showed up in the new tab window), and I haven't received one yet. UPS, and any other shipping company would have already stopped (I am on the east coast), so I am hoping I might get one tomorrow.

This would be the best christmas present!

aidenn0vor 16 Jahren

As of yet don't have one. But I'm on pacific time, so may come later today.

danielsonvor 16 Jahren

Likewise, Los Angeles. Will report back.

tmcwvor 16 Jahren

Likewise, nothing yet, and I applied via the dev channel. Unfortunately, I used my non-gmail (but still google apps account) address by accident; I guess I'll be a datapoint for whether that matters.

marklabedzvor 16 Jahren

I applied through the prompt on dev channel. No dice yet. (In Philly, so should have come by now if it was to be delivered today.)

dannytatomvor 16 Jahren

I'm probably a little late on this, but I had no idea it was going on. I put my application in today, we'll see what happens.

shawndumasvor 16 Jahren

What's the deal with 3G? Is it activated?

jleesvor 16 Jahren

There's a free plan built in (100MB every month for two years) but you do need to manually activate it.

doortyvor 16 Jahren

So what did you put in your application? I submitted before the announcement ended. But no word yet.

simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren

I applied via noticing the message on the "new tab" page of Chrome dev version.

It didn't ask for anything but my name, address, and email.

edit: it specifically asks for gmail if you have an email, and I've submitted bug reports for at least two google products on google code. Maybe that factors in?

martingordonvor 16 Jahren

I think I got the same page after scanning the QC code they showed during their presentation. All it asked for was name address and email.

Crossing my fingers and hoping that it was some sort of shortcut that guaranteed entry into the program.

martingordonvor 16 Jahren

Just got word that one arrived at home.

shadowpwnervor 16 Jahren

do you mind linking to the QR code?

martingordonvor 16 Jahren

http://goo.gl/ocJBw

Good luck!

callocvor 16 Jahren

I applied yesterday. Here is hoping!

iworkforthemvor 16 Jahren

I submitted too. But no email or delivery yet. fingers crossed

thomasvor 16 Jahren

same

revoradvor 16 Jahren

What's the hardware? The Techcrunch photo looks ugly :-P

ughvor 16 Jahren

Engadget has a more competent photographer: http://www.engadget.com/photos/google-cr-48-chrome-laptop-pr...

I think the hardware looks absolutely beautiful. I have never seen a Netbook I would consider to be adequate, optically speaking, but this one definitely looks like it absolutely is.

enomarvor 16 Jahren

According to the original announcement video stream, the CR-48 hardware is not the actual hardware. It's a test platform for beta testing the software.

revoradvor 16 Jahren

I missed that. Did it mention what the CR-48 hardware is anyway?

jonursenbachvor 16 Jahren

I'll just leave this here. http://gdgt.com/google/cr-48/specs/

stratjaktvor 16 Jahren

Pretty vague specs there. Anyone have anything a little more detailed?

robinduckettvor 16 Jahren

I'm in the UK, so no :(

mohsenvor 16 Jahren

when did you apply?

simonsarrisvor 16 Jahren

Just two days ago, I think.

mohsenvor 16 Jahren

wow, that is quite fast. thanks for keeping us posted.

mvidvor 16 Jahren

Will it blend?

briancurtinvor 16 Jahren

I really hope BlendTec applied for one.

jasongullicksonvor 16 Jahren

Can it print?

tmcwvor 16 Jahren

http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/p/cloudprint.html

omgmogvor 16 Jahren

anybody in the UK get one?

jleesvor 16 Jahren

They won't be shipping to the UK. Sorry.

klbarryvor 16 Jahren

Wow, Google moves very fast for such a large company.

TomOfTTBvor 16 Jahren

I have no inside information but I'd assume this has something to do with automation. They ask for your Google Account when you fill out the application and they said outright that they were looking for people who "live on the web". Since we know they keep all kinds of usage data about their users it's just a matter of matching an application to accounts with heavy usage and sending them out accordingly. All of which could be done by a computer.

siskvor 16 Jahren

[deleted]vor 16 Jahren