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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:32:36

Title: Google Chrome Notebook (CR-48)
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:32:36: I had a package waiting on me but did not know what it was. There was no company information on the shipping label, and inside was a strange and cartoony box. Once I opened it though, I remembered the program application I had filled out a couple of days before, never thinking it would actually happen to me...

(http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/2927/img0002zk.jpg)
(http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1803/img0004fvq.jpg)

There are no markings whatsoever on the outside of this laptop, it is great. The plastic is very soft, it feels almost rubbery. The build quality feels very good for what it is.

(http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8581/img0005wg.jpg)

The battery is very wide/deep, but thin. I'm glad to see this direction, like Apple has done, instead of using the mass-produced cylindrical battery cells in laptops.

(http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6739/img0006ja.jpg)
(http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8291/img0007ih.jpg)

A single VGA port on the left, a single USB port, SD card reader, and headphone jack on the right. That's it. Very PURE, but not a whole lot going on here. No ethernet port, even. This thing really is meant JUST for internet-using hipsters.

The thing feels as thin or thinner than most netbooks, but that might be because of the size.

(http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5610/img0008qf.jpg)
(http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3302/img0009rw.jpg)
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8383/img0011fxh.jpg)
(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5330/img0012ms.jpg)
(http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8575/img0013on.jpg)

When I lifted the lid, it turned on automatically... but I hadn't even plugged it in yet, ruining my battery calibration!

(http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/2219/img0014rk.jpg)

Neat LEDs integrated in the keys, like the power button/key.

(http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/1197/img0015cn.jpg)

Single, wide hinge... just the way it should be. Look at the size of that Alt key!

(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/4101/img0017dy.jpg)

The touchpad is BIG. As I was typing this out, I was starting to rag on how it reminded me of HP's new touchpads... two hidden clickers at the bottom instead of a large single click. I'm not a fan of one mouse button, but I'm glad to say this is at least NOT like an HP... in other words, I can click anywhere on the pad. This actually makes sense. The Alt key I mentioned before seems to work like a right click modifier, it is not the same as an Alt-click in Windows. For example, Alt-click on a webpage brings up the familiar Back/Forward/etc menu.

EDIT just found out, two fingers right clicks, and I can scroll with two fingers... SUCCESS!
[strike]I'm having a hard time breaking my habit of tapping to click, but time will help.[/strike] EDIT it's there, but just not very sensitive.

(http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7103/img0018bv.jpg)

I can't emphasize how quickly this thing started. In literally a couple of seconds, tops, I was being greeted by the Gnome-esque setup.

(http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/769/img0020iz.jpg)
(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3629/img0021qdz.jpg)
(http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7484/img0022zk.jpg)
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3572/img0023q.jpg)

And then right after that, I'm thrown straight into a Chrome browser window. This is the OS interface, I suppose.

(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/11/img0025c.jpg)
(http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/5728/img0026uk.jpg)

The screen does not have much resolution, likely on purpose (and for cost reasons). The viewing angle is quite poor. At least it's matte without an overaggressive anti-glare finish.

(http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4500/img0029lb.jpg)

Nice charging LED,

(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5154/img0031ps.jpg)

Keyboard,

(http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1807/img0033c.jpg)

Size relationship / "the way the replaced Ctrl key should have been"

(http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/6940/img0034itf.jpg)

I didn't even realize that I get a free 100mb/month of Verizon 3G, amazing! This is going to be more useful than I thought!
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:42:48: F1-F12 replaced by only 10 media keys.

The keyboard, other than the previously mentioned downfalls, is actually pretty nice to type on. The keys are very wide and smooth, not as easy to accidentally press as most laptop keyboards. I just don't see why a Search button has to be closer to my fingers than Backspace... come on guys.

Unfortunately this isn't powerful enough to play Robot Unicorn Attack smoothly (though it's a bit better than my phone, which shouldn't be saying a lot). There goes 90% of its intended usage.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:50:14: tight. So long apple.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: RoboKrikit on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:50:51: Cool! I filled out an application a few days ago too.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 10 December 2010, 12:57:52: can Canadians play too?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:02:38: They are actually giving away 60,000 of these (or so I read). That's way way way more than I thought. Maybe it isn't too late to still try for one.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:14:13: Quote from: ripster;260810
ARSteknica first looks here (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/reviews/2010/12/google-chrome-notebook-c48-unboxing-first-impressions.ars).
If I had just picked this up when it was delivered, I would have beat all the big sites to an unboxing. Seriously. I've just learned how much even 100k-view Youtube videos can earn, too.

It's okay though, when I take this thing out on the TOWN tonight, no one will have seen it before! (but more than likely, no one will notice/care)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:21:40: ...

OH MAN HERE IT IS (IN ALL CAPS TO DEMONSTRATE MY ENTHUSIASM)

(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4480/img0036sul.jpg)

EVEN WINDOWS CANNOT FIGURE THIS OUT
THIS IS THE GREATEST OS EVER NOW
PERIOD
THE END
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: PikachuDX on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:34:11: z!oEjqtH#%qCp}xAKm;KA^2@(P$c'28nXM8cxh)_4phQ$j^tc+
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:45:40: I have no idea how to test for that in this environment. If you have a website or something I'd be glad to check it.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:54:35: I just applied as a business user. We'll see what happens.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:55:31: Quote from: ripster;260843
See if that Google Search button sends a scancode.

I bet it does if the OS does "stuff" when the button is pressed.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: RoboKrikit on Fri, 10 December 2010, 13:59:56: Quote from: AndrewZorn;260825
...

OH MAN HERE IT IS (IN ALL CAPS TO DEMONSTRATE MY ENTHUSIASM)

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4480/img0036sul.jpg

EVEN WINDOWS CANNOT FIGURE THIS OUT
THIS IS THE GREATEST OS EVER NOW
PERIOD
THE END

Sweet.

That is actually doable out of the box in OS X also. Just sayin'.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:00:46: Quote from: ripster;260854
There isn't an App for That?

I guess my AAPL stock is safe.

Speaking of that, the "apps" are laughable. I was expecting something like the Android market. In actuality, it's just a list of bookmarks that takes you to places like Google Maps, Google Docs, Youtube, etc...

Hilarious.

EDIT okay not all of them are like this.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: PikachuDX on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:02:07: }3#[ko]1bBT_s[0NtaKLx+$X;Yr&4i'TzNL^Xfy+U[b9Ai(%,,
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:03:18: Quote from: PikachuDX;260865
Do you have to send it back or anything once you're done testing it?

Silly question, I know.

No.

At least, I didn't even bother investigating too much to assume Google doesn't want peoples' nasty used crap.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:04:29: It seems like the notebook, while not "cheap" per se, was designed with very low cost in mind for "permanent loan."
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: PikachuDX on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:05:01: }3#[ko]1bBT_s[0NtaKLx+$X;Yr&4i'TzNL^Xfy+U[b9Ai(%,,
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:11:54: I was getting ready to rant about the inclusion of a Refresh key without having PageUp/Dn. Alt+Up/Dn is PageUp/Dn.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:35:03: I'm not sure how much this would cost if it were produced just like this.

I can only hope the screen and VGA port are not final. The screen is really bad. Workable for the basic stuff, but the viewing angle is so bad that the colors are badly distorted unless your eyes are directly in front of the particular SECTION of the screen you wish to assess.

It's like the pink/blue corners on a large monitor, but on a 12" screen, and more prevalent.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:39:57: Quote
Thanks for submitting your application! This page confirms that we've received your application, and we're looking forward to reading it. We'll contact you if you've been selected!

I submitted anyway.

Anyone notice the "explain why you deserve this" box seems geared toward the twitter user base?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: PikachuDX on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:42:19: 7#YD7TujQCLU}2}L'OxyBy6tayK!AV'.hj3p(d{hQXt7~{_agm
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Fri, 10 December 2010, 14:58:13: Just filled out the app myself.

Where is the poll so we can track how prolific the geekhack user base is at convincing Google of their worthiness? :)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 10 December 2010, 15:28:30: son of a *****

;)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Fri, 10 December 2010, 16:24:02: So, what are the specs?? CPU, ram, hdd??
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Fri, 10 December 2010, 17:21:36: This (http://notebooks.com/2010/12/10/google-chrome-notebook-unboxing-video/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=google-chrome-notebook-unboxing-video) unboxing video sucks. I couldn't even watch the whole thing. How many times does this guy gotta say, "very simple"?

Annoying.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 17:25:53: They seem to be trying pretty hard to hide the actual specifications.

Honestly, they should be.
People would see something like 1.2ghz Atom, 2gb SSD, 512mb RAM and start whining. But really these specs are not quite comparable to a Windows-based netbook, as the overhead is far less and this thing is pretty much JUST for internet.

I'm disappointed about Robot Unicorn Attack, though. Like I said, my phone comes pretty close to the smoothness of this, and I was pretty disappointed with my phone, even compared to other phones.

I'm starting to have the feeling all this is intended. If the final product is $150 just as is, this would sell like crazy, and be a deal. If they make the screen better, enhance the speed, etc it will cost as much as a normal netbook (which would still be great, just different).

It would be nice to see a super version of this. Better specs/screen/etc if some more was allowed in the OS. The form factor of the computer itself is PERFECT for me. It's like a cheap and even more compact Macbook.

Oh, and battery life is looking as-advertised (or better) too. Right now it is reporting 83% with ~8hrs remaining, and this is after ~2hrs of web browsing with streaming music.

I didn't realize the significance of the "standby time" until I actually put it to sleep. Nothing like Windows (which I've always had Sleep/Hibernate disabled on). Close the lid, it's in sleep. Open it, and it will take longer to get your hands back on the home row than it takes to be ready.

I just need to find a way to swap \ and Backspace.

Found the terminal, Ctrl-Alt-T. Normal Linux commands don't work, unfortunately. The lack of a file manager is starting to get old.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:17:51: yeah I already have a dog-ass slow atom based netbook, and that's with it being a pretty custom arch install. I LOVE free though ...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:24:55: I've found on the internet: 1.5ghz N550 Atom, 8gb SSD (though I've heard 16gb, too).

There's already a wiki for how to unlock it. Time to get to work.

Also, they're selling for $500 on Ebay.

Track the ones in your city:
http://addicted-gamer.com/cr48-tracker/
I have no idea where this came from or how it works, but if you live somewhere really obscure, it might be worth a look.
According to this, I was the first one in my city (~70k population) with one.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:25:42: All of my envy.

I just called UPS and got the tracking results- delivered and not to my address. None from today's batch are even going to my town. Sigh.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: isp on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:26:05: :doh:
Sure seems like a step backward to me. I'm guessing these things will be in the graveyard with PDAs and pagers in a few years. I am curious what the display's resolution is though.

On the other hand, free is a really good price so I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:30:11: It's not intended to be a replacement for every computer you own.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Keymonger on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:31:31: Quote from: ripster;260810
ARSteknica first looks here (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/reviews/2010/12/google-chrome-notebook-c48-unboxing-first-impressions.ars).

Quote
The bad

I didn't realize how often I use the caps lock key until I tried to have an IM conversation on the Cr-48. As I was trying to type, the browser would suddenly spawn a new tab, seemingly at random. I thought the software was broken until I realized what was happening: I was hitting caps lock to type acronyms of two or more letters. This was so ingrained that I didn't even realize that I was doing it. Fortunately, there's a Settings option that lets you get the caps lock key back. Whew! I thought I wasn't going to be able to use this laptop.

Seriously?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:40:29: If I wasn't so used to Control on HHKB, I would actually like the Search key, I've decided. I'm making a conscious effort to use it in its new location (normal control).

It's labelled Search, but really it acts like "New Tab" in Chrome, which, when your OS is nothing BUT Chrome, is a very handy key to have.

So it's not all dumb.

But yeah, I saw the comment too, and can't remember the last time I intended to use Caps Lock.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: msiegel on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:43:01: XD

caps lock:
because you always gotta type WTF... O_O OMG LOL!! AFK BRB
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 18:44:30: Quote from: isp;261025
:doh:
Sure seems like a step backward to me. I'm guessing these things will be in the graveyard with PDAs and pagers in a few years. I am curious what the display's resolution is though.

On the other hand, free is a really good price so I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I have determined the resolution to be 1280x800, thanks for giving me the idea to check. It's amazing how much conflicting information there is on this thing.

You're thinking about it the wrong way though. If this was priced the same as a netbook... which is a great thing right now... you trade off overall versatility for some awesome hardware/software innovation and simplicity. It isn't that fast, my new phone provides much of the same experience this does. But I would not use my phone, even with hardware keyboard, to type much more than a paragraph.

This thing is going to be awesome for school next semester. And because of the way Google Docs works, I will never lose something I typed. I know I can do that on any computer, but the way it's just 'there' (and the only way to do it) on this is really reassuring. I mean, no more running flash drives around or emailing myself documents. I made it in Google Docs, it stays there.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 19:44:17: Well, at this point I'm sure I'm not getting one. Google's selection seems arbitrary, either that or they already have sentient AI.

Congrats Andrew, keep us appraised of your thoughts!
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 19:55:49: Don't totally abandon hope, I've heard:
- They are making 60,000 of these
- They aren't giving away all of them in the first wave

I know it's free publicity and free software testers, but GIVING AWAY computers, wow.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 19:58:14: Google TV has largely fallen flat because it didn't have any real user testing.

Promotion + getting it in the hands of thee people who will spread the word and improve it = a hell of a smart investment. Everything the OS does gets people to use Google services! It's ingenious. If it gains traction Google has a ton to gain.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: CodeChef on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:08:51: OH MY GOD THERE'S ONE COMING TO MY TOWN OH MY GOD IT MIGHT BE ME!!!

If you get one of these do you get to keep it?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:17:56: Google's terms on the application form mention nothing about returning it but do say that you agree to not transfer ownership of the device without permission of Google.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:25:53: Andrew, if I may pose one question to you...

What shipping method was used? Not just the carrier, but the specific level of service (UPS Same Day, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Two Day, FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, etc.)?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:26:30: Quote from: CodeChef;261070
If you get one of these do you get to keep it?
I'm surprised how much this is asked. What is Google going to ship them all back, clean them up, and sell them?

No, it is yours if you get one.

Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;261076
Andrew, if I may pose one question to you...

What shipping method was used? Not just the carrier, but the specific level of service (UPS Same Day, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Two Day, FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, etc.)?
UPS Next Day for me, but as the tracking link I sent earlier showed, they are moving toward UPS Ground now it looks like.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:27:01: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;261076
Andrew, if I may pose one question to you...

What shipping method was used? Not just the carrier, but the specific level of service (UPS Same Day, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Two Day, FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, etc.)?

UPS Next Day for me, but as the tracking link I sent earlier showed, they are moving toward UPS Ground now it looks like.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:28:15: I really hope I get selected :O

I would use it so much...

My handwriting is so bad I learned LaTeX. My stat prof let me type out all my tests on my computer.

EDIT: No new results on the tracker for my town... :|
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Daniel Beaver on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:34:16: Too bad the search and Ctrl key are not the same. Otherwise, I would swap the keycaps. I have gotten very used to using Caps Lock as Ctrl, but I do like the concept of a dedicated search key.

I submitted an application. Maybe I'll get one. I love the look of the hardware, if nothing else.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 10 December 2010, 20:58:35: How do you see where they're being shipped to?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: godly_music on Fri, 10 December 2010, 23:01:08: Blah.. us Europeans get shafted.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Asherz on Sat, 11 December 2010, 03:48:26: Looks like a great laptop, great hardware. But I'm not gonna lie I would try and put win7/hackintosh on just because chrome OS would be next to no use to me, all the online programs look really half arsed and couldn't be used for anything more than just actual web browsing really, fine if that's all you wanna do but it just feels like they arn't using the laptop and the potential sales just on design alone to it's full potential. They're appealing to a niche market with a world wide appealing design.

It seems silly for them not to be actually ever selling these laptops, as I understand they're just releasing the software to companies like HP, Acer etc. Let's be honest most people are more interested in the laptop them selves then the actual OS.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 11 December 2010, 07:45:24: Quote from: Asherz;261211
Looks like a great laptop, great hardware. But I'm not gonna lie I would try and put win7/hackintosh on just because chrome OS would be next to no use to me, all the online programs look really half arsed and couldn't be used for anything more than just actual web browsing really, fine if that's all you wanna do but it just feels like they arn't using the laptop and the potential sales just on design alone to it's full potential. They're appealing to a niche market with a world wide appealing design.

It seems silly for them not to be actually ever selling these laptops, as I understand they're just releasing the software to companies like HP, Acer etc. Let's be honest most people are more interested in the laptop them selves then the actual OS.

I think it would be more difficult than you expect, the reason these are so revolutionary is the way they change bootup. Google pretty much got rid of all the normal BIOS stuff that Windows would rely on. It would take a LOT of work to get a normal OS on here. And then you'd need drivers for hardware that is also custom.

I am surprised they didn't sell THESE laptops. They could have put a $100-200 price tag on them and still had a ton of beta testers.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 11 December 2010, 08:41:27: Aren't they ARM based?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 11 December 2010, 08:52:28: No, that was the initial rumor. It is confirmed that they use some type of Atom.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 11 December 2010, 08:57:53: Well, that's kinda stupid.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 11 December 2010, 09:18:12: Did I miss some controversy? Is an Atom a bad thing? I think Atom's speed is universally preferred to current ARM stuff, I believe they are working on getting them in phones now.

I had the same card in my box. But I did not get the sticker that some got.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 11 December 2010, 09:33:33: I'm not sure just how fast Atom is compared with some of the latest ARM designs. Certainly consumes a lot more power though.

As far as I can tell, the popularity of the Atom is due to its ability to run standard versions of Windows, and general aggressive marketing by Intel. On its own technical merits, it's pretty meh.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 11 December 2010, 18:07:37: I've heard that cell-phones' processors are evolving faster than ones for netbooks (such as the Atom).
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 11 December 2010, 18:15:20: Evolving faster, sure, but the compact/low-power stuff like ARM is still not as fast.

I'm about to run out of battery, for the first time. Well over 8hrs, but I cannot tell exactly how many. I've been playing with it for two days straight. I know I can't do everything with this computer, but over these days, I think I'd have used my laptop for the exact same tasks.

Having hated and disabled sleep states for as long as I can remember, I must say this Sleep is one of my favorite features. It's flawless so far and wakes up in a second. I feel like I'm in a commercial: I can just shut the lid and go, and when I'm ready to work again, I just open the lid and continue. It really is that nice.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: CodeChef on Sat, 11 December 2010, 21:28:13: Man, if that Chrome OS notebook goes to one of my friends and not to me, I am going to be SUPER pissed.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sat, 11 December 2010, 21:34:11: Atom delivers the performance of a 486DX with the power consumption of a Celeron E1500. Clearly the greatest technological advance since the lead filled flotation device.

AMD's Zacate and Bobcat chips are looking promising, same power envelope as Atom but performance more akin to what you'd see in a current 65W package.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 11 December 2010, 21:52:09: Quote from: ripster;261561
Yeah, well. If you have ever tried any of these internet tablets you might not be so pissed.

Dog slow.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/S_5IHGcf5II/AAAAAAABSjk/9PsNThMctCM/s1600/Haters_Gonna_Hate_03.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/S_5InvJ3SXI/AAAAAAABSj8/Rklasy6334Q/s1600/Haters_Gonna_Hate_29.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/S_5H970L7yI/AAAAAAABSjc/_RxQvP7vu3g/s1600/Haters_Gonna_Hate_04.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/S_5H2x9mlNI/AAAAAAABSi8/H2tIl3MOmQQ/s1600/Haters_Gonna_Hate_08.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/S_5HhFXBHoI/AAAAAAABShc/8uCGfVfedBU/s1600/Haters_Gonna_Hate_20.jpg)

(http://corruptcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/haters-gonna-hate-pink-suit-black-dude.jpg)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 11 December 2010, 22:34:51: Intel is giving the atom way too much attention.

Why would anyone want to torment themselves with a small netbook or a low-power using gutless CPU?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 12 December 2010, 01:53:46: Quote
Evolving faster, sure, but the compact/low-power stuff like ARM is still not as fast.

Things like the Tegra 2 seem to be kicking the Atom's ass if some of the comparisons I've seen out there are to be believed, and yet manage to consume less power than the Atom even though they have a GPU built in. So I'm going to stick to my belief that the Atom is a stupid design.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Sun, 12 December 2010, 05:26:37: If the google notebook is providing real-world 8+ hours of usage, I think they have got something right. I wouldn't be surprised if they have some sort of deal with Intel regarding these notebooks... (not that I have any inside information). ;)

How has the performance been? Are they stumbling on full-screen HD flash video? They don't need to be latest/greatest...they simply need to be sufficient at providing the in-the-cloud experience.

Has any tried things such as webex, JVM content (I have several web apps that require Java 6)?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: WhiteRice on Sun, 12 December 2010, 06:11:54: Quote from: ripster;261643

Show Image
(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6anippr7A1qzgimro1_500.jpg)

Flawless victory
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sun, 12 December 2010, 07:56:56: Quote from: iMav;261635
If the google notebook is providing real-world 8+ hours of usage, I think they have got something right. I wouldn't be surprised if they have some sort of deal with Intel regarding these notebooks... (not that I have any inside information). ;)

How has the performance been? Are they stumbling on full-screen HD flash video? They don't need to be latest/greatest...they simply need to be sufficient at providing the in-the-cloud experience.

Has any tried things such as webex, JVM content (I have several web apps that require Java 6)?
I haven't tried the stuff you've mentioned. I have fullscreened a YouTube video but that's it. I could not play the flash game Robot Unicorn Attack smoothly, but they also say Flash performance is abnormally poor and they are working on it.

Quote from: ripster;261643
Well, this was a ViewSonicG tablet I tried yesterday at some Office Depot with 1.6 Ghz N455 Atom and Android 2.2.

Just saying, this better be better than that user experience.
Probably not too far away, but it's hard to say. My phone has Android 2.2. As little as I'd like to admit it, it does have some lag here and there, browsing the internet is "dog slow" at least when compared to a 'computer'. Flash video is nearly impossible unless it's within a dedicated program like YouTube.

The notebook, on the other hand, has almost never slowed down for me. Pages seems to load just about as fast as they do on my desktop, but tons of images (like in this thread) make scrolling a little slower.

Totally different goals though. My phone, honestly, does more and is way cooler to try to mod and get neat interfaces and such. My Chrome laptop, on the other hand, does one thing very very well... web browse. I'm not saying it is the best device to render pages instantaneously, but it is an excellent device to actually use to access the internet, thanks to its simplicity, insane battery life, portability, and theoretical inability to get a virus (oh man I'm turning into a Mac person now? but then again there is more to this than what Mac claims).

I'm still having a hard time with no file system, something I'm only wanting to use because I need to read a huge PDF (that I've saved) all the time. As much as they want to keep it simple, they really need to open this up a bit. I still haven't hesitated to make this my primary laptop. I don't know why I'm not using it right now on the couch instead of typing on my desktop.

As nice as the finish feels, it shows every fingerprint. Stuff that wouldn't normally cause a scratch seems to leave a blemish, I'm not sure if these will ever buff out. It's okay though, I've already told myself I'm not going to baby this laptop... it's going everywhere with me, with no case.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: woody on Mon, 13 December 2010, 05:50:41: Are the mouse and the spinning wheel on the box kind of a message?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: CodeChef on Mon, 13 December 2010, 08:21:10: Quote from: woody;262142
Are the mouse and the spinning wheel on the box kind of a message?

Yep, the retail version will ship with a live mouse in every box.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 13 December 2010, 08:23:20: I put my application in on Friday. Supposedly, I am testing for work, but we'll see. I think I might, anyway, but I am a little more interested in something I can **** around with at the house.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: Uncle Grandpa on Mon, 13 December 2010, 22:02:43: Looks like a tidy piece of hardware. If this particular model goes to retail, I'll definitely consider getting one. Beats the hell out of my 16" Asus and its stunning 2 hour battery life for lightweight browsing/emailing activities.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:07:48: I've been using that tracking site, but they haven't shipped anything out (according to the site, anyway) since Friday. I hope I get one. I need something with a bigger screen than my phone for porn. This will be perfect since it opens right to a browser.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:11:07: I wonder what criteria is used to track that info? Perhaps the specifics have changed (originating address, carrier, etc)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:14:29: That's what I'm thinking. No biggie. If I don't get one by the end of the week, I'll re-apply as a different type of user. It is kind of weird that they can track mass packages like that. I guess they have a contact at Google.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:39:23: The tracker site is confirmed to no longer be valid. It was using the reference number on the shipping label, which Google has changed/randomized/eliminated.

The bad news is that the distribution is supposedly based on ZIP code. Some people have successfully received more than one, and some can't get any because others in their ZIP have already received some.

EDIT so there is a fan inside.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:45:48: There were none shipped to my zip code (according to the tracker). But I am in a small town....several have been shipped to surrounding communities. I guess it depends on how intelligently they are using the zip code info.

Has anyone used google wave with one yet? (which still has not been killed off). That is a bit of a resource hog.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:51:16: Wave takes a moment to load, but is usable after it's done with that.

Having lots of tabs open does slow performance. I probably only notice this because I'm used to going to Fark and opening 20 stories and 20 comments pages in new tabs.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Tue, 14 December 2010, 15:54:53: I would assume even the most casual user is going to have several tabs open.

I'm still waiting for the tear down video. Somebody's gotta be posting one of those soon. :)

EDIT: Aha! (http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/google-cr-48-laptop-torn-down-and-destroyed-in-one-unlucky-day/&category=classic&postPage=1)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 15 December 2010, 06:57:32: It sucks that the tracker no longer works. Oh well. I might have to re-apply.

EDIT: Just checked the tracker, and it seems that they were able to fix it. There are nine more coming to my area, but the zip code is no longer available in the tracker's results, so I have no idea if any are coming specifically to my zip.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 15 December 2010, 07:09:57: Quote from: ripster;261561
Yeah, well. If you have ever tried any of these internet tablets you might not be so pissed....Dog slow.

Was your Fujitsu dog slow? (not scarcasm)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: iMav on Wed, 15 December 2010, 07:26:04: Quote from: itlnstln;263397
Just checked the tracker, and it seems that they were able to fix it. There are nine more coming to my area, but the zip code is no longer available in the tracker's results, so I have no idea if any are coming specifically to my zip.

None have yet been shipped to my zip code (or city even).
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 15 December 2010, 07:52:24: Completely OT, but did you guys get dumped on during the snow storms last weekend? I'm heading up to Chicago next Wednesday. I hope nothing happens with our flights. Since we're flying into Midway, we might get shot on the way to my GF's parent's house, but I hope we can at least get there.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 15 December 2010, 07:58:25: I hear ya. Low 70's all week here.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Thu, 16 December 2010, 08:58:24: I finally flipped the developer switch last night. That gives me terminal access, including a file system and SSH.

Still no text editor, though.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 17 December 2010, 22:45:45: This thing doesn't have a microphone port, only headphones...
No trackpoint, crap.

Watered-down, cheap, and only useful for mindless tasks. Okay maybe that's a little harsh. But being spoiled with *real* equipment, this looks so trivial.

Oh and a HORRIBLE chiclet keyboard, YUCK. I guess if you're into PCjrs...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 17 December 2010, 23:11:12: Well, sounds like a Lenovo at several times the cost (or of infinitely higher cost?) running Windows may just be the only option for you.

Totally different target use.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: EverythingIBM on Fri, 17 December 2010, 23:23:34: Quote from: AndrewZorn;265036
Well, sounds like a Lenovo at several times the cost (or of infinitely higher cost?) running Windows may just be the only option for you.

Totally different target use.

Actually, windows 7 is giving me a lot of problems with my audio hardware (it's really a big mess: FL Studio is awesome, but delphi really screwed them over due to no 64-bit support).
OSX and Linux don't support a lot of my software... and I'd need them to be compatible with my audiphile 2496 MIDI card... oh my.

Lenovo is actually starting to use chiclet keys as well. You'll notice how they're slowly progressing away from IBM designs. It's almost like a weird tactic to get ex-IBM users into buying typical PC stuff (with the glossy plastic and finish).
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Sat, 12 February 2011, 12:14:58: Anyone else get 600 emails from chrome-notebook-pilot-users@googlegroups.com this morning?

I applied but haven't received one, then I start getting a ton of emails from that group.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: steeef on Sat, 12 February 2011, 16:08:23: Yup, me too. Looks like they removed all posts and disabled it.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Sat, 12 February 2011, 21:21:32: There goes the surprise, apparently I'm going to get one :high5:
(http://i.min.us/ijjOim.png)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sun, 13 February 2011, 00:27:27: Unless you're going to hear, "sorry noob, you don't get this tight lappy!!!!11"

EDIT and as an update, I still use this (but not exclusively as my laptop anymore, as I need MATLAB...) but/and the finish is wearing off at the corners. The rubberized feeling is just a coating on gloss plastic. Lots of reports of it quickly tearing at the corners. Oh well, the hardware isn't the point... although it's my favorite part.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Sun, 13 February 2011, 14:59:34: Well, unless they're accepting people into the pilot program now without giving them laptops, that (thankfully) won't be the case.

(http://i.min.us/il9WPU.png)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 13 February 2011, 17:51:59: Quote from: EverythingIBM;265039
Actually, windows 7 is giving me a lot of problems with my audio hardware (it's really a big mess: FL Studio is awesome, but delphi really screwed them over due to no 64-bit support).
OSX and Linux don't support a lot of my software... and I'd need them to be compatible with my audiphile 2496 MIDI card... oh my.

Lenovo is actually starting to use chiclet keys as well. You'll notice how they're slowly progressing away from IBM designs. It's almost like a weird tactic to get ex-IBM users into buying typical PC stuff (with the glossy plastic and finish).

Linux has good support for M-Audio cards the last I checked, and there is plenty of decent audio software available for it.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: godly_music on Mon, 14 February 2011, 04:08:20: But if you use Linux, kiss audio hardware acceleration goodbye.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 14 February 2011, 13:26:07: Quote from: ch_123;294543
Linux has good support for M-Audio cards the last I checked, and there is plenty of decent audio software available for it.

But Microsoft Windows has better support for sound cards than Linux, and over ten times the decent audio software available.

That doesn't mean that Linux is useless, as it's got its applications, but I'd say that Microsoft Windows is good for audio.

In terms of usefulness across all computing, I'd put Windows first, then Linux close behind it, and then way far back would be Mac.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: .XL on Mon, 14 February 2011, 13:38:28: Quote from: microsoft windows;294910

In terms of usefulness across all computing, I'd put Windows first, then Linux close behind it, and then way far back would be Mac.

2 years ago I'd be totally in agreement with you...I used to hate macs and their uselessness (business student in college...need citrix and 'windows only' programs for almost every class). When I was looking for a new laptop last Nov (09) I started thinking about a Macbook Pro. I ended up getting one (the aesthetics factored into it, I'm definitely shallow when it comes to computers :wink:) and found that nearly every big-business program is Mac-compatible now.

I use Citrix for everything now, don't need to touch the computer lab. Love it. And coming from someone who has used Windows all his life, dabbling in Linux for a year (Windows was pissing me off, so I threw Linux Mint on my laptop that was about to die), I really like OS X. The simplicity yet underlying complexity are great. A friend of mine's boss knows OS X like the back of his hand...runs almost everything through terminal. He's customized the whole GUI and everything, it looks fantastic. And best of all, it's light, too. It takes up some 8gb on his hard drive.

This leads me to my next point...ripster's on it 100%. Keep everything local, it's the best way to save your data. I know that the hard drive in my computer and the two externals I keep for backups have a failure rate a million times higher than Google's server, but it's still nice to keep everything local. I DO, however, have all class assignments on Google Docs, too. This way when I switch computers I can keep them all (I'm what you would call and 'open source' student :wink:) and give them to friends that are taking those classes.

I put in a personal request and a business request for the Google Notebook, but didn't get it. Had a friend who does a lot of computing that was hoping to use it as his daily computer...didn't like it, wanted to sell it to me, but after much thought I figured 'it's a nice concept, just not quite ready for the real world yet.'

I still stand by that. I feel the Google Notebook is good if you spend all of your days sitting on Facebook/Twitter, using Google Docs for productivity, and playing browser games...but I want to use my own programs and customize the computer. Plus, I get a lot of programs to fool around with from a bay that contains many pirates, and I couldn't do that with the notebook. (Disclaimer: if I like the program and it's reasonably priced, I WILL buy it. Rarely happens though, as I'm usually just messing around with it to see what it's all about)

/rant
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: .XL on Mon, 14 February 2011, 13:53:49: Quote from: ripster;294933
MW actually likes Apple a lot.

I took this picture of his desk.

Not included in photo: 15 crts, 8 computers as old as my brother, 20 vintage mice, and 2700 miles of cable keeping it all together.

I bet he has a $5000 rig in it's own room, he just doesn't want to show us :wink: ...and it's probably got 8 screens and an Optimus Maximus.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 15 February 2011, 19:17:48: Quote from: Google Overlords
Hi (muchadoaboutnothing),

We saw your post in the Chrome Notebook Pilot forum (https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/chrome-notebook-pilot) about not receiving your Cr-48 and wanted to confirm you were accepted into our Pilot program. However, our records indicate that your Chrome Notebook has not been shipped.

Please confirm your shipping address (in the format below) so our team can deliver your Cr-48.

First Name
Last Name
Address (including apartment number, suite, etc.)
City
State
Zip
Country

Regards,

(Friendly neighborhood Google Employee)
The Chrome Notebook Ninja Team

ref: (longstringofnumbersandletters)

Looks like Google didn't reject me after all...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: turbocharged on Tue, 15 February 2011, 23:49:15: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;295758
Looks like Google didn't reject me after all...

How long did you wait before posting that in there forums?

How do they decide who gets any way?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 16 February 2011, 08:51:35: Quote from: turbocharged;295881
How long did you wait before posting that in there forums?

How do they decide who gets any way?

I posted there about 12 hours after I got my spam apology letter and they gave me a reply a couple days later.

Selection is largely pretty arbitrary, although I did go through the trouble to write an actual letter to Google that was snail mailed. I think that may have helped.

Or I could have been selected initially and missed shipping for reasons unknown. Who knows?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: EverythingIBM on Wed, 16 February 2011, 09:58:44: Quote from: godly_music;294751
But if you use Linux, kiss audio hardware acceleration goodbye.

Quote from: ch_123;294543
Linux has good support for M-Audio cards the last I checked, and there is plenty of decent audio software available for it.

It would be fantastic to use linux or something good for an audio rig (my views on windows were never really positive; but it's just what's supported the most). Funny how the bad always overrules the good.
But yeah, FL wouldn't work in it sadly... and other issues. Stuck with XP I'm afraid.
I'm not changing my VST host, as, that would require resequencing all the music to another sequencer. Either that, or, I'd be dealing with two VST hosts... and that's just ugly.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: turbocharged on Wed, 16 February 2011, 10:52:07: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;296045
I posted there about 12 hours after I got my spam apology letter and they gave me a reply a couple days later.

Selection is largely pretty arbitrary, although I did go through the trouble to write an actual letter to Google that was snail mailed. I think that may have helped.

Or I could have been selected initially and missed shipping for reasons unknown. Who knows?

What apology letter and how long after applying did you receive that?

I applied last week and am just curious as to what their timeline is.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 16 February 2011, 13:19:42: Quote from: turbocharged;296125
What apology letter
For getting spammed Saturday morning at 2:30am by Google Groups (Notebook pilot group google auto-added every approved pilot user too; however, a number of people getting them in the past few days confirmed that they weren't on the email flood list. If you got the email flood, it's a good sign, but if you didn't, it isn't necessarily a bad one.)

Quote from: turbocharged;296125
and how long after applying did you receive that?
About....2 and a half months? I applied in December on the first day.

Quote from: turbocharged;296125
I applied last week and am just curious as to what their timeline is.
Fairly arbitrary. Some people got them on Valentine's Day after applying on 2/7 (shipped out day of app), and some people that applied in December are getting emailed about it and asked to confirm shipping info. Nice and unpredictable.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 16 February 2011, 17:45:03: Quote from: EverythingIBM;296082
It would be fantastic to use linux or something good for an audio rig (my views on windows were never really positive; but it's just what's supported the most). Funny how the bad always overrules the good.
But yeah, FL wouldn't work in it sadly... and other issues. Stuck with XP I'm afraid.
I'm not changing my VST host, as, that would require resequencing all the music to another sequencer. Either that, or, I'd be dealing with two VST hosts... and that's just ugly.

I admit I'm not an expert with audio stuff. I do know that a friend of mine has an M-Audio in his (Linux) PC, and picked it specifically because of M-Audio's support for Linux. I know people who make music with Linux tools. Then again, they may not have the same requirements as you. YMMV.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: AndrewZorn on Wed, 16 February 2011, 18:13:26: Quote from: ripster;296129
I can EASILY summarize the buzz around the Google Chrome Notebook:

It's Free!

Kinda like why you should always suspect Keyboard reviews from a blogger or creator of a new Keyboard Forum.

I can EASILY summarize your attitude toward the Google Chrome Notebook:

You didn't get one.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 17 February 2011, 09:43:54: Quote from: ripster;296129
I can EASILY summarize the buzz around the Google Chrome Notebook:

It's Free!

(http://i.imgur.com/4ySlS.jpg)

I'm aware of the hype, but you can install whatever OS you want on it.

Something is definitely a hell of a lot more appealing when its free. For nerds, its also not available for purchase- the terms prevent you from selling/trading the laptop away, and you can't buy the Cr-48, you have to be picked.

It's also beta testing (real beta testing from what I'm reading, not the bull**** where everything gets tagged with beta these days), which nerds love doing too.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 11 March 2011, 13:06:59: Sorry for the thread bump.

(http://i.imgur.com/PEo3u.jpg)

I got my new toy in the end after all :biggrin:
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 11 March 2011, 15:31:09: lucky
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: godly_music on Fri, 11 March 2011, 17:59:53: Tape is still the most secure form of backup.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 11 March 2011, 20:50:44: Quote from: godly_music;310139
Tape is still the most secure form of backup.

I can assure you, after dealing with approximately 150 various tape backup systems in the past four years, that this may be true in THEORY, but in practice, it is another story. In this case, that just tells you how bad google ****ed up, because you can be reasonably sure tapes are not their primary backup system.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 18 March 2011, 18:39:36: Quote from: ripster;313334
Somebody run a Geekbench on the CR48! (http://browse.geekbench.ca/) I looked it up in the database and didn't find anything.

And try this trick to see what size the keyboard is. A 92% keyboard is about my limit before I start whining heavily.

From the "All About Scissor Switch Wiki (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=All+About+Scissor+Switches&redirect=no)".
Show Image
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5535260566_9fc9579392_z.jpg)

I'll run Geekbench and take a picture for you in a couple minutes. Hold on.

EDIT: I can't get Geekbench working, but I'll take the picture in a bit.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Sat, 19 March 2011, 11:01:30: Muchado: Why wont Geekbench run? if you gimme a shell, I can help (chromeOS is a linux OS, correct?)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 21 March 2011, 13:17:53: When these laptops, in their final form, become generally available for a price, though, will they be terribly useful? Despite Chrome being "more open", they'll be tied to an app store a lot like the iPad is.

So, instead of paying up front for the OS, you're paying every time you buy an application. I can't see that as a step up from Windows.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: strum4h on Mon, 21 March 2011, 13:28:08: I just wanted a free one to run crunchbang on. Oh well.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 01:16:03: Quote from: instantkamera;314361
Muchado: Why wont Geekbench run? if you gimme a shell, I can help (chromeOS is a linux OS, correct?)

Chrome OS is derived from Ubuntu (I think; I can tell you it's linux for sure), and I CAN get a real shell instead of crosh in developer mode (which I'm in). It's complaining about the architecture, which I assume is a show of my ineptitude. I tried running both the x86 and the x86-64 editions of Geekbench and got the same error.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 23 March 2011, 07:01:09: care to copy/paste error?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 17:52:20: Quote from: instantkamera;316630
care to copy/paste error?

I'll do that and ripsters' paper thing in a little bit.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:30:42: Alright Linux gurus, time to make fun of my lack of knowledge.

(http://i.imgur.com/bl7OU.png)

Advice appreciated. chmod to 755 was suggested on a lot of geekbench troubleshooting online.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:34:00: try sudo ./geekbench_x86_32

Also, you should only try the one your system can handle. Is your system 32 bit or 64 bit?
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:38:59: No idea what the system is. uname -a says:
Code: [Select]
Linux localhost 2.6.32.26+drm33.12 #1 SMP Thu MAr 17 00:39:39 PDT 2011 i686 Intel(R) Atom(TM) CPU N455 @ 1.66GHz GenuineIntel GNU/Linux
That part is 64-bit capable according to Intel and I have no idea what is under the hood with Chrome OS architecture wise.

sudo ./geekbench_x86_32 does nothing:
(http://i.imgur.com/g3hrA.png)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:42:22: Images for rip.

(http://i.imgur.com/iZuLc.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/JSaPH.jpg)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:42:40: From the Chrome Laptop website (http://www.google.com/chromeos/pilot-program.html)...

Quote
The Pilot program is not for the faint of heart.
Things might not always work just right.

:D
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:44:13: Quote from: keyboardlover;317192
From the Chrome Laptop website (http://www.google.com/chromeos/pilot-program.html)...

:D

That's what I figure. I wonder if there's some sort of library missing...

Not for the faint of heart indeed. Volume control broke for a week. WPA2 Enterprise support is just coming in (unless you make and run a bash script after every boot with your password & username in plaintext on the drive and have no cert validation to prevent a MiTM...)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:45:23: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;317189

sudo ./geekbench_x86_32 does nothing

WTF kind of **** Linux IS that?? :D

Maybe you have to actually compile it in Chrome OS? I'm guessing there's no binary already built for it...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Wed, 23 March 2011, 18:48:35: Quote from: keyboardlover;317195
WTF kind of **** Linux IS that?? :D

I'm wondering what exactly Google did under the hood. Shame it won't run.

Meh, maybe I'll dual boot Ubuntu (official instructions for that) or something else on the machine...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: woody on Thu, 24 March 2011, 04:05:00: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;317184
Advice appreciated. chmod to 755 was suggested on a lot of geekbench troubleshooting online.

Probably the partition (mount point) you're running it from has "noexec" attribute.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 08:14:11: who are user and group "500", and who are you logged in as currently? (hash "#" USUALLY means root). can you chown those to your user?

As for some of the other comments:

- you are using 32bit architecture (i686)

- these ARE prebuilt binaries

- I doubt noexec, but lets see the output of "cat /etc/fstab"
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 24 March 2011, 08:35:27: Quote from: instantkamera

- these ARE prebuilt binaries

Yea but are they built specifically for the Chrome OS? Could be a compatibility issue.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 08:54:35: Quote from: keyboardlover;317586
Yea but are they built specifically for the Chrome OS? Could be a compatibility issue.

no, unfortunately geekbench doesnt release source, it's proprietary (they want you to pay to use the 64bit binaries) :(

as for compatibility, I know they TRY to cater to the lowest common denominator, c std libraries etc, but yeah it's a possibility.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 24 March 2011, 09:20:12: I think it's a good possibility as C standard libraries are very limited. Most of the apps I've built in Linux had a LOT of other dependencies. Setting up Linux build environments can be a pain.

(Or any build environment for that matter really).
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 09:39:56: Quote from: instantkamera;317576
who are user and group "500", and who are you logged in as currently? (hash "#" USUALLY means root). can you chown those to your user?

As for some of the other comments:

- you are using 32bit architecture (i686)

- these ARE prebuilt binaries

- I doubt noexec, but lets see the output of "cat /etc/fstab"

I did CTRL + ALT + T for terminal. That brings you to crosh, a very limited shell. I typed shell, which brought me to a "true" shell, then sudo -s. So that is root, correct?

EDIT: I've pitched this question to Primatelabs (http://getsatisfaction.com/primatelabs/topics/geekbench_wont_run_on_chrome_os_in_developer_mode_from_terminal) but I'd appreciate any advice or insight here still.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 10:55:37: Questions:

1) what is "shell"? 'ls -l `which shell`' <- This is probably tell us that 'shell' is '/bin/shell' which is likely a symlink to sh or bash or dash ...

2) these binaries (the geekbench ones) dont need to be run as root, dont use sudo. I would like to know what your username is by default. run 'w' or 'whoami' and paste results here.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 12:24:45: **** it, I got a build and ran it through vbox. It IS a noexec option, but it is probably NOT specified via fstab (i think it's a fuse thing but I havent looked close enough at that).

you will need root to remount, then it will run.

paste the output of 'mount' here and Ill tell you what to type to get it going.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 12:39:48: I'll do it in...4 hours or so. Don't have it on me.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 18:06:01: (http://i.imgur.com/5D4Gu.png)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:01:47: I figured out that shell runs bash (hence the error - "bash: ./geekbench ... permission denied.").

user chronos is the same as the build I have, methinks it is standard.

Last question is, where are the geekbench binaries (so we know which fs to remount)?

(go into the geekbench directory and type "pwd")

to elaborate, if they are in /home/chronos (NOT /home/chronos/user) type:

Code: [Select]
sudo mount -o remount,exec /homeor

if they are in /home/chronos/user, type:
Code: [Select]
sudo mount -o remount,exec /home/chronos/user
And if you are wondering, it is ok to remount by specifying "mountpoint" as opposed to "device", even if they are not in the fstab (which they are not).

after that, them binaries should run!
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:28:25: [strike]No dice. What did I do wrong now?[/strike]

EDIT: Copied to /home/chronos instead and did sudo mount -o remount,exec /home and it's now running the 32-bit edition successfully. Thanks for all your help.

EDIT 2: The result (http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view?id=386047).
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:40:33: SWEET! glad I could help. Woody was on the money, of course. But it is quite obvious when you have the system and see a relatively clean fstab vs. df.

post results url when done. EDIT: see you did already. I would say that is on par w/ atom (ie pretty dismal). anyone?

Also, thank YOU for giving me an odd toy to play with. It seems like the build I have is VERY similar in terms of functionality to what you get on the notebook.
If anyone is interested, take a gander at http://hexxeh.net/ and specifically http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/vanilla.php for the daily builds in vmware, vbox AND USB image formats.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:42:57: Quote from: instantkamera;318041
SWEET! glad I could help. Woody was on the money, of course. But it is quite obvious when you have the system and see a relatively clean fstab vs. df.

post results url when done.

Yeah, I appreciate it. Results URL is already edited in my last post ;)

Quote from: instantkamera;318041

Also, thank YOU for giving me an odd toy to play with. It seems like the build I have is VERY similar in terms of functionality to what you get on the notebook.
If anyone is interested, take a gander at http://hexxeh.net/ and specifically http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/vanilla.php for the daily builds in vmware, vbox AND USB image formats.

The only problem with the VM images is that they run so slowly... :boink:
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:45:53: Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;318046
Y

The only problem with the VM images is that they run so slowly... :boink:

depends on the hardware. Let's just say, compared to running in a VM on my system, that piddly google hardware is sorely outclassed ;)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 24 March 2011, 19:48:15: Quote from: instantkamera;318050
depends on the hardware. Let's just say, compared to running in a VM on my system, that piddly google hardware is sorely outclassed ;)

Last I tried, due to a a lack of 3D acceleration, they ran absolutely terribly (worse than on the Cr-48 on my desktop). Perhaps things have improved since then though...
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Thu, 24 March 2011, 20:00:38: nah, you right on that. graphic acceleration is a sad state in my experience. I have used vbox 3d acceleration and with video mem at max (128Mb), it still blows.

My overall gb score is only ~1900 too, though (granted, that's almost double the cr-48)...but I havent played around with virt. extensions or anything.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Tue, 29 March 2011, 20:33:45: So apparently whoever Google is getting to ship the laptops isn't great with the record keeping, as Google is offering to ship me second one thinking I didn't get the first.

My inner nerd says do it and is trying to override my morals:
(http://i.imgur.com/cTxwu.jpg)
(dark side quote, etc.)
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 28 April 2011, 11:26:14: (http://i.imgur.com/6qcV6.jpg)
(Don't expand, bad quality).

Ended up giving the second one to my brother. Thanks again to Google.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: strum4h on Fri, 29 April 2011, 16:04:01: Man I wish I got one. I really wanted one to load crunchbang on.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: The Solutor on Fri, 29 April 2011, 17:16:40: Quote
Yours WAS considerably cheaper.

keep in mind that when you turn on a Google gadget is Google that uses you, not viceversa.

Every price you pay for it is always too much.
Title: Google Chrome Notebook
Post by: instantkamera on Sun, 01 May 2011, 18:53:57: Quote from: The Solutor;339292
keep in mind that when you turn on a Google gadget is Google that uses you, not viceversa.

Every price you pay for it is always too much.

Somehow you look like the bigger tool ...