Google has unveiled what it says is the laptop “for everyone”: A new 11.6-inch entry in its cloud-based Chromebook lineup that goes for just $249.
The barebones new computer is a cousin to the Chromebook Series 5 550, released in May for $550, and they share a relationship similar to the Macbook Pro and the Macbook Air. Dubbed simply the Samsung Chromebook, the smaller, thinner version weighs just 2.5 pounds and runs on a different processor, a detail that had some tech bloggers wondering how the device would perform.
Still, a Google executive declared the ultra-inexpensive laptop “the best computer that’s ever been designed at this price point.” And the company plans an aggressive retail push. Whereas earlier versions of Chromebooks were available online-only or in limited retail runs, the new model will be available in 500 big-box stores starting next week.
