The New Google Chrome OS Netbook

Industry observer, Sal Cangeloso, knew Google (News - Alert) Chrome OS “was on the way, and recent rumors made it clear that there would be hardware associated with the launch. That hardware is the Google Cr-48 laptop, an all-black, function key-less, 12-inch computer that lacks any of the branding we’ve come to expect on a portable computer.”

You can apply to be a beta tester if you live in the U.S. “The Chrome operating system is a work in progress. We're looking for the right users to try it out and tell us how we can make it better.

Each participant in the Pilot program will receive a Cr-48 Chrome notebook; in return, we'll expect you to use it regularly and send us detailed feedback,” Google’s website said, according to CNet.

No doubt you’ve heard of the Chrome OS, and the changes to Google’s Chrome browser, but as Cangeloso said, “the search giant pulled out some interesting hardware as well. Engadget reports that it will run a 12.1-inch display and pack both a full-sized keyboard and a plus-sized trackpad.”

Oh don’t worry, “it will have all the frills we’ve come to expect from netbooks, like a webcam, as well as some nice extras, like 802.11n WiFi (News - Alert) instead of the wireless g generally seen. The Cr-48 will use flash storage and run for over 8 hours on its battery. The processor and memory specs have yet to be released, but they should prove to be quite interesting as they will give us some insight into the amount of performance the system has, as well as what Google deems necessary to power the OS,” Cangeloso said.

Be sure you really want it, though, if you agree to be a beta tester. As CNet said, “The application page for the pilot program adds, ‘The Pilot program is not for the faint of heart. Things might not always work just right’."