过去二十年间，电脑操作系统之战主要是微软的Windows和苹果的Mac之战。但是，近段时间，另一个竞争对手浮现了，那就是Chrome OS（谷歌操作系统）。Chrome OS出现还不到三年，Chromebooks 就已经迅速渗入到了被window和Mac控制的笔记本电脑行业。
For the past two decades, the battle for computer operating system dominance has essentially been a battle between Microsoft Windows and Apple’s Mac. But in recent times another competitor has emerged, Chrome OS, which is owned by Google. It has been in existence for less than three years, but Chromebooks has quickly been encroaching on the laptop space once dominated by Window and Mac machines.
In a show of solidarity, Intel and Google took the stage together to unveil more than 20 new computers running Chrome OS and using Intel architecture. Chromebooks, chrome boxes and chrome touch devices?Google Chrome showed it’s not content with being considered a cheap device even though the prices are cheap, mostly under 350 dollars.
"Tremendous amount of variety that’s coming, not just in terms of form factors, but even among the devices, different sizes of screens, touch on some of the devices," said Caesar Sengupta, VP of product Management, Google.
"You know, it is surprising that they rolled out as many devices as they did today, which indicates there are some good numbers and good reasons for manufacturers to do that," said Matt Honan, senior writer of Wired.
In 2013, Chromebooks captured 21-percent of notebook sales in the United States and 8-percent of the entire PC and Tablet market according to market research group NPD. With a reputation as being cheap and durable, Chromebooks are now in nearly 10,000 schools. But the latest models use Intel Bay Trail-m chips that are faster and allow for up to eleven hours of battery life.
Chrome Laptops are no longer a one-size fits all. Chinese computer maker Lenovo is also getting into the act, unveiling this Chrome OS laptop that stands. And this Chrome OS Thinkpad that turns into a tablet.
"One of the big questions that Google is going to have to answer is pretty soon is where does Chrome stand versus Android I mean some of the most interesting designs we saw today were touch-based chromebooks when you use them in touch mode, they are pretty much like a tablet," said Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst of Technalysis.
Representatives from Acer, Dell and Lenovo all appeared on stage with their new Chromebooks, showing little concern that the products will also compete against their very own Windows laptops.
"No, it’s not a concern, it’s actually exciting for us, because it’s a new way to innovate and bring new products to market, so we’re excited about it," said Ashley Rodrigue, Lenovo ambassador.
Chrome OS originally was extremely dependent on Google’s services, which required an internet connection. But Google says that is no longer true, showing off an app that allows users to play cloud-based videos, even when the Chromebook is offline.
