Yet Another Nail in Microsofts Coffin: HP Chromebook

Well it seems that Windows 8 might be a bigger mistake then some people believe. It seems that HP is now going to release a Chromebook.

And now, HP (HPQ_). Perhaps this is Meg Whitman's turnaround plan? 

According to this document on HP's Web site, HP is set to launch its first Chromebook on Feb. 17. It's a 14-inch laptop, price yet to be set, but something close to $299 to $349 sounds reasonable.

I think Chromebooks will be what some companies will be refreshing to going forward. I mean most of a mobile business persons job is spent interacting with Web apps so there really isn't any reason for Windows 8 to get in the way. You add to this the fact that it is very hard to have viruses and trojans to infect a Chromebook due to how its processor is built it is perfect for IT departments. A company can buy a bunch of these and give them to their sales staff and they don't have to worry about them.

The price is comparable to an iPad but you get a keyboard and a form factor that is easy to do work on. iPads are good for consuming media and browsing the internet but its hard for some people to make a change to the business plan on Google Docs or bang out an email on a virtual keyboard. You can buy a keyboard peripheral but that is another $50 to $100 added on to the $400 price tag. If a company can save a full $100 per salesman with a Chromebook then those savings can easily add up.

I'm certainly going to buy a Lenovo Chromebook when they come out in order to see how they stack up. 90% of the time I am using something attached to the web on my laptop (Steam, Gmail, Browsing etc.) so it shouldn't be much of a change I should think.