I’m usually not one to pay much mind to the ‘ol rumor mill – but what I saw today got me just plain excited. Heck, I got so thrilled I broke into song and dance, invented some sweet new dance moves and took chromercising to the level!
So anyway. It is being reported that Google is planning to try yet another unconventional distribution method for one of their products – this time the Chrome Notebooks. This may not prove to be any more effective than the online-only Nexus One bit they tried, but what can I say.. I love it when Google does something wild just because they can!
So anyway – it is being reported that Google is planning to try yet another unconventional distribution method for one of their products – this time the Chrome Notebooks. This may not prove to be any more effective than the online-only Nexus One bit they tried, but what can I say.. I love it when Google does something wild just because they can!
They say starting this summer 15 bucks a month, give or take, will get you your very own Chrome Notebook. A notebook that’s not only repaired when needed, but also refreshed as newer equipment comes out. It’s being suggested this offer will either somehow be tied to Gmail accounts or available to Google Apps account holders.
But is it really THAT wild?
Let’s think about this real quick. I’m not entirely sure how much it will cost Google to build each unit, but I’m betting less than what you’d pay over a couple years of the subscription. Around the time I’d expect to see a refresh, even. That alone could keep them out of the hole on this venture. Combine that with the potential that’s put in to place on purchase if played right, and darn right it’ll be worth it for them. Ads? Maybe. Making it a part of the already low priced Apps program that might convince many people who don’t use it to give it a shot just to get the near-free laptop? Maybe.
…And as more and more people jump on the deal, less and less people buy laptops from the big box stores that come loaded with Windows. This is good for Google. Chrome grabs more market share. More people start to develop for the Chrome Web Store. Google TV becomes a better experience since Chrome is more fun. Throw Android into the mix and heck – Google takes over the world tech world. Insert sinister laugh here.
So how about it. Let’s just say it happens. Google offers YOU a laptop for 15 bucks a month, manufacturer warranty built in, and tells you when it goes obsolete, you’ll get a new one. All you gotta do is use it. How would you respond?
(Oh yeah. They also say you will also be able to buy it the current boring one-time-payment kind of way, too. That’s less fun but I should probably mention it)
