The phrase isn't mine, it was mentioned in another blog, but it raises an interesting question. What is the relationship between Android and Chrome OS? With the iPhone/iPod/iWhatever it's pretty clear. You can use these devices without a "real" computer, but it doesn't make much sense, and it dilutes the functionality of the device.
Android, on the other hand, doesn't need a computer. Nearly everything I'd want to do is available through apps or in the cloud. The Chrome OS certainly doesn't enhance the functionality of my Android phone. The two devices don't work together to bring a richer experience to the user. Looking at these devices as if there's supposed to be an intersection of greatness brought to us by The Google, I just don't see it. What I do see is little more than different portals to much the same experience of the interactive Web. That's about it.
With that in mind, then, I guess the real question is why would I choose a Chrome laptop/netbook over an Android Tablet? Let's say I have a bluetooth keyboard for an Android tablet. Put that side by side with a Chrome laptop, and which will out perform? As I said, these things are not complementary devices that, together, produce a better overall experience for the user. In the absence of a network connection, I suspect that the Android would actually be more useful. Opening Google docs to Android allows me to do anything I need to do on either device. The list goes on. So far I just don't see anything that I can do on one that I can't do on the other. The only major difference I can see right now is the fact that in Chrome OS you're working in a controlled environment. You have nothing, or next to nothing, locally. Google, or the app vendors, are in charge of keeping your system clean and up to date. You just turn on and go. Android puts the responsibility in your hands. This would seem to make the ideal environment for each pretty clear. Use Chrome in business, schools, for those relatives that may be somewhat less than computer literate, or those who may be computer literate, but are not interested in being computer mechanics. Leave Android for the rest of us.
The problem there is that Android still steps on Chrome's toes. Android is going to become a great business device and platform, so in the business environment you may have Android and Chrome. Why? The user will eventually make a choice and probably go with Android because so far there aren't any Chrome phones. Schools, well, students won't have the options. For the third and fourth groups, same issue as business. The Chrome laptop is great for those people, but based on the growing influence of Android, chances are good, and getting better, that the user will have an Android device. Again, if you already have an Android, why choose Chrome?
There's also the simple fact that Chrome machines will not replace a standard desktop or laptop in my home. Not any time soon, anyway. I write software, and the only Web enabled IDE like thing that comes close to what I like to do is Google's App Builder, and the fact that App Builder doesn't allow me to write code has caused me to dismiss that out of hand.
I have, and use, a personal music and video collection. I need to store this stuff someplace, and I am not paying for a cloud locker.
My wife does Web work and image editing. Web development probably is possible through Chrome. I will look in to it, but I seriously doubt that at this stage of the game there is anything Web based that even comes close to Microsoft's Web development tools, and online photo editing has a while before it can provide as rich an experience as some of the better known installable applications...If I'm wrong, tell me. I'd like to know.
Don't get me wrong, I think the Chrome OS is an awesome concept, and after playing with it for a few hours I'm very impressed, only slightly confused, and believe that I'll be able to hold up my end of the bargain and use the hell out of it.
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