Did anyone see a few days ago where Google was looking for people to try out their prototype netbook running Chrome OS?

Well, I got one!

It's pretty neat. Starts up fast. It does require a network connection (WiFi or Verizon Wireless) to do anything (a true "net"-book). It comes with 100 MB/month free for two years on Verizon Wireless (the user can buy more if that's used up). Too bad I'm in an area not really covered by Verizon.

I think Chrome OS + hardware is a fine idea, but can't see it succeeding commercially. You need buy in from corporate IT to gain any kind of marketshare, and corporate IT really like product support and life cycles, two things that Google is not known for.

Because they get so much money from their search and ad revenue, Google can afford to go out on a limb with this kind of product. Time will tell if they're sawing the limb off while they sit on the wrong side...

I've found myself over the past year doing pretty much everything online. It's so much easier. No matter where I am, I have access to everything I need. Between gmail, google documents, and google calendar I've found I rarely ever use MS Office at all.

I was holding out for a tablet computer with a "real" OS, as I wanted to be sure I had access to files and documents, but I realize now, I don't have much of that stuff anymore.

Google is only building the prototype. They have other large net-/note-book makers all ready to go.

Netbooks are really popular, but not in the corporate environment. They are for people who just want to get on Facebook. But they are still susceptible to viruses (and these are the people who catch them). This machine is perfect for that.

I would have never bought one, but "free" is a good price for me to play with one. I'll have fun watching this project progress.