CashMachineHackHoax: Google Offers Laptops by Subscription

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view.

Weekly

The best news, analysis, insight, and inspiration from the Internet's largest small business resource.

May 12, 2011

Google Offers Laptops by Subscription

Notwithstanding Microsoft's hellacious overpayment for Skype, this has actually been a big week for Google. At Google I/O, the company's annual developer's conference in San Francisco, it rolled out new versions of its Android mobile operating system, as well as a new home-networking platform called Android@Home that could have applications for SOHO businesses. It also unveiled a system for building peripherals compatible with all Android devices that's designed to make it as easy to get Android add-ons and accessories as it is for the iPhone and iPad, not to mention new movie and music services and plenty of other stuff.

But if you ask me, the biggest news for small businesses at Google I/O was the introduction of two new "ChromeBook" laptops running on Google's new Chrome operating system (not to be confused with Google's browser of the same name). The lightweight new mini-sized laptops come from Samsung and Acer, weigh around 3 pounds each, and cost between $350 and $500. When they come out on June 15, they should provide an intriguing alternative to Windows and Mac laptops, netbooks, and even tablets.

Perhaps more important than the hardware itself, Google plans to distribute the devices via subscription. Instead of buying them outright, businesses will be able to outfit employees with a ChromeBook, service, and support for $28 per month per person ($20 per month for schools). After three years, Google will replace the ChromeBook with a new one.

Now, ChromeBooks may or may not meet your businesses' needs. But Google is making a real effort to take the pay-as-you-go cloud-computing model as deep into the business world as it can. Forget not having to buy software -- if this catches on, more and more companies may find they don't have to buy hardware either. And that could make a big difference to cash-strapped startups and small businesses.

Fredric Paul
Editorial Director

D&B Salutes Small Business!
D&B is a proud sponsor of the SBA's National Small Business Week, May 18th-20th.
Click here for more information.

Shark Tank's Celebrity Investors Share Their Secrets

The hard-nosed billionaire celebrities of ABC's reality TV show "Shark Tank" reveal what entrepreneurs must do to successfully pitch to potential investors.

QR Codes: The Next Big Thing for Interactive Marketing

Quick recognition codes are easy to create and use, and more small businesses are finding creative ways to use them as interactive marketing tools.

3 Ways to Make Facebook Work for Your Small Business

The true power of Facebook, says John Jantsch, requires learning how to use the site to suit your company's existing marketing goals.

While Washington Dithers, the Recovery Struggles

Keith Girard says key government initiatives that could spur small business hiring have been waylaid by Congressional dithering and partisan politics.

Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Franchise

Not all franchises are created equal. Joel Libava, "The Franchise King," shares five warning signs that signal when a franchise may not be right for you.

How to Use Your 'About Us' Page as a Marketing Tool

Beyond simply informing people about your company and products, your "About Us" page can burnish your brand and become a useful tool to hook customers.

See More AllBusiness Stories

AllBusiness Media

Top 10 Celebrity Entrepreneurs

From Sandra Bullock to Paul Newman, these 10 stars did more than just slap their name on a product or cut a lucrative endorsement deal -- they actually founded their own successful companies.

slideshow

When to Fire a Problem Employee

Do it sooner rather than later, says HR expert Noel Perkins. Just make sure you handle the termination the right way so your company doesn't land in hot water.

video

See More AllBusiness Videos

Best Blogs

	What to Do When the Deal Falls Through It happens -- a deal that looked completely solid falls through at the last minute. How do you handle it? Gary T. Brooks shares some tips from an exit planning advisor who's seen it all.
	The SEC May Make Small Business Investment Easier If you're trying to raise capital, take note: The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into current fundraising rules for small, private firms. The AllBusiness News Staff explains what might be in store.
	Building a Brand One Story at a Time Want to leave a lasting impression? PR expert Leslie Levine sits you down for a story about a brand that captured -- and kept -- her attention, and what you can learn from its example.
	3 Tips for Building Wealth Independent of Your Business Of course, building your business is the single best way to accumulate net worth -- but it's not enough. Serial entrepreneur and author David Finkel explains what else you need to do.
	How to Reach Out to Angel Investors With both youth and experience on their side, panel members from the Young Entrepreneur Council give creative and inspiring answers to that age-old question: Where can I find investors?