If you're keyed up on Google’s rapidly growing Chrome OS platform, then you’ll likely be aware of Samsung’s Chromebook 2 series, announced back in March. The company has today revealed a new, 11.6-inch addition to the line that’s powered by an Intel chip.
There’s a 2.16 GHz dual-core Intel Celeron N2840 processor at the heart of the new Chromebook, as well as integrated Intel HD Graphics. It carries over many of the same specs found on the existing 11.6-inch Chromebook 2 model, which had an octa-core Samsung Exynos 5 processor in place of the Intel chip. Like the older machine, the new model offers a non-reflective 1,366 x 768 display and 2 GB RAM.
Like the existing Chromebook 2 (along with several of Samsung's recent smartphones and tablets), the new Chromebook has a faux leather (plastic) finish.
As with most Chromebooks, Samsung’s latest offering doesn’t offer a particularly expansive internal storage solution. You’ll only find 16 GB flash storage on board, but since Chrome OS is all about working in the cloud, that may be all you need. And to help sweeten the pot, you’ll get 100 GB of Google Drive storage free for two years.
Elsewhere there’s a pair of 2 watt speakers, a 720p webcam and 802.11ac wireless. The machine features the same 1.67 cm (0.66 in) thickness and 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs) weight as the existing model. According to Samsung, the new product is also more rugged than competing systems, offering a reinforced metal frame, as well as display and electronics-protecting electrostatic insulators. The Intel-based machine also offers better battery life than its Exynos sibling, providing 9 hours on a single charge.
The 11.6-inch, Intel-based Samsung Chromebook 2 is available for pre-order now for US$250, and is expected to start shipping next week.
Source: Samsung
