While Google’s Chrome operating system got mixed reviews at best, those who saw the possibilities the cloud-geared OS presented were pretty excited. The possibility of Google heavily subsidizing Chrome OS netbooks — or even giving them away for free — seems more likely than one would think.
Chrome OS has extremely light requirements — a bare-bones setup of an ARM processor, 8GB storage, and 1GB DDRAM will be more then enough to run it. And when Microsoft can sell heavier Windows-based netbooks at $200 and below, it’ll be interesting to see just how small a Chromebook’s price tag would be — if it comes with a price tag at all.
After all, the vast majority of Google’s millions comes from advertising dollars. It’s very possible (even probable) that Google will tie-in its AdSense campaign into the Chrome OS netbooks, letting them get their ROI’s on any subsidized netbooks very, very quickly.
Many people may think it’s unlikely that Google will ever offer a netbook for free, but the mere existence of the possibility is pretty exciting. Who knows? We might see the day that vehicles and other high value items can be given away for free when tied in with an advertising arm as powerful as Google’s.
Interesting thoughts, thanks!
With Mobile (cell) carriers here in the UK already offering ‘free’ netbooks *when you sign up to mobile internet for 18-24 months* – I’m sure Google will be able to find other ways subsidize Chromebook distribution to supplement AdSense revenues tied to the giveaway… Here’s hoping
Bring it on!