So, about 3-4 weeks ago I was lucky enough to receive one of Google’s CR-48 netbooks with Chrome OS installed on it.  When I filled out the form, I posted that I was a web developer, and that I’d like to test if Chrome OS would be a possibility for me to use as my main web development platform.  So, if you know anything about Chrome OS, you can probably imagine my disappointment when I found that, basically, it’s just the Chrome web browser.  There are a few more features that the web browser lacks, such as user management, managing your wi-fi network, and a few other things, but for the most part, it’s just a web browser.

And for the most part, that’s fine.

Why?  Because it’s very good at being just a machine with a web browser.  It boots up incredibly fast (5-10 seconds to the login prompt), and shuts quickly as well.  So, within about 15 seconds, you’re on the web.

Sweet.

Also, the trackpad gestures are surprisingly good.  I didn’t think I would like these, but it really makes sense.  You can use two fingers for scrolling and right-clicking, though the right-click doesn’t always work the first time.  Not a big deal, I find that I don’t really right click that much when using it. Maybe they’ll make this easier to use or maybe assign it to a different gesture.  Also, the whole trackpad is a button, so you can use that to drag the mouse pointer across things if needed.

Also, the netbook itself is very light.  Maybe not iPad-light, but it has an actual keyboard with actual keys; like most things in life, there’s trade-offs.  More than light enough to carry around  to your favorite wi-fi hotspot (mine is Buffalo Wild Wings, strangely enough).

So, if you’re a big fan of Chrome (and you should be. It’s really a great browser), you’ll inheritly be a big fan of Chrome OS.

More to come when the next update comes through.