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Is Chrome OS too late already?

By Mark Walker

When Google announced that they were developing a new operating system, Chrome OS, I was initially excited, you see Chrome OS has been put together by the same geniuses who thought up Google Maps.

But the more information that is leaked prior to the launch next year the more sceptical I become that it has a place in our society. Google Chrome OS is, in effect, an OS in a browser. You have no hard drive, no programs installed, just Chrome. This has some positives and negatives.

Yay! :-)

• Superfast boot up times (6 or 7 seconds is claimed)
• Low hardware costs
• Tons of free software
• Never need to back up your data

Nay! :-(

• Can only use software allowed by Google
• No wireless connection? Then it's an expensive box of wires
• All your data is stored online, how secure is this?
• Can't use your USB devices

So why ask 'Is Chrome OS too late already?'. 

Google are saying that this OS is not for your main PC but rather for a second laptop on which you just want to browse the web, go on Twitter and Facebook or check your mail. Well I already have one of these devices and it is called an Iphone, yours may be called a Blackberry or a Pre but on all these devices we can already do the things Chrome OS boasts about.

So why will I want to reach down, open up my second laptop, wait 7 seconds then check my mail? My Iphone is already on and sat next to me. 

We love Google, we love Maps, Analytics, Mail and all the other great things they do. But in the lead up to the festive season I have to ask, will Chrome OS end up being a bit of a turkey?

For an early preview of Chrome OS check out the video below.