Google has unveiled its latest Chromebook, mere weeks before the release of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system, claiming the laptop is one of the lightest ever made.
Built by Samsung, the new Chromebook is the Google's cheapest to date, retailing for a modest £155.
The device is currently available for pre-order and is set for release in the UK via Amazon, Google Play, PC World and Curry's on 26 October, the same day as Microsoft's Windows 8 platform.
The device is the latest to run using Google's cloud-focused Chrome OS. The OS is interesting as it works by offloading a lot of the heavy lifting traditionally tasked to the processor onto the cloud.
It also runs all programs and applications off the cloud, meaning users don't have to download files to the machine to run them. Google claims the new Chromebook to boots up in less than 10 seconds and resumes instantly.
Despite these supposed perks, Chrome OS has traditionally struggled to compete with the more established Mac and Windows operating systems.
Addressing these concerns Google senior vice president Sundar Pichai claimed that the new Chromebook's low price will help break this cycle and entice more people to try the OS.
"A few years ago, we set out on a journey to build a better computer that's faster, simpler and more secure," wrote Pichai.
"This gets to the heart of the Chromebook vision. In order to have one, two or more computers around the house, they need to be easy to use and much more affordable. So together with Samsung, we designed a [...] computer for everyone."
Beyond its Chrome OS, Google claims the Chromebook includes several other notable features, boasting it is one of the lightest laptops on the market, weighing just 1134g and measuring in at 0.8in thick.
The new Chromebook promises six hours of battery life with "typical use" and comes loaded with 100GB of free storage on Google's online Drive service.
The new Chromebook also features an 11.6in 1080p HD display that promises to be radically better than the 12.1in 1280x800 display used in its predecessor, the Samsung Chromebook 5 550.
Check back with V3 later in the year for a full review of the new Samsung Chromebook.
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