Why Chrome OS tablets are a bad idea
A couple days ago, Aaron wrote an interesting piece on how some new screen rotation features in dev builds of Chrome OS might indicate plans for a Chrome OS tablet. While an interesting proposition, and one that many might like to see, I find it doubtful that it will be happening any time soon – and here’s why.
There are lots of uses for screen rotation, other than just tablets.
One area that Chrome developers have been working very hard on improving is external and multi-monitor support. Many monitors can swivel, face any direction you want them to, and can even – yes – be flipped over on their sides. Until now, Chrome OS had no way of ensuring proper output to these monitors, but now it does.
Additionally, computer manufacturers like Lenovo have proven that really novel laptop designs can be popular among consumers. Look at the Lenovo ThinkPad Twist, or the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga. If Chrome OS were to exist on a device like one of these – both of which are definitely not tablets – the need for screen rotation becomes more apparent.
Additionally, consider this: Acer basically took one of its existing Windows laptop designs, and threw Chrome OS onto it. Thus, we have the Acer C7 Chromebook. Lenovo already built one Chromebook, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that we might see a Chromebook Yoga sometime in the near future, based on the existing hardware.
Chrome OS is still a little too premature for a touch-only interface.
The Chromebook Pixel has proven that touch can work on Chrome OS – but it’s still very limited in its usefulness and practical applications. This might all change very soon at Google I/O, of course, but as it stands now, I don’t think the OS would be enjoyable to use on a tablet without the option of a keyboard and trackpad. It’s just not there quite yet, but we’re getting closer.
Why would Google canibalize its own tablet sales?
Many people argue that it’s confusing for consumers that Google has two OSes. I call bull, because Apple has two (OS X for the desktop, and iOS for mobile). Microsoft also has two (Windows for the desktop, and Windows Phone for mobile). Why can’t Google have two (Chrome OS for the desktop, Android for mobile)?
To me, it would make less sense for Google to have two separate OSes running on the same kind of device. If both Chrome and Android tablets existed side by side, that’s when the real confusion would set it. Plus, with Android tablets selling so well, why would Google want to do anything to jeopardize that?
Like I said, my entire perspective on this might change once I hear more from Google I/O. But as of now, based on what I know, a Chrome OS tablet seems unlikely – even with this new screen rotation feature. What do you think?
Yeah, it would certainly be strange if Google started competing against itself…
That would be like if Google had a social network like Orkut or Google Buzz, or Dodgeball and then started competing against itself with Google Plus.
oh wait
Of Google Reader and Google Fast Flip and and then they came out with Google Currents which won…
oh wait
Or if they developed and launched a service called google video and then let it atrophy by purchasing Youtube…
Or they created Google Aardvark only to put it up against Google Answers
Or made google docs and google Drive fight it out until Drive was it.
it actually sounds like that’s exactly what they would do ;)
Hmm – good points. If there’s one thing about Google, it’s that it never is as predictable as it would seem!
For a k12 School District these devices have promise. Our students would authenticate with their google apps for education accounts, and have a device that isn’t hampered by the Apple ID or Microsoft Live App distribution model. I do imagine the tactile environment most likely will need improvements, but for rolling out 5000 devices to students this is the most efficient tech support laden option to date. Literacy is a huge charge for k12 with the Federal initiatives, prone and mobile reading capable devices will flourish in my mind. Funding the content from publishers who struggle to make etextbooks fiscally reachable is difficult enough, let alone funding the tech support needs for restrictive app deployment models.
I think Chrome OS is native for desktop solutions and tablets – as it strength is browser. Android was designed with thought about mobile solutions – with focus on phones. I dont think Chrome OS would be bad on tablets. If provide tablets with desktop-wise internet browsing solution allowing tablets to act as more as portable computer screens than oversized phones with no phone capabilities *(often).
Google products split to android phones and Chrome OS tablets/desktop/laptop would be good solution providing both OS would complement each other and allow seamless cooperation.
I built a chromium Tablet..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1jZSazAwXs