Google To Announce Chrome Laptops-$20/Month

[Marcia]

Google tomorrow will announce sales of the new Chrome laptop in a $20 a month “student package” that combines both hardware and online services, according to a senior Google executive.

[blogs.forbes.com ]

[graeme_p]

I hugely dislike one thing about these type of devices. As with tablets, the manufacturer will lock the devices down, so you cannot re-install the OS independent.

This means that the device life is limited by manufacturer support (you cannot use an internet connected device without security upgrades), and your choice of software is limited by what they choose to support (especially when software installation requires using an app store).

I use Linux, but I would rather have MS dominant but those who choose to use another OS free to install what they want, rather than have an MS plus Google duopoly that forces you to live with their choices (in cahoots with the big manufacturers).

[Tonearm]

I use Linux, but I would rather have MS dominant but those who choose to use another OS free to install what they want, rather than have an MS plus Google duopoly that forces you to live with their choices (in cahoots with the big manufacturers).

Under what scenario would you no longer be able to install Linux on hardware that isn't locked down? Are you anticipating the eradication of such hardware?