Super fast processors to power Google Chrome OS PCs

In response to the criticism that the launch models are underpowered, Google has released updated versions of computer systems with Chrome operating system, featuring faster processors.

The Samsung-manufactured laptop called Chromebook and desktop PCs called Chromebox include processors based on Intel’s Sandy Bridge technology and run all their applications through the firm’s web browser and store their files online.

Google has not released sales figures for the previous range, but analysts feel that the demand has been low. Tech consultants IDC said that 50,000 Chromebooks had shipped in the US in the first three months of the year in a market that had absorbed about 10 million laptops over the same period.

The improvements include greater use of the machines’ GPUs (graphic processing units) and tweaks to ensure the system runs Javascript more efficiently.

Google is also planning to launch a software which will help Google Drive cloud storage service to act as the computers’ file system, making it easier for users to manage their documents.

The software will enable users to edit Google Documents files when offline. The files will subsequently be synchronised when a network connection is restored tackling complaints that the machines were of limited use when not on the internet.

Highlighting the benefits of the new range, the firm says the devices need “zero administration” because files are stored in the cloud, system updates are controlled by Google and the computers have built-in virus protection.

While limiting the storage space to 16 gigabyte hard drive, the search giant has managed to keep its costs relatively low. The Chromebook is priced at $449 (£379) while Chromebox costs $329 (£279).

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