Google Unveils New Convertible Chromebook Chromebit Stick With Asus

If you are a Chromebook user, here is some exciting news for you. In fact, this news will get you excited even if you’re not a Chromebook user. Recently, Google revealed their all-new Chrome OS form factors in association with Asus. First up is the Chromebook Flip which is a convertible laptop-cum-tablet and the next one is the Chromebit which is an HDMI dongle.

Google’s New Chromebook Lineup

The Haier Chromebook 11 and Hisense Chromebook are currently available. Haier Chromebook 11 is being sold through Amazon while Hisense Chromebook can be purchased from Walmart. Both the devices are currently available on pre-order for $149.
The Haier Chromebook 11 has an 11.6-inch display and works on a Rockchip 3288 with 2GB RAM and 16GB eMMC and an ARM Mali 760 quad-core GPU. The device also has 720p camera, HDMI and 2 Usb 2.0 standard A ports. It comes with a promised 10 hours battery life from Google.

The Hisense Chromebook also has similar specifications with a battery life of 8.5 hours.

This launch has powered Google to boost up their Chromebook lineup by introducing new devices from reputed Asian brands like Asus, Hisense and Haier. In the official Google Chrome blog, the company wrote –

Since we introduced them four years ago, Chromebooks have made computers faster, simpler, and more secure while eliminating everyday hassles like waiting for your computer to boot up, having to constantly charge it, and remembering to install software updates. And a lot of people love them.

They also stated that the users shouldn’t have to choose between a computer which performs well and one that they can afford. Recently, they’ve introduced two brand new devices which meet both criteria. These brand new Chromebooks are faster in performance, lightweight and promise long-life batteries. The Chromebooks are available on pre-order for $149 – written by Google Engineer Katie Roberts-Hoffman.

Asus Chromebook Flip

However, the main focus was on the 2 new Chrome OS gadgets from Asus. The Asus Chromebook Flip, which will be priced at $249, is a metal convertible Chromebook that will be available this spring. It includes a 10.1-inch IPS touch-screen display which you can flip for playing games or using specific apps. It weighs around 2 pounds and operates on the Rockchip 3288 with 16GB eMMC and 2GB RAM; or Rockchip 3288 with 16GB SSD and 4GB RAM. The device supports Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac, 2.4 and 5GHz, etc. According to Google the battery life is around 10 hours.
Roberts-Hoffman wrote in the official blog –

We’re also excited about the ASUS Chromebook Flip. A premium, all-metal convertible, it’s ultra-portable—just 15mm thin and weighing less than two pounds. The Chromebook Flip has a great keyboard and a touch screen for immersive experiences like gaming and educational apps. It will be available later this spring for $249.

Asus Chromebit

Next up is the much smaller Asus Chromebit. It will operate as a full computer once you plug the device into an HDMI port for usage. This device is “smaller than a candy bar” and is expected to be priced around $100 and will be launched during this summer. It runs Rockchip 3288 with 16GB eMMC and 2GB RAM and an ARM Mali 760 quad-core GPU. The device also supports HDMI and USB 2.0 along with 802.11ac, 2.4 and 5GHz, and Bluetooth 4.0.
The blog stated that the Chromebit will be launched by Asus this summer which is smaller than a candy bar. The Chromebit is like a full computer. Plugging the device into any display will turn it into a computer. It’ll seem to act as the perfect upgrade for an existing desktop and will be really useful for business and schools. This innovative device will be available for less than $100.
The Bottom Line
Google Engineer Katie Roberts-Hoffman concluded by writing –

So whether you’re looking for a smaller Chrome device that packs a big punch or a laptop that can do back bends, there’s a Chromebook for you…and for everyone else, too.

What do you think about the Google’s new lineup of Chromebook? Which one do you prefer? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us by commenting below.