Google offers Chromebook for $99
Google is helping schools in the United States get hold of portable computers without breaking the bank. But to qualify for the deal, they’ll need other people’s money.
The deal means that the schools will be able to buy a Samsung Series 5 Chromebook for $99, reduced from the usual retail price of $429. However, Google has already frozen the scheme to new applicants.
The Chromebook term refers to machines running the Chrome operating system. That’s effectively a souped-up version of the web browser of the same name, with most applications running on remote servers. That reduces many of the specification requirements for the device, allows for quick start-ups, and so far appears to reduce the potential for viruses. The one drawback is that while there are some offline features, the device only works to its full potential with a reliable internet connection.
To be able to get the computers, the school must create an account at DonorsChoose, a charity that allows the public to donate towards funding specific projects run by public school teachers. The school must set up a project requesting the money for one or more Chromebooks, giving reasons why it will help their class. In other words schools with cash to spare can’t simply buy at the $99 price — the program is designed for those schools already having to beg for the cash.
Google currently says it only has a limited number of Chromebooks available at the reduced price so is currently not taking new applications. It’s asked other teachers to register a DonorsChoose account and fill in a form to express their interest: Google will then contact them if they decide to make more Chromebooks available at $99. In the meantime they can launch a project to raise the cash for the full purchase price.
December 11th, 2012
Sold out :)