The first computer to run Google's Chrome OS is the limited-edition prototype Cr-48, which Google is rumored to have ordered 60,000 of made to distribute prior to the Chrome OS's public launch in mid-2011.
The right side of the Cr-48 offers a power jack, a solitary USB port, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. We understand not having an Ethernet jack, although we think it's silly. But only one USB port?
The left side of the Cr-48 sports a VGA out port. At the time of writing, it is decidedly non-functional, although it's not clear whether this is because of a failure in the operating system, a failure of the hardware, or just a failure to communicate.
Google has made the Cr-48's battery dock a hidden treasure trove of secrets. Not only is there a slot for a SIM card, if you lift the piece of tape next to the battery contacts, you'll see a physical switch for enabling "jailbreaking" and installing a new operating system.
The Cr-48 is lightweight at 3.6 pounds, and reasonably thin at 0.9 inch. Coated with a slightly rubbery, matte black surface that doubles as a grease magnet, it's a surprisingly manageable machine.
Google says that the Cr-48 battery will last around eight hours during intensive use, and provide eight days of standby use. Too bad it debuted at the end of Hannukah this year.
People who attended Google's Chrome OS and Cr-48 announcement event in San Francisco on December 8, 2010 received a package of stickers to decorate their otherwise unadorned, matte black Cr-48s.
