HaierChromebook
The Haier Chromebook 11

 

Google has fired another salvo at Microsoft today, announcing a slew of new Chrome OS-powered computers. Two new Chromebooks – the Haier Chromebook 11 and the Hisense Chromebook – are the cheapest laptops ever made that run Google’s operating system, each with a price of $149.

Open_AsusChromebook10_Silver_1000
The Asus Chromebook Flip

They’re available for pre-order today and create an interesting entry level floor for the company’s low-cost laptops. They won’t be confused with speed demons, though: both laptops use quad-core ARM processors, and only sport 2GB of RAM and 16 GB of on-board storage. These aren’t designed to be high-performance computers, but rather a lower-end option for people on a budget.

There will be even more Chromebooks coming from other manufacturers later this year as well. Asus is slated to release a $250 Chromebook Flip that (as the name implies) can be used in either a laptop configuration or with the screen flipped around like a tablet.

Group_Asus_Chromestick_V1 (1)_1000
Three Chromebits

In addition to the new Chromebooks, Google also unveiled a new device called the Chromebit that will be released later this year. Built by ASUS, it’s smaller than a candy bar and plugs directly into a monitor’s HDMI port. The price has yet to be determined, but Google said that it will cost less than $100. (People will have to provide their own keyboard and mouse.)

These lower-end devices have the potential to upend part of the traditional PC market for people who need a lower-cost alternative to existing laptops and desktops. It comes at a pivotal time for the PC market, when Microsoft is trying to bring people back into the Windows fold with Windows 10, and Apple’s sales of Macs continue to grow.

 

 

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.