When discussing Chromebooks it's important to keep in mind that they are not meant to replace laptops. They are not meant to be for every type of user. Like with many things in technology (as in life), not everything is meant for everyone.
Chromebooks are meant for users that spend most of their time in a browser and want a device that's easy to use and starts up fast. Sounds to me like that profile fits quite a few people.
That being said, not everyone is willing or able to give up on their Windows applications. But there are solutions to overcome that obstacle. For example, Ericom AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to securely connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server and VDI virtual desktops, and run their applications and desktops in a browser.
AccessNow does not require any client to be installed on the Chromebook, as you only need the HTML5-compatible browser.
Check out this link for more info:
http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708
Please note that I work for Ericom
Google probably produced the Pixel to generate buzz and to encourage their manufacturing partners to push the design envelope. I don't know how practical a high-priced Chromebook will be. Google's best bet for increasing Chromebook sales is to stick with the lower cost models already produced by Samsung and Acer. It's these models that have helped Google increase Chromebook sales, especially in the education market. One obstacle to wider adoption of Chromebooks (especially in business) is the popularity of Windows applications, especially Microsoft Office. One way around this is with solutions like Ericom AccessNow, an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to Terminal Server or VDI virtual desktops, and run Windows applications (like MS Office) or even full desktops in a browser tab. So even if you purchase a Chromebook for casual home use, you can also use it to connect to your work applications if necessary. Click here for more information: http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708 Please note that I work for Ericom
I give Google alot of credit for not giving up on the Chromebook. Chromebooks are meant for users that spend most of their time in a browser and want a device that's easy to use and starts up fast. Sounds to me like that profile fits quite a few people.
That being said, not everyone is willing or able to give up on their Windows applications. But there are solutions to overcome that obstacle. For example, Ericom AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to securely connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server and VDI virtual desktops, and run their applications and desktops in a browser.
AccessNow does not require any client to be installed on the Chromebook, as you only need the HTML5-compatible browser.
Check out this link for more info:
http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708
Please note that I work for Ericom
Chromebooks have come a long way since they first hit the market. Lower prices, improved performance and additional offline capabilities have made Chromebooks a realistic (and even attractive) option for many.
The fact that Lenovo and HP have recently joined the ranks of Chromebook manufacturers shows how much Google is finally making the market take notice.
There are even solutions for accessing Windows applications. For example, Ericom AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to Terminal Server or VDI virtual desktops, and run Windows applications or desktops in a browser tab. So AccessNow can help make Chromebooks more viable for business use, even if it's just the case of enabling employees to access work applications from home.
Click here for a live interactive demo:
http://www.ericom.com/demo_AccessNow.asp?URL_ID=708
Please note that I work for Ericom
I don't have a problem with Chromebooks. In fact, I quite like the concept. I'm also happy to see that Google is continuing to develop the Chromebook with new features and capabilities.
That being said, I'm not sure if the market is ready for such a high-priced version. Many people still haven't gotten past the "it's only a web browser" issue. Convincing them to get over that with a $1300 device is, in my opinion, not the best approach.
In any case, I do see the Chromebook concept gaining even wider acceptance over the near term. In addition, Chromebook users that want to work with Windows applications such as Microsoft Office can use existing solutions such as Ericom AccessNow. AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to Terminal Server or VDI virtual desktops, and run any Windows application (not just MS Office) or even full desktops in a browser tab.
Click here for more information:
http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708
Please note that I work for Ericom
The Chromebook concept is intriguing to say the least. The Cloud computing concept is becoming a bigger part of our lives, and the Chromebook is the perfect device for it.
That being said, not everyone is willing or able to give up on their Windows applications. But there are solutions to overcome that obstacle. For example, Ericom AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to securely connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server and VDI virtual desktops, and run their applications and desktops in the Chrome browser tab.
Check out this link for more info:
http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708
Please note that I work for Ericom
You raise interesting points about the benefits of the Chromebook vs. the iPad for education. However some schools will still require access to Windows applications. Ericom is working with several schools to address this requirement.
Ericom AccessNow is an HTML5 RDP client that enables students and staff to use their Chromebooks to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server, VDI virtual desktops and physical desktops and run their Windows applications and desktops in a browser. Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices – an HTML5 browser is all that is required.
For more information visit
http://www.ericom.com/Education-ChromebookRDPClient.asp?URL_ID=708
You can also read our new white paper about Ericom's solutions for Chromebooks and Education: http://www.ericom.com/specs/WP-Chromebook-and-BYOD-Success-Education.pdf?URL_ID=708
Note: I work for Ericom
If you are considering Chromebooks but need access to Windows applications, you should look at Ericom AccessNow, a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server (RDS Session Host), physical desktops or VDI virtual desktops and all web sites – and run their Windows applications and desktops in a browser.
You can even use AccessNow to run Internet Explorer on a Chromebook for those companies or web sites that require IE.
Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices – an HTML5 browser is all that is required. You can choose to run a full Windows desktop or just a specific Windows app, and that desktop or Windows app will appear within a browser tab.
For more info visit: http://www.ericom.com/Windows-on-Chromebook-video.asp?URL_ID=708
Note: I work for Ericom
The Richland school district mentioned in the article has licensed Ericom AccessNow for VMware View for use along with their Chromebooks by its students and staff. AccessNow for VMware View will be deployed across its 35 K-12 schools.
Ericom AccessNow for VMware View is a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to their VMware virtual desktops - and run those desktops in a browser. It does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices - an HTML5 browser is all that is required.
For more information on this case study, visit:
http://www.ericom.com/pr/pr_111206.asp?URL_ID=708
Adam
Note: I work for Ericom
Another option for accessing Windows applications from iPads is Ericom AccessNow, a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables iPad users to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server (RDS Session Host), physical desktops or VDI virtual desktops – and run their applications and desktops in a browser.
Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices – an HTML5 browser is all that is required.
You can choose to run a full Windows desktop or just a specific Windows app, and that desktop or Windows app will appear within a browser tab.
For more info, and to download a demo, visit:
http://www.ericom.com/html5_rdp_client.asp?URL_ID=708
Note: I work for Ericom
The new pricing and other improvements should make Chromebooks even more attractive to businesses and schools. Ericom has an offering that can extend the benefits of Chromebooks by providing quick and easy access to Windows applications and virtual desktops. Ericom AccessNow is a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server (RDS Session Host), physical desktops or VDI virtual desktops – and run their applications and desktops in a browser.
Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices – an HTML5 browser is all that is required.
For more info, and to download a demo, visit:
http://www.ericom.com/html5_RDP_Chromebook.asp?URL_ID=708
If you are considering Chromebooks for your institution but still need access to Windows apps behind, you should look at Ericom AccessNow, a pure HTML5 RDP client that enables students and staff to connect to any RDP host, including Terminal Server (RDS Session Host), physical desktops or VDI virtual desktops – and run their applications and desktops in a browser. Running entirely within a browser, AccessNow works natively with Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer (with Chrome Frame plug-in), Firefox and any other browser with HTML5 and WebSockets support.
Ericom‘s AccessNow does not require Java, Flash, Silverlight, ActiveX, or any other underlying technology to be installed on end-user devices. Ericom is also offering special pricing for education customers.
For more information on Ericom's AccessNow solution for education, please visit:
http://www.ericom.com/pr/pr_110609.asp?URL_ID=708
To download the eval, visit:
http://www.ericom.com/html5_rdp_client.asp?URL_ID=708