The Web Is the Computer

Built around Chrome OS, Google’s cloud-based operating system, this laptop (and a similar one made by Samsung) has been stripped down to little more than what’s required to run applications through a browser. There’s no hard disk, for example (although a small amount of solid-state storage is available). In return, users should be able to start surfing the Web over a Wi-Fi or 3G connection within eight seconds of powering on, and the battery should last eight hours.

Product: Acer Chromebook
Cost: $350
Availability: Now
Source: www.google.com/chromebook
Companies: Google, Acer, and Samsung