Cr-48 Chromebook: Google’s Chrome OS Pilot Notebook

The cr-48 chromebook was the test notebook Google gave away in its Chrome OS Pilot Program in December 2010, months before the first Chromebooks went on sale. Here is how I came across the invite, what the Cr-48 offered, and what to use if you want a Chromebook today.

Quick answer: The Cr-48 was an unbranded prototype laptop that Google sent free to selected US testers between December 2010 and March 2011 to try Chrome OS. It was never sold in stores. The first commercial Chromebooks from Samsung and Acer followed in June 2011, and today you can buy many Chromebook models from several brands.

The Chrome OS Pilot Program invite

Back in December 2010 I kept getting a pop-up alert every time I opened a new tab in the Google Chrome browser, inviting me to test drive a Google Chrome OS notebook.

So eagerly I clicked on the link to Apply Now. It took me to the Test Drive a Chrome Notebook application. Google was distributing a limited number of Chrome notebooks to test, and you had to live in the United States and be at least 18 years old to take part in the small pilot program.

I read the fine print for those selected in the Chrome OS Pilot Program:

• Google would collect anonymous browsing statistics and other usage data for tracking and analysis.
• Testers agreed to take part in product feedback studies by the Chrome OS team for the length of the program.
• Google would only ship the device to a US address, not to a P.O. Box or outside the US.
• Testers agreed not to sell or transfer the device unless Google said so in writing.
• Google would review broken devices and could choose not to replace them; if it did replace one, it covered shipping.
• Google could contact applicants about Chrome OS and related products by email, phone, post or in person.

What was the cr-48 chromebook?

The Cr-48 was a plain black prototype notebook built for Google by Inventec. According to Wikipedia, Google announced the pilot on December 7, 2010 and handed out about 60,000 units free to testers until March 2011. It ran an Intel Atom N455 processor with 2 GB of RAM.

When it launched, Google said the Cr-48 booted in about 10 seconds and resumed from sleep instantly. It had built-in Wi-Fi and 3G, a webcam for video chat, a 12-inch display, a full-size keyboard and an oversized touchpad, weighed 3.8 pounds and promised over eight hours of battery life.

The best part of the idea was that all your apps, documents and settings were stored in the cloud. Even if you lost your computer, you could log into another Chrome notebook and get right back to work. That is still how Chromebooks work today.

Google’s launch video for the pilot is still on YouTube:

What came after the Cr-48

• First Chromebooks (2011): Samsung and Acer announced the first commercial Chromebooks at Google I/O in May 2011, and they shipped in June 2011.
• Chromebook Pixel (2013) and Pixelbook (2017): Google’s own premium models.
• Chromebook Plus (2023): a newer class with minimum specs of 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage and a 1080p screen.
• Long updates: Chromebooks made since 2021 get up to 10 years of automatic updates.

Should you buy a Chromebook today?

A Chromebook is a good fit if you live in a browser: email, Google Docs, streaming and web apps. It is less suited to heavy Windows or Mac software. Before you buy:

• Check the model’s automatic update expiry date on Google’s Chromebook site or the box, so you get the longest support.
• Look for the Chromebook Plus label if you want a faster machine with more memory and storage.
• Browse current Chromebooks on Amazon from brands like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Samsung.

For general advice, see our list of things to consider before buying a laptop. Already have one? Learn how to screenshot on a Chromebook.

FAQ

Was the Cr-48 ever sold?

No. The Cr-48 was a test device given free to pilot program participants and was not sold in stores.

Who made the Cr-48?

It was built for Google by Inventec and carried no brand logos.

When did the first Chromebooks go on sale?

The first commercial Chromebooks from Samsung and Acer shipped in June 2011.

How long do Chromebooks get updates now?

Chromebooks made since 2021 get up to 10 years of automatic updates. Check each model’s expiry date before buying.

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