The cycle of technology trends is interesting to me; it seems like there is always a trend which appears before all of its necessary components are incubated. Thin client computing had it's days as a trend and to be honest I am not quite sure why the companies selling the platform never got it to work. Did the issue stem from a lack of compatability with popular software, or was it a more classic scenario of licensing and software costing too much money?
Thin client computing may have it's second wind, the next big break! Google is listening to one of their founders ideas with a vision focused on immersing users in a full Google experience. The Google Chrome Netbook is a brain child of Paige, and is essentially a thin client netbook with the Google DNA hard coded into it.
The idea of the Chrome Netbook is brilliant, because it takes all of the pain in software updates, and operating system maintenance and throws it out the windows. Most people I know just want to turn on a computer and get online, they don't want to be bothered with updates and maintenance. This netbook from Google takes that request and makes it priority number one. I think of it this way; for the first time ever the home/family IT Pro may be able to give family members a computer they will not need to service. If this netbook functions the way Google is pitching it, then every headache associated with personal computers (including Macs) will be given a heavy dose of aspirin to remove the pain.
I am looking forward to seeing one of these netbooks in hand so I can determine if/how I would recommend it to friends and family who are in the market for some new hardware. Right now my parents and sisters are in need of new computers, this may be the option I recommend to them. I'm crossing my fingers in hopes that it will fill all their needs and won't be too limiting. P.S. Google, don't make a monthly plan for consumers, and make the hardware affordable. Oh and make sure this thin client isn't just a trend, do it right and make sure its here to stay *cough marketing cough*.
Thin client computing may have it's second wind, the next big break! Google is listening to one of their founders ideas with a vision focused on immersing users in a full Google experience. The Google Chrome Netbook is a brain child of Paige, and is essentially a thin client netbook with the Google DNA hard coded into it.
The idea of the Chrome Netbook is brilliant, because it takes all of the pain in software updates, and operating system maintenance and throws it out the windows. Most people I know just want to turn on a computer and get online, they don't want to be bothered with updates and maintenance. This netbook from Google takes that request and makes it priority number one. I think of it this way; for the first time ever the home/family IT Pro may be able to give family members a computer they will not need to service. If this netbook functions the way Google is pitching it, then every headache associated with personal computers (including Macs) will be given a heavy dose of aspirin to remove the pain.
I am looking forward to seeing one of these netbooks in hand so I can determine if/how I would recommend it to friends and family who are in the market for some new hardware. Right now my parents and sisters are in need of new computers, this may be the option I recommend to them. I'm crossing my fingers in hopes that it will fill all their needs and won't be too limiting. P.S. Google, don't make a monthly plan for consumers, and make the hardware affordable. Oh and make sure this thin client isn't just a trend, do it right and make sure its here to stay *cough marketing cough*.
