Technology on a Budget: $200 laptop

Technology is so much less expensive than it was even three or four years ago.  And with the arrival of the tablet, laptops have taken a nosedive in price as well.

Google Chromebook is a fully loaded laptop that comes in several different versions. Best Buy has the Acer Chromebook for an unbelievable $199.00 with free shipping.  It's astounding what kind of computing power $199 buys you these days:

• Intel Celeron processor 847. Features a 2MB L3 cache and 1.1GHz processor speed.
• 2GB DDR3 memory. For multitasking power, expandable to 4GB. Note: Optical drive not included
• 11.6" LED-backlit LCD high-definition widescreen display. With CineCrystal technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in arresting clarity.
• 320GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm). Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
• Intel HD graphics. Features 128MB dedicated video memory for lush images with stunning detail.
• HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
• Built-in high-definition webcam, along with a built-in analog microphone makes it easy to video chat with family and friends in 1280 x 720 resolution.
• 2-in-1 media reader. Supports Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard formats.
• 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports, for fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
• Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n). Connect to the Internet without wires.
• Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN.  For quick and easy wired Web connection.
• Weighs only 3.1 lbs. and measures just 1.1" thin. For lightweight portability. 
• Chrome OS keyboard with function keys offers easy typing and one-touch control of your Chromebook.
• Google Chrome operating system preinstalled, provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.

The negatives (from what I can tell):  

• no DVD drive  
• small screen size (which is both a plus and a minus)
• since it's neither a Windows nor Mac operating system, you can install only programs or apps that will run on the Google Chrome operating system.

From everything that I've read, one of the greatest plusses on the Chromebook seems to be the fact that it's lightweight and very portable.  I think this would make a perfect, frugally-priced notebook for traveling. 

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