Google hopes to make a bigger dent in the netbook market, which is dominated by Microsoft, by releasing a Chromebook by the end of the year, according to Taiwanese newspaper DigiTimes. The 12.85-inch touch-screen laptop will run Google’s Chrome operating system and join the company’s already successful line of Nexus mobile devices. According to DigiTimes, the laptops will be manufactured by Taiwan-based Compal Electronics and cost more than the current $249 Chromebook Google has already marketed in the US, yet still be less expensive than other similar touchscreen models. For example, touchscreen laptops running Windows 8 typically retail for more than $700 and can cost as much as $1,300.

In order to launch a touchscreen Chromebook, however, Google will need to redesign its Chrome OS, as the operating system was not designed for touch screens, and certain tabs and icons will be difficult to access with a finger-click. Plus, should Google decide to create a convertible laptop that offers both touch screen and traditional capabilities, such as Dell, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard models, it would more than likely need to significantly increase its pricing plan for the Chromebook.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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