IDF 2013 | Intel and Google announce a new line of Chromebooks

In not altogether unexpected news, Intel and Google have announced that a new line of Chromebooks will be hitting the market soon powered by processors “based on the Haswell microarchitecture”. The new devices promise faster performance, and much improved battery life (up to 2x).

While Chromebooks still represent less than 25% of US$300-or-less computer sales, they are becoming increasingly popular with schools due to their low price, ease of use, and near invulnerability to viruses.

New models from Chromebook partners Acer and HP are expected in time for the holiday season, as are Chromebooks from newcomers Asus and Toshiba.

The HP Chromebook 14 will offer a 14-inch HD display, 16 GB internal memory, HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 ports, as well as 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years. Certain models will also include up to 200 MB of free data per month for two years on T-Mobile's 4G network. The Chromebook 14 will be available in a variety of colors starting at US$299.99.

The Asus Chromebox will be the first Chrome OS ultra-compact desktop (not so different from a Gigabyte Brix). Pricing and further details for the Chromebox have not yet been announced.

Details for the new Acer and Toshiba Chromebooks are not yet available.

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