A look at Samsung's Series 5 550 Chromebook (pictures)
Samsung's Series 5 550 Chromebook is much faster than its predecessor from last year. Here's a look at the standard-bearer of Google's browser-based Chrome OS.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
The Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook is all about running Web apps and using Web sites. The 1,280x800-pixel-resolution screen is workable but unspectacular, and the font-rendering technology is coarse.
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Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook
Samsung's Series 5 550 Chromebook comes with a much faster Intel processor for better Chrome OS performance. It costs $449 for a Wi-Fi model and $549 for a 3G-equipped model.
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Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook keyboard
The Series 5 550 Chromebook's keys are recessed in a shallower section behind a brushed-metal wrist rest area. On the left side of the laptop are a headphone port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a DisplayPort video port. On the other side are another USB port, an SD Card slot, and a Kensington lock attachment point.
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Samsung Chromebook with Intel Inside
The first-generation Chromebooks used Intel Atom processors. The second-gen models get a faster Core processor -- and now an Intel Inside sticker, too. That means Intel helps subsidize marketing efforts.
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Series 5 550 Chromebook keyboard
MacBook users will find the Samsung Chromebook's keyboard familiar, including the omission of a right-side delete key. A spacious touch pad also follows the Mac's useful styling; two-finger tapping is the same as right-clicking, and the touch pad depresses like a big button.
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Chrome and Samsung branding
The new Series 5 Chromebook sports Samsung and Chrome branding on its curved top.
