Google announced that its new Chromebooks will be available in 100 US Best Buy stores. This is a pretty huge distribution channel for its devices, and it will put these devices right next to Apple ones.
Speaking on the second day of its I/O event, the company also revealed that the devices will be making their way to Dixons in the UK, although no timeframe or scale has been given for that distribution.
Beyond this, Google exec Sundar Pichai says that the devices will become available via more retailers in the near future.
Last month, the search giant announced the next phase of its Chrome project, with a focus on speed. The announcements saw the company introduce its latest Chromebooks, alongside the new Chromebox — which is reminiscent of the Apple Mini — and also an update for its Chrome OS.
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The new Chromebooks range in prices, going from $349-$549, and have been available via Amazon and Newegg in the US. The Chromebox will run you $329 and sports the following specs:
Intel® Core™ processor
4 GB RAM
Built-in dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Gigabit ethernet
6 USB 2.0 ports
2x DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)
DVI single link output
Bluetooth 3.0™ compatible
Kensington™ key lock compatible
Discussing the new approach, the company said:
Speed is integral to the Chrome experience. The new Chromebook and Chromebox, based on Intel Core processors, are nearly three times as fast as the first-generation Chromebooks. And support for hardware-accelerated graphics, a built-from-scratch multi-touch trackpad and an open-source firmware stack provide a much faster and more responsive computing experience. The new Chromebook boots in less than seven seconds and resumes instantly. With the Chromebox, you can be on a video conference while continuing to play your favorite role-playing game on the side.
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