Dell Confirms Switch to Google's Chrome OS

By Kevin Parrish
published

Dell will use Google's Chrome OS on upcoming devices.

Dell confirmed in an interview Monday that the company is currently in talks with Google about using the upcoming Chrome OS on its laptops.

The news comes after Dell put the smack-down on Microsoft last week, promoting its Ubuntu Linux-based products as more secure than those using Windows 7. Now Dell is seeking to use another alternative, turning to Google's upcoming Linux-based OS scheduled for release later this year.

Details on the deal weren't all that forthcoming, however there was indication that devices are currently in development, and that the relationship would last between two and three years.

"There are going to be unique innovations coming up in the marketplace in two, three years, with a new form of computing, we want to be on that forefront," said Amit Midha, Dell's president for Greater China and South Asia. "So with Chrome or Android or anything like that we want to be one of the leaders."

Earlier reports indicate that Dell development was previously confirmed by reference within the Chrome OS code itself. HP and Acer were also listed, indicating that these three manufacturers could have Chrome-installed devices ready for consumers by the end of the year.

Kevin Parrish
29 Comments Comment from the forums
  • fusion_gtx
    Not exactly a surprising announcement seeing as Dell just came out with (sarcasm)astonishing(/sarcasm) news about Linux being more secure than Windows. Obviously there are going to be people who get on board the new OS but it's not like Microsoft is in any jeopardy of losing a huge client base.
    Reply
  • Ragnar-Kon
    That is quite the smack down on Microsoft, but not sure if removing the power from Microsoft and giving it to Google will really do any positive in terms of competition... but then again I doubt Dell was trying to improved market competition when they made this decision. Probably just a money saving tactic.
    Reply
  • False_Dmitry_II
    Isn't that the cloud-based/only OS? No thanks, if I wanna use not windows I'll stick with real linux.
    Reply
  • stromm
    Is linux really more secure than Win7? Or is it just that no one's bothered to target it as much as they do Win7?
    Reply
  • zaznet
    and that the relationship would last between two and three years.

    The statement he made wasn't about the relationship but rather the state of the marketplace they are trying to tap into which he predicts will more fully emerge in the 2 or 3 year time frame.
    Reply
  • digitalrazoe
    @stromm ... yes it is, and yes...
    Reply
  • fusion_gtx
    strommIs linux really more secure than Win7? Or is it just that no one's bothered to target it as much as they do Win7?
    You basically answered your own question. Linux is more secure, because less people use it. So less people target it.
    Reply
  • indian-art
    Google's Chrome OS - Let the excitement begin.

    I'm using Google Chrome Browser 6.0.437.3 dev and its awesome.

    I feel Google's Chrome OS has a lot of promise and can herald something new and great.

    With such a great OS for free, prices of PC's should become even more competitive!
    Reply
  • SchizoFrog
    fusion_gtxYou basically answered your own question. Linux is more secure, because less people use it. So less people target it.I wouldn't say that it was more secure, just less likely to be attacked. The two are not the same thing. People used to say the same thing about Apple's software but year after year it is been proven at the security conventions that it just isn't true.
    Personally, I would rather have more attacks aimed at my machine with very good protection and a very small risk of a successful attack than have a single attack that destroyed my OS, stole my personal info and corrupted my stored data.

    But the best security measure is to stop doing stupid things with your computer.
    Reply
  • fusion_gtx
    @SchizoFrog I guess that's more so what I meant by Linux being more secure.

    In the end it's really up to what the user is doing. If you're going to look at pron and torrent music/videos then you're putting your computer at risk. No one is to blame but the user at that point. A smart user can use the web with minimal protection without getting infected.
    Reply