In today's economy, starting or running a small business can be both difficult and expensive. Knowing
this, Google is hoping to lessen the load on companies with its new Chromebook and Chromebox rental program.
With no long-term commitments and a month-to-month payment plan, Google's Chromebook rental plan offers both startups and established companies an affordable and safe method to acquire some browser-centric laptops.
Although the program is most appealing for short-term rental, the monthly rates of $30/month for Chromebooks and $25/month for Chromeboxes will actually decrease steadily after the first twelve months.
For Chromebooks in their second year of rental, the monthly cost is reduced to $25. For the third year and beyond, the cost is reduced to $20. Chromeboxes in their second year are reduced to $22/month and then $18/month. In order to sign up for the service, prospective renters will have to fill out a credit application with Google partner CIT to qualify.
Since Chromebook and Chromebox prices range from $330 to $600, the rental program is a great way for companies to temporarily rent a high volume of systems for a relatively low price. “Imagine you’re setting up shop for a local political campaign and will have an influx of new, temporary workers,” Google explains. “You can rent a Chromebook for each worker for the next few months, and return them when the campaign is over.”
For both the Chromebook and Chromebox rentals, Google also throws in a 3-year limited warranty as well as a central management console and 24/7 support. In addition to the new rental offers, Google is also allowing Google Apps customers to purchase up to 10 Chromebooks direct from the company.
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jaquith ReplySince Chromebook and Chromebox prices range from $330 to $600, the rental program is a great way for companies to temporarily rent a high volume of systems for a relatively low price.
Hmm...I can lease a $1,100 Dell for $28/month; example Dell XPS 14 Ultrabook - http://www.dell.com/us/soho/p/xps-14-l421x/fs
Yeah, for sure what a deal?! -
Achoo22 $30 a month to rent a device with a worth of just barely over $200? And what good is a limited warranty on a rental? This is simply not an attractive proposition for customers.Reply -
Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer jaquithHmm...I can lease a $1,100 Dell for $28/month; example Dell XPS 14 Ultrabook - http://www.dell.com/us/soho/p/xps-14-l421x/fsYeah, for sure what a deal?!I doubt that Dell offers lease terms shorter than a year (though I can't be bothered to confirm that). With this deal, you can return the laptops whenever you don't need them anymore.Reply -
c4v3man Seems interesting for month-to-month rentals. Obviously this isn't intended to replace your companies fleet of machines for permanent employees.Reply
Offer a LTE equipped model for $50 a month with 2GB of data and it'd be even more interesting. I wonder if we'll see this expanded to $15 a month Nexus 7 rentals for survey takers, etc. -
apone As someone who works in computer parts/consumer electronics E-commerce, also being a tech nerd, and having studied Small Business Mgmt. in grad school, I feel compelled to note that it's more cost-effective and strategic to buy 3-4 year old notebooks (e.g. Dell Latitude D830, E6410, etc.) at a fraction of full new retail price or amortized rental cost. For most computing tasks, these older notebooks have enough horsepower to get the job done and can be easily data wiped/restored and the hardware swapped/upgraded. When you rent technology, you have to deal with the issue of Information Security, data wiping, etc. which is a problem with a rented notebook since you don't have complete control of the hardware and software. From a business start-up perspective, cutting initial overhead costs such as buying a much cheaper off-lease business notebooks helps free up cash flow and reduce liabilities in the books (assuming of course you don't need an expensive and ridiculously high-powered notebook for your new business).Reply
And regarding Google's "Chromebook"....Worst. Concept. Ever. No wonder it never took off in the industry. -
noblerabbit you can also build a PC for $350 and use it for 5+ years, the ROI is not worth the trouble.Reply