Google Chromebook sales soar in face of PC decline
Google's Chromebook is one of the few computers than continues to attract customers as PC sales continue to plummet.
The Samsung Chromebook 550 is one of the laptops of choice for savvy tech consumers looking for a bargain
In the past eight months Google's Chromebook netbooks have snared 20 to 25 per cent of the US market for laptops under $300, said consumer research group NPD Group Inc.
The sub-$300 laptop market is expected to increase by more than 10 per cent by the end of 2013 in response to demand for cheaper, more accessible technology.
Sales of netbooks and notebooks have declined in recent years as tablets and smartphones have become the gadget of choice for computing on the go.
Between April and June this year worldwide sales of PCs fell by 10.9 per cent, a drop of 76m units, making it the longest decline in the PC market's history.
Google's Acer and Samsung hardware Chromebooks have proved extremely popular due to their low price in the US. The Acer C7 Chromebook comes with an entry price of $199.
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Another way in which Google has maximised sales of the Chromebooks is to sell them through mass-market superstores. Last month the California-based company announced that Walmart will be making and selling the newest Acer Chromebook. Over 1,500 Staples store will be selling Chromebooks for the first time, alongside regional electronic chains Fry’s and TigerDirect.
Only two models are currently available in the UK, the Samsung Chromebook and Samsung Chromebook 550, starting at £191.
In a sidestep of traditional laptop preloaded programmes, the devices access tools and programmes via the Google Chrome operating system, a savvy way of increasing Google docs, drive and mail use.
In February Google unveiled its first touchscreen-enabled laptop, the Chromebook Pixel. Designed as a genuine contender to the high-end MacBook and MacBook Pro market, it costs an eye-watering £1,049, which drew criticism from technology experts.
Google's attempt to dominate both the high and low end of the laptop pricing spectrum is a bold move, though it remains to be seen whether it will pay off.
The sub-$300 laptop market is expected to increase by more than 10 per cent by the end of 2013 in response to demand for cheaper, more accessible technology.
Sales of netbooks and notebooks have declined in recent years as tablets and smartphones have become the gadget of choice for computing on the go.
Between April and June this year worldwide sales of PCs fell by 10.9 per cent, a drop of 76m units, making it the longest decline in the PC market's history.
Google's Acer and Samsung hardware Chromebooks have proved extremely popular due to their low price in the US. The Acer C7 Chromebook comes with an entry price of $199.
Related Articles
PCs suffer longest sales decline in history 10 Jul 2013
Google privacy policy 'raises serious questions' 04 Jul 2013
The Internship, review 03 Jul 2013
Another way in which Google has maximised sales of the Chromebooks is to sell them through mass-market superstores. Last month the California-based company announced that Walmart will be making and selling the newest Acer Chromebook. Over 1,500 Staples store will be selling Chromebooks for the first time, alongside regional electronic chains Fry’s and TigerDirect.
Only two models are currently available in the UK, the Samsung Chromebook and Samsung Chromebook 550, starting at £191.
In a sidestep of traditional laptop preloaded programmes, the devices access tools and programmes via the Google Chrome operating system, a savvy way of increasing Google docs, drive and mail use.
In February Google unveiled its first touchscreen-enabled laptop, the Chromebook Pixel. Designed as a genuine contender to the high-end MacBook and MacBook Pro market, it costs an eye-watering £1,049, which drew criticism from technology experts.
Google's attempt to dominate both the high and low end of the laptop pricing spectrum is a bold move, though it remains to be seen whether it will pay off.
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