The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Chromebook that began Google’s experiment was the Cr-48, an unbranded Chrome OS pilot notebook announced in December 2010. It was not a retail Chromebook: Google sent test hardware to selected users and organizations to gather feedback before Samsung and Acer announced the first partner Chromebooks in May 2011.
What was the Cr-48?
The Cr-48 was Google’s pilot notebook for Chrome OS, an operating system Google described as built and optimized for the web, with the browser at its center. Google said it was not ready to sell pre-beta computers, so it planned to distribute test notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools, and businesses for feedback. The machines were deliberately black and unbranded. Google Testing Blog explained that “Cr-48” refers to an isotope of chromium.
Google’s December 2010 announcement highlighted these features:
- A 12.1-inch screen
- A full-sized keyboard and touchpad
- Integrated Verizon 3G
- Eight hours of battery life and eight days of standby, as figures Google stated at announcement—not independent test results
Google’s announcement does not provide a complete specification sheet, so processor, memory, storage, weight, and port details are not established here. Google’s Chrome OS announcement has the original description.
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- Product Type: Replacement AC Adapter
- Input: 100-240V 50/60Hz Output: 19.5V
- Certification: ETL Listed, with FCC,CE,ROHS certified
- Compatibility: Google Chromebook CR-48 Notebook Power Supply Cord Charger
- Protection: OVP / OCP / SCP
Why Google made a pilot Chromebook
The Cr-48 gave Google a way to put its browser-centered operating system on real hardware and collect feedback before a public-facing product launch. Google Cloud later reported that 16,000 original Cr-48 Chromebooks were sent to schools and businesses in its 2020 retrospective.
The pilot was part of Google’s broader idea for a computer centered on the web browser. At the 2011 launch, Google promoted quick startup, automatic updates, online access to a user’s content, optional 3G, and built-in security. Those were Google’s product claims, not independent performance findings.
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- Advanced Design, High Portability Brand New!
- Safe standard: FCC，CE, RoSH
- Replacement only, not original, but 100% compatible
- Tested Units. In Great Working Condition.
How the Cr-48 differs from the first partner Chromebooks
“First Chromebook” can mean the earliest Chrome OS notebook or the first partner-built products announced for the Chromebook line. The Cr-48 was the pilot; Samsung and Acer supplied the first partner Chromebooks announced for the public-facing product range.
| Device or group | Role | Timing | Manufacturer or partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cr-48 | Unbranded Chrome OS pilot hardware used to gather feedback | Announced December 2010 | Google pilot; the announcement describes test notebooks rather than a retail partner model |
| First partner Chromebooks | First partner products announced for the Chromebook line | Announced May 11, 2011 | Samsung and Acer |
Google’s May 11, 2011 post opened: “Today, we’re announcing the first Chromebooks from our partners, Samsung and Acer.” It was written by Linus Upson, then Vice President of Engineering, and Sundar Pichai, then Senior Vice President, Chrome. Google’s 2020 retrospective describes Chrome OS and the first Chromebook as launching in 2011; the distinction is that the Cr-48 came first as pilot hardware, while the Samsung and Acer machines were partner products. See Google’s Chromebook retrospective and the 2011 partner announcement.
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What the Cr-48 means to Chromebook history
The Cr-48 was the proof-of-concept stage in public: an experimental notebook that let Google test its web-first computing idea before partner Chromebooks arrived. It was not a normal retail model, and the official material cited here does not establish its present-day usability, support status, surviving-unit prices, or parts and accessory availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Advanced Design, High Portability Brand New!
- Safe standard: FCC，CE, RoSH
- Replacement only, not original, but 100% compatible
- Tested Units. In Great Working Condition.
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- Powered by Intel Core i3-1215U Processor
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