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When Google announced its Chromebook concept back in May 2011, it was met with derision and scepticism from many sectors of the technology world. Early Chromebooks were running Google's bespoke Chrome OS were large, expensive and rendered useless when disconnected from the internet. However, the concept has evolved - and quickly. Samsung's Series 3 model, which launched at the end of 2012 and powered by the exact same processor found inside the Google Nexus 10 - is sleek, cheap and runs offline applications. After an awkward start, Google's new OS seems to be finding its feet, and may make you reconsider your next tablet or netbook purchase.An initial glance at the Series 3 Chromebook illustrates why the latest hardware is attracting attention rather than gaining criticism. Clearly taking inspiration from Apple's iconic MacBook Air, the super-portable design is lightweight at 1.1kg and slips effortlessly into any average-sized backpack or satchel. The Air's metal casing is abandoned in favour of an entirely plastic frame - a given when you consider the low cost of just £229 - but everything feels robust and dependable.
The Series 3 Chromebook's keyboard also owes a debt to Apple's designers, and when placed alongside a MacBook Air it's genuinely difficult to distinguish between the two. Thankfully, this slavish imitation extends to the quality of the keys themselves; typing on the Series 3 Chromebook is a joy, although you'll have to get used to the lack of a caps lock key - it's been replaced by a "search" key in its stead, although you can change the function of this in the settings menu. The trackpad is another nod in Apple's direction; allowing two-touch input so you can right-click with a double-touch and scroll pages by making a two-fingered swiping gesture.
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