Closer Look: Google CR-48

Some companies want extravagant looking systems that have their name plastered all over it. The CR-48 is the exact opposite of this with no visible markings anywhere on the case. Other computer manufactures take note, many people want an elegant clutter free exterior rather than a glossy mess that quickly gets dirty.

The entire exterior is covered in a rubber coating which gives the CR-48 a beautiful matte black exterior. The exterior reminded me of the old black MacBook although less with less plastic. The CR-48 is minimalist system something that is apparent from the beginning without opening it or looking at its side. There are no audio ports, no corporate logos, not even a system light on the front or top.

Continuing on the minimalist theme that embodies the entire CR-48 system, the right side contains very little in way of connections. The CR-48 has one full size SD card reader that can be used to upload photo to image hosting and editing sites such as Flickr, and Picasa, and a 3.5mm jack. Other than these connections, there is only the custom power jacks included on the CR-48, which also contains the only external way of determining whether the CR-48 is on. When charging this light is orange and when fully charged it turns white.

On the right side of the CR-48, you have only a VGA connection that will enable the CR-48 to connect to an external monitor. Sadly the CR-48 is unable to drive both its main screen and the VGA connection making this an either one or another affair. Next to that is the main ventilation port for the CR-48. The CR-48 does have a fan internally but during my use of the system, I have been unable to hear it and have not felt any heat being given off from the system.

Once you opening the CR-48 you can see the many design queues that Google has taken from Apple. This includes the Chiclet keyboard used on the CR-48. Although not backlit is very similar to that used on the MacBook Pros. The keyboard has a nice amount of spring to it and combined with its full size creates a very enjoyable experience for typing on. It is not as good as a mechanical keyboard, but for a laptop and especially a netbook, the typing experience is fantastic. The track pad on the CR-48 is also particularly good being both very accurate and multi-touch capable.

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