SideXSide: Samsung Chromebook Vs. Asus Eee PC 1215N

Features

Samsung Chromebook

Asus Eee PC 1215N

Operating System

Google’s Chrome OS, a cloud-based operating system that the company has
been touting for months. It does not allow for offline access.

Windows 7 Home Premium. Although it’s not the Enterprise edition you
might be looking for, it will still deliver adequate functionality for
IT staff.

Basic Hardware Features

The Samsung Chromebook comes with a 12.1-inch display and clamshell
design one would expect in a netbook. It boasts the Intel Atom
Dual-Core Processor and options for users to connect to the Web via
Wi-Fi and 3G. The computer comes with two USB ports and a four-in-one
memory card slot for users to transfer data to and from the device. A
trackpad is built-in to control the computer.

The Asus Eee PC 1215N features a 12.1-inch display and clamshell design
one would expect in a netbook. It comes with the 1.8GHz Intel Atom
dual-core processor and 250GB of onboard storage. An additional 500GB
is available through the company’s WebStorage offering. It has 3 USB
ports and 0.3-megapixel camera. The device includes an HDMI port. It
offers access to the Web via WiFi 802.11b/g/n.

Security

According to Google, its Chrome OS offers multiple security features,
including sandboxing to ensure Web pages and applications can’t affect
others. The platform also features a “verified boot” option that will
repair malware prior to boot up. Data encryption and the addition of a
guest mode should also help improve security on the platform. However,
beware that by focusing its efforts on the Web, the computer is
susceptible to online threats, including malware.

Because the Asus Eee PC 1215N features Windows 7, you’ll need to ensure
that the computers are running updated security software to keep users
safe. In addition, you’ll need to inform your employees of the threats
they might face when using a Windows machine. Windows 7 is arguably
more secure than its predecessor, Windows Vista, but the threats are
always present. And the onus is on you to protect sensitive corporate
data.

Productivity

At first glance, Samsung’s Chromebook might look like a drain on
productivity. After all, the operating system is brand new and your
employees might not know much about it. However, if those folks have
used Chrome at any point, they should feel right at home. Chrome OS is
designed to deliver a Web browsing-like experience in a cloud-based
operating system. The only productivity issues you might run into is
employee use of sites you might not want them to access. 

Thanks to Windows 7, you shouldn’t need to worry too much about the
productivity of employees running the Asus Eee PC 1215N. That device
features the familiar notebook design they’re familiar with and is
running an operating system that they continue to use each and every
day. Plus, if you have the right solutions in place, you should be able
to set use permissions and other protocols in place to ensure your
employees are doing what they should, when they should.

Software Considerations

The biggest issue standing in the way of the Samsung Chromebook and
Chrome OS is that it won’t have the kind of software compatibility
you’ll be looking for. Google says that because of its reliance upon
the Web, its operating system will work for many things folks are
looking for, but as you know, many enterprise-focused programs are
still only available on Windows. Don’t expect those programs to come to
Chrome OS anytime soon — if ever.

You should have no trouble whatsoever deploying software on the Asus
Eee PC 1215N. Because the device is running Windows, many of the
programs you currently employ will work just fine on the netbook.
However, because the Eee PC 1215N is a netbook and not a powerful
laptop or desktop, some of the more resource-intensive options might
not work so well on it. Keep that in mind before making your decision.

Wireless Connectivity

Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to World-mode 3G from Verizon Wireless.

802.11 b/g/n at 2.4GHz

3G Pricing 

Free for the first 100MB of data. A single-day pass costs $9.99 per
day. Verizon offers a 1GB, 3GB, and 5GB plan for $20, $35, and $50 per
month, respectively. 

Not applicable.

Storage 

The Chromebook features no storage, and instead will allow users to
store content in the cloud. A four-in-one memory card slot allows users
to transfer information to and from the device.

The Asus Eee PC 1215N boasts 250GB of storage. Asus also operates a
cloud-based storage service that delivers 500GB more of storage for
users.

Mobility 

The device weighs 3.26 pounds and, thanks to its small, 12.1-inch
display, should be quite easy for your employees to carry around. Over
all, the Samsung Chromebook seems to be quite appealing from a mobility
perspective. The Chromebook will offer 8.5 hours of battery life on
continued usage.

The Asus Eee PC 1215N weighs 3.22 pounds and features a small,
12.1-inch display to make it easy to toss into a bag. Moreover, if your
employees are working while away from a power outlet, the battery life
will give them the ability to use the device for a considerable amount
of time.

Price

$429 for Wi-Fi-only model and $499 for the 3G option. Businesses can also get a subscription option for $28 per user per month.

$500