Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#1

Post by nkorth » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 3:53 PM UTC

The Cr-48 was known for remarkably good hardware design. As a Chromebook, it didn't have high specs. They weren't sold to the public, but I guess they would cost about $400-500 max.

Why isn't there an equivalent now? All the laptops I see in that price range have very nice specs, but weak design. They don't seem at all durable, and they often have terrible battery life as a result of high-end processors.

Basically, what I want is a laptop designed like a Macbook for about $500, with the price difference coming from reduced specs. I don't want a superpowered laptop, I would rather have the battery life. Does this exist, and if not, why?

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#2

Post by nkorth » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 3:56 PM UTC

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#3

Post by THISISIMPORTANT » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 4:05 PM UTC

What's your opinion on the lenova thinkpad x series? They fit the criteria.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#4

Post by Xion » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 5:59 PM UTC

Some Macbooks are a bit like that. I have the new 13" one and when looking at the screen, there is no branding nor anything that would distract me, unlike e.g. the "Macbook Air" label printed below the screen in MBA. I really like it.

But obviously, this is nowhere near the price point you are suggesting. I think the reason cheap laptops look cheap is that they are, well, cheap. Users do not really expect them to last and therefore manufactures do not focus on longevity or style.

Good design is a premium for which you simply need to pay extra.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#5

Post by nkorth » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 6:25 PM UTC

Xion wrote: post #4

Some Macbooks are a bit like that. I have the new 13" one and when looking at the screen, there is no branding nor anything that would distract me, unlike e.g. the "Macbook Air" label printed below the screen in MBA. I really like it. But obviously, this is nowhere near the price point you are suggesting. I think the reason cheap laptops look cheap is that they are, well, cheap. Users do not really expect them to las…

It just seems to me that it should be possible to design a really good laptop that costs less than $1000, if specs are secondary. I think that would be the best way for a PC manufacturer to finally beat Apple. The problem, however, is that such a computer might not run Windows very well. (but Linux would run quite nicely!)

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#6

Post by grumps » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 6:41 PM UTC

I had a Cr-48. It didn't last long.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#7

Post by DanBC » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 6:47 PM UTC

The ASUS eee pc 701 was dirt cheap; had limited hardware; had a few problems; but was robust.

It should be easy to replicate it with better hardware and avoiding some of the biggest problems (tiny SSD soldered to the motherboard; weird trackpad; tiny keyboard) especially if you're not trying to cram it into a teeny tiny package.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#8

Post by troist » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 8:56 PM UTC

I've always found Clevo laptops to be durable, I've knocked my 15" off a desk by accident and the screen didn't even crack.

I think they have an 11" and 14" in their range which might fit the criteria and you can customise the specs to whatever you want really.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#9

Post by stevenrace » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 9:37 PM UTC

After my 13" MBP was stolen, I brought my CR-48 out of hibernation and have been using it as my primary machine for nearly 6 months.

It is indeed a great computer, but I can't help thinking a used Macbook, Thinkpad, or the plethora of netbooks on the market would better serve even the most avid of hackers.

May I ask what puts you off with it's current incarnation, the Chromebook? It 's only $200 (and up). The external branding can be resolved with a $5 can of 'Plasti-dip', a screwdriver, and a bit of time. You'll end up a with a black, rubberized finish similar to the CR-48.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't anyone make a laptop like the Cr-48?

#10

Post by Xion » Sun, Feb 10, 2013, 10:09 PM UTC

nkorth wrote: post #5

Xion wrote: post #4

Some Macbooks are a bit like that. I have the new 13" one and when looking at the screen, there is no branding nor anything that would distract me, unlike e.g. the "Macbook Air" label printed below the screen in MBA. I really like it. But obviously, this is nowhere near the price point you are suggesting. I think the reason cheap laptops look cheap is that they are, well, cheap. Users do not really expect them to las…

It just seems to me that it should be possible to design a really good laptop that costs less than $1000, if specs are secondary. I think that would be the best way for a PC manufacturer to finally beat Apple. The problem, however, is that such a computer might not run Windows very well. (but Linux would run quite nicely!)

Right, but how big is the market for low spec laptop with good design? As you have pointed out, it may have trouble running Windows which excludes the vast majority of users right here and there. It might work well in conjunction with Ubuntu et al., but that would require some non-trivial marketing effort from Canonical to create some demand for "premium netbook" niche.

However, given the success of Chrome OS, it might not be that difficult, actually.