Samsung Series 5 Chromebook June 2011

What is a Chromebook?

Chromebook is Google's name for a laptop that runs on its Chrome OS operating system (OS). Chrome OS is an entirely new type of computer OS, one that functions exclusively inside a web browser. Instead of installing software you use web apps - applications that exist on the internet.

The Samsung Series 5 is the first Google Chromebook. It's got a 12.1-inch display, has similar hardware to a netbook and has 16GB of storage. It doesn't need a large hard drive as most files are stored online.

There are USB ports for connecting external peripherals, a memory card reader, and a VGA port for connecting a monitor. Wi-fi comes as standard, but there's a 3G version as well for getting online no matter where you are.

Related: How to buy the best laptop

What's to like about the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook?

Compared to most netbooks, the Series 5 has a stylish design. Its edges are smooth, it measures just 20mm thick, and the design is very minimalist. At 1.49kg it's very light, too.

We were impressed by the screen, which is very bright and sharp. Unlike many laptops we review, it's got an anti-glare finish that won't suffer reflections so badly. There's a good-size keyboard, and the touchpad is unusually large so as to make it easier to use.

What makes the Series 5 unique, however, is Chrome OS. Normal laptops and netbooks take around 45 seconds to boot, but thanks to Chrome OS the Series 5 takes just 10 seconds. Moreover, it doesn't need traditional security software - each application runs in a 'Sandbox', meaning malicious programs are isolated and can't harm the computer.

Samsung claims the Series 5 will last 8.5 hours on a full charge. If true, it would equate to all-day battery life and would compare favourably to most netbook and laptops we test. We'll put that claim to the test in the labs soon.

Read our Samsung laptop reviews to see how it performs in our rigorous lab tests.

What's to dislike about the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook?

By and large, the Series 5 is reliant on an internet connection to fulfil its potential. Google says there are many apps that work offline (without an internet connection), but not all do. As most files are stored online, you may be stuck if you lose your connection.

Like most Apple MacBooks, the Series 5 Chromebook has a battery that can't be replaced by the user. This is normally a problem as batteries lose their capacity over time. Samsung claims the Series 5 will last longer than most, retaining 80% of its capacity over three years, but if you do have a problem there's no easy fix.

When can I buy the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook?

You can pre-order the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook online now. The wi-fi only version costs £349, the wi-fi and 3G version costs £399. Most stores expect to ship orders in July. 

In the full review…

These are only our first impressions of the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook. When it goes on sale we'll bring you our full lab results, which will include:

• Wi-fi signal quality – unlike other review websites, we test the range, quality and reliability of every laptop's wi-fi connection.
• Real-world battery life – we don't use synthetic tests to estimate battery life, we perform real-world tests that measure battery life when using wi-fi and when watching films on DVD.
• Screen quality – we compare every laptop we test for screen quality using professional measuring equipment and a panel of expert testers that view laptops side-by-side to see which is best. We also test how easy it is to view in bright light.

See our how we test laptops page for more on our testing, or try Which? today for just £1 to see the Best Buys in our laptop reviews section.