Samsung to Update Series 5 Chromebook with Celeron, Chromebox to be Released in Q2

Samsung is updating its Series 5 Chromebook by ditching Intel Atom N570 dual core processor for a faster Intel Celeron processor.

The refreshed version trades its slick cover for something muted, with more discreet logo placement. It will also showcase a matte, 12.1-inch, 300-nit display.

The new Chromebook will still have a 16GB solid state disk and Chrome OS operating system. This basically means the laptop will run nothing but a web browser and web apps, but it should be faster than the older version.

The next-gen Series 5 Chromebook will be available in the second quarter of 2012. Pricing is set at $399 for the WiFi-only version, and $449 for the 3G model with pay-as-you-go data from Verizon.

There are still no information regarding the tech specs of the small desktop computer dubbed as Chromebox. The company told Engadget that it comes with a wireless keyboard-and-mouse combo. It also has a handful of ports, including five USB 2.0 sockets, DVI, DisplayPort and a headphone jack. Chromebox is said to run Chrome OS.

Retail price for Chromebox will probably be around $400 and will likely be aimed at the business and education markets. It is said to be released sometime in the second quarter as well, like the new Chromebook.

Sources:   Liliputing, Engadget