Google’s latest Chromebook to skip Asia for now

When the first Samsung Chromebook was released, the exorbitant cost of the simplified notebook was one of the factors that kept it from gaining traction in the market. The launch of the 2012 Chromebook removes that issue, as it now comes with a more affordable $249 price tag. Meanwhile, a 3G variant of the laptop will reportedly sell for $329.99 with a two-year contract.
The new price point and design – it’s lighter and more attractive than ever – means that the browser-based laptop won’t have any problem finding fans across the globe, but it seems Google isn’t ready yet to take it on a world tour. The new Chromebook will be offered only in the U.S. and UK, where interested customers can already preorder it online.
One region that won’t see the 2012 Chromebook anytime soon – if ever — is Asia. According to Cnet, the search engine giant has confirmed that it’s currently not interested in bringing the Chrome OS laptop to this part of the world.
This means Asian folks will miss out on the 11.6-inch display laptop with 1.7GHz Exynos 5 dual processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB onboard storage, 3-in-1 card reader, 4,800mAh battery and Chrome OS. Now that is uses an ARM-based processor, it also opens the door for tinkerers to brew Android OS for the notebook, which makes it an even more enticing machine.
Given the popularity of netbooks in Asia, even when it’s dying elsewhere, it’s mindboggling why Google and Samsung don’t try to push the Chromebook as a worthy alternative for the once ubiquitous device. Do you think Google should release the new Chromebook in Asian countries and other emerging markets? Will you buy one if they keep the price the same?