Ask HN: Did anyone else get an invitation for a Chromebook? Just received an email. Did anyone else get an invitation? I didn't find it exciting to have applied for a chrome cr-48 and now just received an invitation to buy a chromebook. What are your thoughts? -m |
Personally, I find the price a bit too high for an iPad-with-a-keyboard.
Based on what I've read/seen online, the Chromebook isn't "there" enough yet to justify a $500 investment. Maybe soonish though.
The chromebook is more of a cut-down web browser with a keyboard that you can't use without having a google account and forfeiting your privacy.
I for one hope Chromebooks solve that problem and provide a reasonable alternative to the iPad. If they do that's a big win for the web, which has taken a beating as of late.
they simply gave you the option to register with Gilt if you are interested in purchasing the chromebook.
The email I got says right there: Remember, you must use this email (...) to access the sale
If so, that is why you got the e-mail.
A few months back, you asked to be notified about the availability of Chrome OS, which is why we sent you this one-time notice. You will not be emailed again regarding the availability of Chrome OS. Remember, you must use this email -- xxx.yyy.com -- to access the sale
So how did my contact info get from Google to Gilt? Did I explicitly give permission for that when I signed up? Does Gilt and/or Google profit from this?
If no, is it because you already have the CR-48 and therefore don't have the need, or because you didn't like the CR-48 and don't think the Chromebook would be useful?
I received the invitations you speak of, and I was also one of the pilot CR-48 users. Pretty cool tech overall.
It is possible that you gave Google permission when you signed up.
I think it is more likely that the URL has all of the information Gilt needs to process the request:
http://www.gilt.com/google-
chromebook?opromo=Google_Chromebook&ocl=Email&ocat=Link&
email_address=<any email would work here>