The Sophie Choice
stevenlevy.com
stevenlevy.com
I played with the Cr-48 recently and thought it wouldn't succeed, being at an inconvenient position between my Macbook Pro and iPad. If I sat down at a desk, I'd prefer my MBP either to code, browse the web on my external monitor, or perform other tasks like sorting my photos or music collection. If I wanted to browse the web while in bed or on the couch, I'd use my iPad. Similarly if I wanted to bring something out. The Cr-48 didn't fit in for me. I thought that Google would do better if they focused on making Android for the tablet form factor even better since it seems like that form factor is the winner in the near future.
But perhaps I'm wrong. Watching the video, I realised that maybe putting things on the cloud is how Google envisions Chrome. For casual users, you don't need hardware that has a user-writeable disk for storage or powerful machines. Perhaps there is still a (major) group of users that can do with a laptop form factor, with built-in camera, wifi and/or 3G connectivity that focuses on web applications and websites. The video clearly shows what's possible. It doesn't have to be Gmail. It could well be Facebook. It isn't a toned down netbook, it is a machine that has good connectivity to the cloud with a laptop form factor.
The Cr-48 looks similar to the black Macbook which Apple used to sell. It already looks good. But imagine a version with a Macbook Air design?
Pieces of these are obvious, but put together and you have a story.
As a literary reference, this title is a completely sucky choice in words. Though perhaps the author is, say, half my age, has never seen the movie and has no idea anyone would interpret it as a literary reference. (If so: "Get off my lawn!")
(I'm hoping the poster edits his comment to include a spoiler alert phrase)
Sorry, I no longer have editing powers. Too much time has passed. (I logged in just to do as you asked, I don't normally log in from work.)
Except I don't understand how the ad has anything to do with Chrome. It seems more like an ad for Gmail, or maybe just email itself. You don't need chrome to do all that crap.
Chrome, be it the browser that runs on your OS, or the thing your laptop runs on, is everything you need.
Heartwarming moment with your child? Chrome. Sharing laughter with your friends? Chrome.
etc etc. This isn't a pitch.
What I am interested in knowing here is how real the story in the ad actually is. Does Sophie exist? Does Daniel? If so, how much of this is make-believe?
I'm ok with a nondescript fictional Parisian love scenario, but it seems a bit dishonest to start using specific faces and names unless there's real authenticity there. But, so long as there is authenticity, I think these are beautiful ads.
He uses email the whole time (might as well be generic email) and then at the very end for three seconds the chrome logo pops up.
Hey my neighbor volunteers at the boys & girls club. Buy my homemade jewelry! It's awesome!
Does it really matter if the situation is fictional? It was still an emotive advert and weather the characters were made up, or are real people who I don't know, it doesn't matter to me because the point was still clear.