Gadgets for cloud computing

IDG News Service - A flood of simple computing devices is hitting the market, aimed at pushing the cloud outside of the enterprise. Samsung and Acer have announced Chromebooks, which are light laptops for users who rely on the Internet for most of their computing. Startup ITWin is offering a USB device that helps users access files on remote computers over the Internet. Panasonic has shown a Viera tablet for its TV sets, which the company hopes will jumpstart its cloud services business.

Chromebooks

Google is trying to push cloud computing to the masses through Chromebooks, which come with the Chrome OS, a thin version of Linux to run Web applications or light applications purchased from the Chrome Store.

Chromebooks are lightweight, albeit slightly expensive, alternatives to regular laptops. Google says Chromebooks provide instant access to the Web and a "faster, simpler and more secure experience without all the headaches of ordinary computers." Chromebooks have minimal storage, and applications and documents are stored in the cloud.

Samsung and Acer are the first companies to jump on the Chromebook bandwagon with the Series 5 and Chromia laptops, respectively. Starting at $379, these laptops boot in under 10 seconds and support Adobe's Flash. The laptops include Intel's dual-core Atom N570 processor and come in Wi-Fi and 3G configurations. The laptops also have 16GB of solid-state drive storage, 2GB of RAM, two USB ports and weigh 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds).

The Acer Chromia, available in Wi-Fi ($379) and 3G ($449) configurations, comes with an 11.6-inch screen. It includes a 1.3 megapixel webcam and an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) port. The battery runs for six hours fully charged. Chromia can be ordered now at Amazon.com.

The Samsung Series 5 Chromebooks, also available in Wi-FI ($429) and 3G ($499) configurations, includes a 12.1-inch screen. The laptop offers 8.5 hours of battery life and is available at Amazon.com.

ITwin

Startup iTwin offers a gadget of the same name for users to access files on remote PCs over the Internet. Resembling a USB drive, the device has two pieces that can be used to create a secure peer-to-peer network over the Internet between two PCs to share files. One piece goes into the main computer, while the other half needs to be carried and activated on any computer with an Internet connection. Both PCs have to be online and users need to carry an ITwin piece to remotely access files.

In essence, the device creates a "personal cloud' around a user's PC hard disk, with the data accessible through another PC, said Kal Takru, chief operating officer at iTwin. The $99 gadget allows users to watch, share, copy or back up documents. It works with PCs and soon, Macs.