Jcoin Ster: Netbook

Now that the Cr-48 has taken the spotlight, I'd like to share my story of how my laptop.

One day, during a car trip to Florida, my Dell Mini 10v refused to boot my beloved Mac OS and would prevent me from opening any program on the laptop in a Finder error. I tried everything, reaching out to MyDellMini with no success. I've tried every forum's help I have looked for without luck. After retreating to an Ubuntu USB disk, I took all my files off my laptop onto my backup drive. Then I went ahead with a full format of my laptop, taking around 5 days before giving me a drive error (Bad Sectors.)

After trying 2 USB Drives, 5 Cham Boot Drives, 3 Snow and Leopard Images and attemps to write the images on Linux, Mac 10.3.9 and Windows, the install would appear similar to this:

Cham or syslinux boots the usb (with -v -x -f)
After 20 or so seconds I get a message saying:
"Bios read error: error 0x04
Block xxxxxxx: sectors 64"
(I have gotten the install to work a few times but it always failed after 10 or so minutes.)

And yet none of those gave me any resolution. To make it all better, and thank god I did this before zeroing the HD, my backup failed on me. So another few days was spent recovering, thankfully, all my files off the disk before inevitably zeroing the HD.

Now that the Hype of Chrome OS has begun, I have put it on my Mini JUST in case Google sends me one for the rigorous testing I would provide. However, wifi does not naively work and even the IMG from dell doesnt work after following the commands provided.

I hope whoever reads this will at least get some humor out of this story, I know I didn't.

P.S.: Ever since my Mini doesnt have Mac OS, the battery life has cut more then half. Just shows how much Dells like Apple and that we should all get along (Without Windows)

Skip reading hundreds of posts of people fighting over grammar, Windows, bragging that they got one and other useless comments!

Because no one seems to read, I have made it very simple to see if they're shipping

CR48! - Go buy one.

Red means no shipments that have been shipped

Yellow They keep coming to people via Twitter: AKA "ZOMG! We still have a chance!"

Green means there have been shipments.

I will continue to update this post if more laptops are shipped.

They are done accepting applications..... BUT: You may still get one IF you already applied
So keep staring out that window, because there's still a chance!

I received three ~~two~~ ;) in the mail. Two will be great gifts for other family members (Love the new smilies all over my site.) who are already loving their CR48s! As am I!

Amazon has put up a product information for the laptop, they're selling off the shelves!

---------------------From here on are all archives of this great event, ignore this,---------------------

---------------------unless you wish to go back down memory lane :D---------------------

First Update: I don't even know:

These lists are old and incomplete because of two main reasons according to Chrome Notebook Guru A_Gamer:
1. The original creator assumed that each reference number was unique, however that was not the case. Some references were used for multiple packages (ex: AAC3000440), so they are not showing up in those lists.
2. The lists also do not include the occasional odd reference numbers (ex: N++AAC3001602).

Simply meaning: Dont use the pastie sites! Besides, it's much easier to type in your zip!

Update 5 PM 12/11
Tip for submitting:
If you're submitting, just to be on the safe side, copy and paste your response into a tweet to see if it is the right amount of Characters! Some forms have strange filters. I just wish I did that...

People are getting them via FedEx as well if they are affiliated with blogs, businesses, etc.

Update 3:30 PM 12/13

Some people are reporting that they have received their chrome stickers from the freebie offer. These stickers are apparently more triangular then the ones attached to the Netbooks. In case anyone receiving them is wondering which offer they received them in.

Update 5 PM 12/13
TechNewsWorld has reported:
"Google reportedly is signing up beta testers by U.S. ZIP code -- rather than on a first-come-first-served basis -- to get broad input."
However, this rumor is not believed by many, including myself, after seeing results on the tracker. No word of validity.

Update 5:40 PM 12/13
Free for the first 10,000. You never know with Google, i'd submit this.
~~https://services.google.com/fb/forms/parentcarepackage/~~
Edit 10 minutes later: They're out. Already.

Update 2 PM 12/14
If Google were to resume, here is why they could take a break:
1. Google isn't stupid, they can track what time you go to the bathroom if they wanted to.
2. Google might want it to be a surprise for the people recieving it.
3. The tracker is everywhere.
4. People could be using the tracker to take nearby laptops
5. Google could be revising the laptop

Just my thoughts. And one last reason: They could be trying to get people, like me, to take a chill pill because of the massive hype over this event. The tracker could also lead to people reapplying and then getting blacklisted when they were going to get one already.

Update 4:30 PM 12/14
Clearly, there are conflicting viewpoints:
Another forum post on Google's site made an excellent point:
"The Cr-48 have been delayed due to the snow storm in the mid-east of the country. Google Did send them out but the carriers (ie UPS and FedEx) couldn't move them because the airport was closed and they don't have authorization to change it go Ground shipping and even if they did they still couldn't do anything because the roadways were closed as well. They are just starting to get airports and the roadways open again and so I think Thursday, Friday is when we will see some Cr-48's come out to people."

A reasonable statement especially because these laptops are shipping from Louisville KY, as someone posted here. Even if there was little snow reported in the area, the carrier planes could have been anywhere. However: A recent post on the same forum stated "They have been shipping from UPS's main hub in Louisville, KY, and it is nowhere near the storm, and it hasn't had any closures nearby. If that was the reason, UPS would have a big statement on their web site that they were having delays due to weather (as they always do), yet there is no notice of delays."

Update 5:30 PM 12/14

Just a thought: You can change https://services.google.com/fb/forms/cr48advanced/ to https://services.google.com/fb/forms/cr48basic

I'm not positive, but I think this form has a better chance of being accepted because there is no 140 limit, no typing at all actually. It was the form used when Chrome showed a link to submit.

Update 7:30 PM 12/14

Rumor has it Zombies have invaded the facility we ship the computers from, there will be a delay in shipping due to the zombie invasion until further notice.

Note: In case anyone does not understand humor, that is a joke.

Update 8:30 PM 12/14

Along with the above post, someone thought they were funny and posted the link:

"http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=2459200&sdfid=9&u2=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/14/GoogleLaptopAllocationsFinal" and wrote the applications were final and finished. If you read the link, it says CRIME. Good job Joker.

Update 10:10 PM 12/14

According to A_Gamer, Google is encrypting their outgoing packages.

Update 11PM 12/14

Seriously. Americans really can be dumb. 36 bids and selling for $11,100, a Cr-48 post on ebay says:

"***STOLEN PROPERTY ALERT***

If you buy one of the Cr-48 Notebooks that pops up on eBay, you are in fact purchasing stolen property. Google had these laptops manufactured specifically to test out their new operating system, and shipped them to people who agreed to test them over the coming months. Anyone who is selling one this soon has in effect stolen said laptop from Google.

I do not have a Cr-48 for sale. If you bid on this auction, you are bidding on nothing. Do not bid unless you want to give me money for no reason."

http://cgi.ebay.com/Google-Cr-48-Laptop-READ-DESCRIPTION-/130464831241?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item1e604f5709#ht_500wt_951

Update 5 PM 12/15

User WideStance posted their tips on how to be selected. These are not guidelines from Google, but they can't hurt your submission:

"#1. Make sure your email Is Gmail and Registered with Google using Google Checkout And then Verified Via Cellphoen Text message. You Trust them they trust you.
#2. Make your case Stand out from the crowd 140 character limit. I work in HealthCare as an Administrator. My Hospital plans to purchase 100 of these and we can loan them to patients so they can stay connected and entertained etc etc.
#3. Hope that Your City has few Deliveries aka Zip Code showing Low numbers mine had Zero!!!
#4. Say you use Chrome.
#5. Don't fall for the trick question meaning don't select Other for anything. This is a Netbook designed and Tested to do specific things picking Other opens up unknow variables that could lead to bad experiences and feedback."

Update 11:30 PM 12/15

To continue an old edit:

Just a thought: Another URL change: "/?referrer=qr" on the end. I would suggest submiting at this URL now (Much faster too): https://services.google.com/fb/forms/cr48basic/?referrer=qr or https://services.google.com/fb/forms/cr48basic/?referrer=cntp (Acronym possibilities: Chrome Notebook Test Platypus!) or https://services.google.com/fb/forms/cr48basic/?referrer=cntp2

Update 9 PM 12/16
Google is encrypting as well as randomizing their tracking numbers. You know what that means? Sign up, and wish there's a package for you on your doorstep in a few days! Unless of course someone hands Addicted Gamer the randomized codes.

Update 10:30 PM 12/23
The form does not have a specific date of expiration anymore. Meaning they aren't done searching for people.

If you don't see one coming to your zip, try this: Go to: http://www.google.com/search?q=chrome+site:services.google.com/fb/forms&hl=en&lr=lang_en&tbo=1&tbs=lr:lang_1en,qdr:m,sbd:1&prmd=ivns&filter=0 and click show ommitted. Then play around with different refferal codes. Couldn't hurt! Good Luck!

Update 4:30 PM 12/30
I just received a Google Care Package - the tech video offer - and there was sadly no laptop attached...

Update 1 PM 1/2
Not only did someone get Ubuntu to work on one of these laptops, but someone got Mac OS X. Oh if I could get my hands on one.....

Update 9 PM 1/2

There is also bluetooth built in but you can't use it

Update 7 PM 1/11

There has been a message from stating there will be more coming this month! Time to re-organize this post! http://twitter.com/sundarpichai/#

"@bryantdunivan Yes we will have another batch that will ship out this month. Should be an exciting few months ahead."

Update 2 PM 1/13
5 more CR 48's were given away in Google Chrome's Facebook Haiku Contest, just goes to show, watch everything on facebook they do.

Update 7:00 PM 1/24
People are beginning to tweet from their new CR48's!

Also, they seem to be coming with decals that you can choose to add!

I also posted:
http://jcoinster.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-wanted-to-do-something-unique-for-my.html
Regarding the unique application I wanted to give.

Update 12:30 AM 1/27
How long will it take to get here, so you don't stare out the window....

Update 11:45 AM 1/28

"It seems there are two versions of the Cr-48 hardware. Some Cr-48s are labelled "IEC MARIO PONY 6101" and others "IEC MARIO FISH 2330".
Under the battery you can see if you got a FISH or a PONY. The PONY is the model that most of the early people got."

I love you Google. Great names

Update 4 PM 1/28
Recent shipments:

12/09: 2001 packages via Next Day Air @ 2am
12/10: 2127 packages via Next Day Air @ 12am (midnight)
12/10: 2116 packages via Ground @ 3pm (but didn't ship till 12/13)
12/13: 1897 packages via Next Day Air (123) & 2nd Day Air (1774) @ 10pm
12/14: 2009 packages via Next Day Air (8), 2nd Day Air (29) & Ground (1972) @ 8pm
12/15: 2045 packages via 2nd Day Air (58) & Ground (1987) @ 8pm
12/16: 1798 packages via Ground @ 9pm (but didn't ship till 12/17)
12/17: 13 packages via 2nd Day Air @ 4pm
12/20: 1011 packages via 2nd Day Air @ 5pm (but didn't ship till 12/21)
12/21: 7 packages via 2nd Day Air
1/20: 563 packages via UPS Ground
1/25: 2381 packages via UPS Ground
1/26: 1200 packages via UPS Ground (but didn't ship till 1/27)
1/27: 1200 packages via UPS Ground (but didn't ship till 1/28)

Update 2:30 PM 2/1

A post by A.Gamer describing why he shut the tracker down, as well as how to start your own if need be. This post was taken from: The Chrome Source

"Just FYI for those of you speculating, the tracker didn't simply 'scrape' they UPS web site. There are systems in place at UPS to prevent that.

Also, the Cr-48 package numbers were not in sequential order. The currently known 20k tracking numbers were seemingly randomly picked from a pool of 300,000 possible tracking numbers. Combined with the fact that Google used several different service levels (Next Day, 2nd Day, Ground) and used more than one shipping account, a brute-force attempt to get the data would require checking several million possible numbers each time. I believe that the UPS web site would ban-hammer your IP (and possibly your UPS account?) long before you completed even your initial scan (at least it is supposed to).

And, finally, the Cr-48 packages were not the only packages shipped by Google (or their distributor?). Luckily, the Cr-48 packages shipped since 12/13 have used an encrypted/encoded reference number that was of a very specific format, making it easy to filter the Cr-48 packages from the other packages. The Cr-48 packages prior to 12/13 used a plain-text reference number, which was sequential, so even easier to recognize/filter.

I am well aware that these facts support those that believe the tracker was a hoax, but their assertions are based on the incorrect assumption that the tracker was 'scraping' the UPS web site.

This was not the first time the tracker was used. It has been used for many promotions over the past couple years. So, it has a proven track record of being legit. But in those cases the people knew they were winners, and just wanted to know when their prize was going to ship/arrive. In that situation 100% of the people searching the tracker would eventually see their package show up, making it easy to see it was legit. In this case there is no way of knowing who made it into the Google Pilot Program, so 'anyone' that signed up is checking, not just the 'winners'. And, with so many 'losers' checking, it is understandable that there will be doubters. The Cr-48 Tracker visited by rougly 200,000 unique IP addresses. Even taking into account that people may have used more than one location (IP address) to check the tracker, that still makes for a whole lot more people checking than there were units shipping. Not to mention all of the people that signed up who are unaware that the tracker exists.

The easiest way for Google to have avoided this whole issue would have been to submit the recipients' email address along with the shipping data. The UPS Quantum View system would have emailed shipping updates automatically. However, it is my opinion that they did it on purpose. All this speculation is generating additional media hype for their Pilot Project.

Sadly, the resources used to keep the tracker running (both the hardware as well as my time) are being re-tasked to a commercial project (i.e. $$$), so this little pet project of mine ($i.e. no $$$) won't be up for much longer.

Oh... And still no Cr-48 for me...

Then again, I'm not really in their target demographics."

Who knows, maybe now that the tracker's down, Google will send out a massive batch.

Update 2/3 8 PM
Now that my keyboard on my laptop is broken, it will become increasingly hard to post quickly... unless a cr48 arrives

Anyway, if you're looking for some alternative ways to get a laptop, here are some alternatives:
http://sites.google.com/site/nycgtug/ -Meeting where word of mouth has said they will be giving away the laptops.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/218593/google_gambles_20k_that_chrome_cant_be_cracked.html - alternatively, you could jack the chrome browser for more then just a laptop!

Also, if you want to try beta features: type in chrome://flags/

To follow the story more actively, like the page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_129642963763271

Lastly, a little bird told me that the next model is the CR59 in the 355 word comment on my site here:
"Anonymous said...

In response to the Anonymous jerk:

Today, the a computer virus for the new Chrome OS has been identified. It is very lethal and will bing down the user completely. It is even able to circumvent Google's no-fail "in the cloud" approach. The virus taps into the user's Google account (which the laptop remembers) and deleted everything from the cloud.
Thankfully, some of Chrome's safeguard kicked in and isolated the attack. After one copy of the OS got infected, Chrome OS identified the digital fingerprint of the virus and sent it to all of the other copies of the OS. Those could then reject the virus altogether, sort of like a realtime antivirus.
The virus was identified and shut down within seconds. Only one laptop was affected. The user of that Cr-48 goes by Anonymous. Although Cr-48 and data are now nonexistent, he can take pride in the fact that his OS helped to identify the fingerprint and save everyone else.
Unfortunately, Google has already allocated all of their remaining Cr-48s and has none to replace the damaged one with. Even then, the source of the virus was traced to "misuse of the product online." Google is hesitant to say whether Cr-59 accommodations will be made in the future for him. Furthermore, Microsoft and Apple have both flagged him as a target and he is banned from using any of their products. A spokesperson from Apple had this to say, "If this user could infect a brand new virus resistant OS, then imagine what they could do with a local based OS like OSX or iOS. I mean, Chrome OS is 100% in the cloud. Virus + Chrome = impossible. Yet this has happened. We don't want him on our platforms."
The computer God is currently deliberating on whether to ban the guy form all computing forever. A hearing is scheduled for next week to determine his fate. Key computing members, such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are expected to serve on the jury. Depending on the ruling, Mr. Anonymous could be banned from technology for the rest of his life. Ouch!"

Update: April 25th!
Just some old stuff that has been slashed:

GOOGLE STOPPED SHIPPING THESE LAPTOPS A MONTH AGO. STOP EMAILING ME ASKING FOR TRACKING INFO. COMMENTS AND THE SUPER OBSOLETE SHIPPING DATA HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE FORUMS AT http://jcoinster.weebly.com

-For the sole reason of the fact that the comments were taking up more space then the page

I have a some good help for any people who are trying to crack the code! Just go to my forum that is in plain sight right above this sentence and please do not email me asking for your zip.... I am not a tracker.

@sundarpichai: @palmjeff Sorry we have shipped all units for now. Thanks for your interest and we will have partner devices out mid-year.

The Chrome Blog posted alternative ways to get hold of a CR48 http://chrome.blogspot.com/2011/01/living-on-web-with-chrome-web-store-and.html

Type in your city
http://addicted-gamer.com/cr48-tracker/
The tracker is back up!
("Tracker is indefinitely disabled."
-Meaning just for a bit, until it resumes. However, it is unlikely to resume.

You can manually look here if you desire to see old shipments from December for some reason.

Batch 1 - http://pastie.org/1366639
Batch 2 - http://pastie.org/1366365
Batch 3 - http://pastie.org/1366486
(As of 12/14)

Good luck to all!

Thanks everyone for the touching comments!

For those who need someone to tell them you're not getting one:

This is what I wish the tracker would say:

Want to make a website change of your own?

Look here:
Link

I want to thank all the people on Slickdeals for finding my site! Here's the stats for my site after SD found me:

On a side note, while I'm throwing graphs out there, ever since this post, the amount of Chrome users has quadrupled and taken the lead according to who views this post, most likely because you all want the Cr-48 and it "raises" your chances.

Hey Google employees reading this: Did I prove I'm a good candidate to test your laptop yet? :D
Seems I am :D

Jcoin Ster

Thursday, 30 December 2010

My first thoughts on my Cr-48, OH WAIT, I don't have one.

Monday, 13 December 2010

Who watches a video and solves the equasion on the backboard? Someone.

My adventures with Mac OS X on my Dell Mini 10v

Sunday, 12 December 2010

How to Update Chrome OS Releases

Friday, 10 December 2010

Google Resumes Shipping their famed CR48's! But YOU can't sign up! - April Update!

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