Three announces Google Chromebook 3G data packages

Three has announced 3G connectivity packages for the forthcoming Google Chromebook laptops.

Google unveiled a set of Chromebooks at its I/O conference earlier this week, which are due to start shipping next month.

Customers buying a 3G-capable Chromebook via Three will receive a free SIM card with 3GB of free data that can be used anytime during the first three months after activation, Google said on the Chromebook site.

Daily and monthly plans will be available depending on customer requirements. A 500MB 24-hour pass costs £2.99 and lasts until midnight the day after it is bought. 1GB of allowance is priced at £10 per month, rising to £15 per month for 3GB and £25 per month for 7GB. These allowances are valid for 30 days.

Two Chromebook models will be available to buy in the UK from 15 June through Amazon and PC World.

The Samsung Series 5 Chromebook ships with a 12.1in display with a resolution of 1,280x800. The model has a 300nit display, which the manufacturer claims is 40 per cent brighter than standard laptop screens.

Other key features include an Intel Atom dual-core processor, 1-megapixel HD front-facing webcam, two USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 memory card slot and a claimed eight hours of battery life.

Samsung told V3.co.uk that the Wi-Fi-only Chromebook will cost £349 and the 3G model £399.

Meanwhile, Acer's Chromebook is slightly smaller and lighter with an 11.6in screen and a weight of 1.34kg. The device features HDMI output and six hours of battery life. Aside from this, it has the same specifications as the Samsung Series 5.

Both devices run the Chrome operating system, using the browser as the desktop and relying mainly on cloud storage.

V3.co.uk contacted Acer to confirm pricing, but the firm had not responded at the time of writing.

A video demonstration of the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook is below: