A legendary collectible. A museum piece that still types beautifully.
Ultimately, both Google CR-48 and Wyvern MobLab are innovative solutions that showcase the potential of cloud computing. As the cloud computing landscape continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more exciting solutions emerge.
The Cr-48 was built using standard netbook-class components of its era, optimized for low power draw and efficient web rendering: Google's CR-48 Prototype Chromebook (2010) - Time Travel
The Cr-48 was built to demonstrate directly to a user. It treated the computer as a disposable terminal where data lived exclusively in the cloud. Conversely, Wyvern MobLab is the machinery that ensures those OTA updates do not brick the devices. MobLab sits at the bottom of the development stack, flashing builds, testing hardware buses, and validating firmware. Open-Source Hackability vs. Strict Standardization google cr-48 vs wyvern moblab
| Feature | Google CR-48 | Wyvern Moblabs | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 2010 | ~2015 | | Dimensions | 12.1" x 8.4" x 0.9" (clamshell) | 8.5" x 5.8" x 1.8" (rugged handheld) | | Weight | 3.8 lbs | 4.2 lbs (with modules) | | Build Material | Textured matte plastic (rubberized) | Magnesium alloy + TPU bumpers | | Screen | 12.1" 1280x800 (glossy) | 7" 1024x600 (anti-glare, sunlight-readable, glove-friendly) | | Processor | Intel Atom N455 (1.66GHz, single-core) | Freescale i.MX6 Quad ARM Cortex-A9 (1.2GHz) | | RAM | 2GB DDR3 | 2GB DDR3 (expandable to 4GB) | | Storage | 16GB SSD (mSATA) | 32GB eMMC + microSD slot | | Connectivity | Wi-Fi b/g/n, 3G (Qualcomm Gobi2000), Bluetooth 2.1 | Wi-Fi ac, optional 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, LoRa radio | | Ports | 1x USB 2.0, VGA, Ethernet (dongle), SD card slot | 2x USB 3.0, full-size HDMI, Ethernet (RJ45), Pogo-pin expansion | | Battery | 6-cell (8.5 hours claimed) | Hot-swappable 10,000mAh (18 hours claimed) | | OS | Chrome OS (early, no Play Store) | Custom Debian 8 (Wyvern Linux) | | Special Feature | Developer switch (physical under battery) | Modular sensor bays (SDR, thermal, gas sensor) |
Released in late 2010, the CR-48 was the first hardware manifestation of ChromeOS. It wasn't a consumer product meant for store shelves; it was a pilot device sent to developers and enthusiasts to test a radical theory: that a computer didn't need a hard drive or local software to be useful.
It utilizes much more powerful processors—often 8th or 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or Celeron chips—than the old Intel Atom. A legendary collectible
This is the core of the "interesting" part of this comparison.
was never sold to the public; it was gifted to developers and "early adopters" to test the "cloud computing" dream. Google Cr-48 & Chrome OS Review
If you are interested in trying to run modern software, I can: As the cloud computing landscape continues to evolve,
But for $500–800 on the secondhand market? You’d be better off with a Pine64 Pinebook Pro or a used Panasonic Toughpad.
The Wyvern Moblab existed in a different universe from the consumer-focused CR-48. It was created for Chrome OS's original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and software partners to rigorously test their hardware.