Google, Samsung to sell Chrome laptop for $303

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google is dangling a low-priced laptop computer in front of consumers as rivals Microsoft and Apple prepare to release their latest gadgets.

The lightweight computer unveiled on Thursday will sell for US$249 (S$303) and is being made in a partnership with Samsung Electronics, which also makes smartphones and tablet computers that run on Google's Android software.

The laptop will run on an operating system revolving around Google's Chrome Web browser.

Like other so-called Chromebooks, this laptop doesn't have a hard drive. It functions like a terminal dependent on an Internet connection to get to information and applications stored in large data centers run by Google or other technology providers.