Although I didn’t receive a CR-48 from Google for testing out, the Google Chromebook Team e-mailed today that the Samsung Chromebook on sale June 15th was exclusively available today at Gilt, a members-only shopping site.
The world’s first Chromebook will be available to the public on June 15. But with this limited-access sale, you can get first dibs on the Samsung Chromebook, which goes from completely off to online in less than 10 seconds and ships with built-in Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. Since your files and programs are stored safely in the cloud, you can access them from anywhere. To top it off, this machine makes a perfect travel companion, weighing in at just 3.3 pounds and offering up to 8.5 hours of continuous usage. With your order from Gilt, you’ll also receive a limited edition, custom-fit Chrome sleeve designed by Rickshaw.
The listing at Gilt is only for the Arctic White color Samsung Chromebook with 3G connectivity. It’s the same price as the expected list price. Besides getting it early and getting the sleeve with it, there’s not a whole lot special with this sale. Plus shipping is estimated to take 7 to 13 days, almost entirely eliminating one of those benefits.
For $500, I think I can wait and get my preferred color as well as put some thought into the purchase. However, if you’re dying to get the Samsung Chromebook and would love to get it early, check your e-mail as Google might have sent you an invite if you signed up for availability notice. The sale is on-going through Friday at 8AM. You can use this invite to join Gilt.