When Google launched its Chromebook laptop, it made the decision to sell the unit online only. But given the Chromebook’s unique design — it operates solely from a browser and stores data through cloud computing — Google has found that customers want to play around with it before buying. The solution: pop-up stores and testing stations.“The vast majority of laptops are bought in physical stores, so that was a deliberate challenge,”said Lily Lin, a Google spokeswoman. “But people need to spend some time with them to understand the concept, so this is a testing ground in a retail environment.”
Virgin America has hosted several Chromebook testing stations in airports nationwide and will continue them through Jan. 15: Fliers could use a Chromebook while waiting to board, or even rent one for a flight. Dixons, a British consumer electronics store, opened a pop-up Chromebook store in its London branch. And in New York, the Ace Hotel has lent Chromebooks out to guests.
Google has not released exact sales figures or reports.
Read more at The New York Times.
