When Google ^[1] launched ^[2] its Chromebook ^[3] 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 ^[4] 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 ^[5], a British consumer electronics store, opened a pop-up Chromebook store in its London branch. And in New York, the Ace Hotel ^[6] has lent Chromebooks out to guests.

Google has not released exact sales figures or reports.

Read more at The New York Times ^[7].