Google Rolls Out Chromebook Rental On A Rolling Contract

Google has launched a new programme offering business customers Chromebook rental at just $30 (£18.86) a month, with no strings attached.

The proposition could interest companies employing seasonal workers, or anyone who needs to supply staff with computers on a temporary basis.

For this venture, the Mountain View giant has partnered with finance company CIT, which conducts credit checks before Chromebooks are issued.

At this point, the offer is only available to US customers.

The book you don’t read

Chromebooks aren’t standard laptops. They don’t have optical drives, can boot to Google’s Chrome OS in just a few seconds, and are loaded with cloud-based features. The devices come with powerful batteries that can last through a whole day of work, feature built-in 3G connectivity and full-sized keyboards.

The first Chromebook to arrive in the UK, Samsung Chromebook Series 5, went on sale in June 2011 at a price of £399.

Now, after less-than-satisfying sales in the consumer market, Google has taken aim at the business sector. It is offering Chromebooks on a one-month rolling contract with no long-term commitment. The rent starts at $30 per month, and the payments actually decrease with time if users keep the device.

CIT has agreed to issue up to 25 Chromebooks per customer through a simple online application process. Every order includes Chrome hardware with 3-year limited warranty, the web-based Chrome management console and 24/7 support.

The complete package gives SMBs an opportunity to quickly supply workers with laptops and return them when they are not needed.

“Chromebooks meet the needs of most workers, making this rental program a great option for companies with seasonal workers, larger organisations who want to pilot Chromebooks, fast-growing startups and any company looking to preserve cash,” Divya Agarwalla, product manager at Chrome for Business, wrote in a blog post.

Google can also provide desktop-based machines, Chromeboxes, at $25 (£15.71) per month through the same programme.

In November 2011, the UK’s largest electronic retailer Dixons predicted that in 2012 Google Chromebooks would account for one in ten computer sales. So far, the system has failed to capture the imagination of consumers, with many opting for similarly priced tablets instead.

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