Laptops running Chrome OS to go on sale in mid-2011: Google

Google on Tuesday announced that laptops running its Chrome operating system will go on sale in the middle of next year, in a challenge to Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Macintosh.

At an event held here, Google introduced an unbranded laptop featuring a 12.1 inch screen, a standard-sized keyboard and mobile- Internet connection options from Verizon Wireless as the device has no hard drive.

"With Chrome OS we have the development of a viable, third choice in real operating systems," Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt said at the event.

Google previously planned to unveil the Chrome operating system by the end of this year. According to the new timetable, the unbranded computers will be shipped to consumers and businesses recruited in a pilot program by the end of January.

Companies and agencies including Virgin America and the U.S. State Department of Defense will test the new laptops, said the Mountain View, California-based company.

The first Chrome laptops will be manufactured by Acer and Samsung Electronics and the prices will be determined by them, said Google.

Currently, Microsoft's Windows runs about 90 percent of the world's personal computers.

Source:Xinhua