Yes, the new OS from Google – Chrome OS, part of the Chromium project, will run on the Dell Adamo. Actually, it runs very well. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Dell Adamo (duh)
- USB flash drive
Next, you’ll need a few programs in Windows to get the job done.
- Chrome OS USB image (scroll down & get the USB image)
- 7zip (or your favorite archive tool)
- Windows Image Writer
Here are the steps to get going:
- Download the USB image of Chrome OS
- Download & Install 7zip
- Extract the USB image (right click the file – 7zip) until you get to the .img file
- Use Windows Image Writer to write this .img file to your USB key
- Boot the Adamo & press F12 during POST for the boot menu
- Select the USB drive
That’s basically it. Chrome OS will detect your Wifi chip & the camera. Everything works – no drivers to worry about. It’s fast, too. You’ll be up & running in minutes. Simply login to your Google account and you’re off! It’s a good idea to review this site from Google about how to use Chrome OS and the shortcuts. For example, there’s no Caps Lock key in Chrome OS – that key launches a new search tab.
Enjoy!
UPDATE 10/10/2011: I recently re-tested this and you must download the Hexxeh build, not the bleeding edge nightly build in order to boot with the Adamo.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, I just wanted to find out how your Vostro 13 was working. It is available for $399. I was planning to upgrade to SSD but not the RAM and see how it goes. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
CodeDJ
@CodeDJ I actually sold mine a while back to get the Adamo. That said, it was a great unit and I recommend it. I swapped because I wanted a back-lit keyboard. Let us know what you decide to do and how you like it.
How does internet work with this? What if you want to use Verizon or Clear mobile internet?
How well does chrome os handle the high resolution of the adamo. What are your thoughts after using chrome os on the adamo for a while?
Thanks!
@Matt The resolution was fine, perfect even. There were a few weird issues with the UI that I’m sure have been worked out since I last tried this so my experience will not compare to a more recent build.
Thanks! I will give an update once I get my Adamo and put Chrome OS on it.
A couple more questions:
Did you see an improvement in the length of battery use compared to using windows 7 on it?
Did the multi-touchpad and finger gestures work?
I feel that the technology in the Adamo will keep up with Chromebooks for the next five years, just as long as Chrome OS improves more. Or I will be switching back to Windows 7.
@Matt Awesome, let us know how you fare. I wouldn’t say the battery life was better but I know that was a feature they were working on so I would assume by now it is better. I’m pretty sure multi-touch was working, I really only used it a handful of times so it’s hard to recall. I would agree, the Adamo is pretty strong, it should be an excellent Chromebook for years. I still run Win7 on mine and it’s perfect – I also get a lot of double-takes at conferences because people at first think it’s a Mac. :)
@sysadmin I recieved my Adamo today and I have tried multiple Vanilla Nightly Builds from Hexxeh. It boots from usb, shows the Chromium startup screen and then restarts. And it will just keep looping through every time I try to boot from the usb drive. Do you have any ideas?
Thanks!
Matt… I have the same problem. Were you able to fix it and boot from the usb?
@Matt I was only able to boot from the USB, I could never get it to boot from the SSD.
@Matt & @sysadmin I also have been trying to boot hexxas build for awhile on my Dell Adamo with no luck. I cannot even boot from a usb and I have tried several.