Google's Chromebook data plans: How much will you have to pay?

By JR Raphael (@jr_raphael)

With all the info out there today about Google's new Chrome OS Chromebooks, one important detail has been missing: how much you'll have to pay to enjoy the notebooks' "always-connected" functionality.

The primary selling point of Chrome OS, after all, is that it's a purely Web-based platform. And unless you have your own mobile hotspot, that means you'll need a new 3G connection in order to be portable. We all know playing with data isn't always easy: As one Android Power reader put it, "I hate to think I'll be tied to yet another contract just because I want a nifty laptop."

Luckily, it turns out Google's new Chromebook devices will follow the same contract-free setup used with the original Cr-48 test notebook -- in the U.S., at least. According to the official Chromebooks website, all 3G Chromebook models will include 100MB of data per month for two years. The two-year period starts when you first activate your 3G service.

Aside from that, you can opt to pay $9.99 for a 24-hour unlimited "day pass," or you can purchase a one-time additional 1GB of monthly data for $20; a one-time additional 3GB for $35; or a one-time additional 5GB for $50. All U.S. data service goes through Verizon Wireless, and all data purchases are done right on the devices.

As for Chromebooks purchased outside of the U.S., we'll have to wait and see; thus far, no specifics on non-U.S. data plans or partnerships have been announced.

For much more on Chrome OS and Google's new Chromebooks, see my full report: First look: Google's new Chrome OS Chromebooks.

JR Raphael writes about smartphones and other tasty technology. You can find him on Facebook, on Twitter, or at eSarcasm, his geek-humor getaway.

Article copyright 2011 JR Raphael. All rights reserved.