The Google Chrome OS testbed netbook the Cr-48 has been hacked by users to run Mac OS X, Windows 7, and Ubuntu. Users of the Cr-48 have posted instructions on how install Windows 7 and Ubuntu on the Something Awful forum. Instructions on how to hackintosh a Cr-48 will be posted soon, although a video (included below) of the device running Mac OS X has already been posted by Damian W.
Although the Chrome OS itself is locked down, Google has encouraged users to hack the Intel Atom-based device itself. A switch located under the battery will stop the Chrome OS from booting and will allow users play with the BIOS and install an alternative OS. Currently, the Cr-48 remains in use only by Google employees and family members, as well as some members of the press and users who signed up to Google’s Pilot Program.
Plans for a commercial launch of Chrome OS netbooks have been delayed as some critical features of the Chrome OS such as Cloud Print and USB storage are not yet ready for the prime-time. Thus far, Acer and Samsung have committed to launching Chrome OS netbooks this year, but these are not expected launch until the middle of this year.
