It should cost less!
The whole idea of cloud computing is providing mobile users with a localized set of tools, which all others can use too. This saves a mobile worker from remote networking to company networks/servers, storing expensive software on each device etc. It's about mobility and ease of use, no local software etc.
A 19" laptop SHOULD cost less than a Chromebook, who the hell wants to lug a 19" laptop, with 500GB+ HD etc around all day? I have a 17" too but it's just left at home, no way I'd lug it around all day.
Most ghetto blasters are cheaper than iPods these days too. While, personally, I would take most portable stereos over an iPod, it's a matter of convenience. People don't want to lug around a boombox when they can have an iPod in a pocket, even when the boombox does more and sounds better.
19" laptop, LOL, they'll be giving them away for cereal box tops soon.
