Chrome OS is the future... But in that future it will have to compete against Windows RT. One of the central advantages of Chromebook is its price, $249.99 is pretty attractive. Sure, it's more or less a consumption device in the formfactor of a conventional laptop, but it is sufficient for casual usage. I can see the concept fly in the education sector.
However, Chrome OS is not the only option to support this concept. Windows RT can compete provided the hardware is competitively priced. I think a lot of the hardware cost associated with Windows RT has to do with touchscreens and presumably premium parts and design. It's possible to go budget-friendly with Windows RT devices, you just need to cut out the touchscreen, hybrid formfactor, etc.
Yes, reaching the $<300 price point requires a few sacrifices, and it will take away from having the chance to experience RT in its optimal form (with touch). However, the new UI is still enjoyable and fully functional without touch, you're not losing anything compared to Windows 7.
I find the Chromebook interesting, and I was pretty close to buying one for my mom (only to be stopped by the unavailability of it in Canada). However, I'd be much more compelled to buy a $300 Windows RT laptop without touchscreen - simply for the added capacity to work/play offline, Office RT, etc.