Chrome OS Netbook reportedly set for November launch
by Steven Mostyn - Nov 3 2010, 09:56
Coming soon to a Netbook near you. Image: Google.
Having already gained traction in the online space with its streamlined Chrome browser, search behemoth Google is now ready to launch its Chrome operating system (OS) in an offensive against the XP-dominated Netbook sector.
That’s according to Taiwanese technology site DigiTimes, which cites component suppliers in its claims that a Google-branded ultra portable computer equipped with the Chrome OS will be available for purchase online from Google (a la the Nexus One) before the end of November.
The initial Google device, which is reportedly manufactured by Inventec and powered by an ARM processor (no Intel Atom here), will be followed in December by Quanta-made Chrome systems from hardware heavyweights such as Acer and Hewlett-Packard (HP).
Given the use of an ARM chip (popular in smartphones) and that Chrome OS is built on the back of Google’s browser to take advantage of Google Docs and other branded cloud services, there’s every chance that computers carrying the new Linux-based operating system will boast ridiculously fast boot times and superb battery life.
The absence of Microsoft Windows and Intel’s Atom processor might also help drive down the (as-yet unknown) asking price associated with Google’s “smartbook”, which, in turn, could provide ultra portable computers with a much needed boost amidst the surging popularity of rival web-centric tablet devices.
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