Could the ARM-based Netbook be about to happen? A Chinese OEM called Menq has produced one called EasyPC, while the launch of an initial version of Google's Chrome OS is said to be only a week away.
It's beginning to look a bit promising. The EasyPC uses an ARM-based processor manufactured by Samsung and sells for $80.
Screen-size is seven inches. It comes with WiFi, Ethernet LAN, supports Skype, plays YouTube, has a couple of USB ports, an SD card slot capable of adding 32GB of flash storage, 128MB of RAM, 2GB SSD storage, and a 2,000mAh battery.
The EasyPC runs Windows CE but, apparently, can also run Android.
The Chrome OS, developed with the help of Qualcomm, TI, Toshiba, Asus, Acer Lenovo, Adobe, HP and Freescale, is expected to make netbooks quick to boot and access the Internet.
Although there are said to be many ARM-based netbook designs at ODMs, no mainstream computer OEM has, as yet, badged one.
Last week Qualcomm announced that AT&T would badge an ARM-based netbook made by Lenovo.
Please Santa!
This is exactly what I want.
I'll buy two and give one to the poor kids if you get this to me by Christmas!
Here Here, John Bailo, this is what I've been waiting for for a decade. It's an absolute scandal that PC prices have taken 30 years to reach this level. We have Wintel to thank for the fact that Western OEM-badged laptops still cost $300+. I don't know if the $80 laptop will be in every High Street by Christmas but I hope so, and I hope everyone follows your magnanimous intention of buying an extra one for the world's poorer kids. The fact that low-end laptop prices have taken so long to decline, these past 30 years, is an international disgrace - as OLPC recognised. And who is to blame? Wintel. And who tried to destroy OLPC? Intel.
That's cheaper than I can make it for!
Whoa ...
I'll believe it when I see it ... working and not dying.
Cheers,
Alan
Price is an issue for many people, therefore I am hoping ARM processors can change that and challange the domianance of Intel and venders can sell their product for around $80 to $150 dollers per unit.
Here Here, pay as you go mobile phones, that's what I hope too
I absolutely am loving this article! totally going to need to remember to add this to the list.
Thanks Lloyd. Good of you to say so.
Wake me up when it's orderable, and has Chrome OS preinstalled.