Google's Chrome-based Netbook Will Be Loaded with Features

Earlier this month came the first rumor that Google is going to release a netbook under its own brand name running its upcoming Chrome OS. The specifications for this low-cost laptop have leaked out, showing it will be fairly packed with features.

It will supposedly have a 10.1-inch display, which is fairly standard for a netbook. What's unusual is this will be a touchscreen, with support for multi-touch.

Google is reportedly going to forgo an Intel Atom processor in favor of an ARM-based Nvidia Tegra, as these use less power.

As mentioned earlier, this device is going to run the Chrome OS, which will essentially be Google's Chrome web browser running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel. Naturally, this will give it access to this company's online services for e-mail, navigation, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.

This netbook will reportedly have a 64 GB solid-state hard drive and 2 GB of RAM.

It will have an array of wireless networking capabilities, including some form of mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It won't be totally wireless though, sporting Ethernet and USB ports.

Other features will supposedly include a memory card reader supporting multiple formats, a webcam, and a 3.5 mm headset jack.

At this point, it's not clear which company or group of companies will be manufacturing this netbook for Google -- the bidding process is apparently still going on.

A Long Wait
Google's netbook is reportedly scheduled to be on the market in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season, almost a year from now. That's in-line with the time-table for the release of all the first-generation Chrome OS models, which aren't expected to hit the market before the second half of 2010.

This device will reportedly be sold directly by Google to the public, and also be offered through wireless carriers, who will subsidize its price to below $300.

It's not known what this netbook will sell for without the carrier subsidy.

Source: IBTimes