Toshiba NB305 to get 3G, Pine Trail likely in tow
updated 10:55 am EST, Tue December 22, 2009
Toshiba netbook at FCC with Gobi 3G chip
Toshiba's third-generation netbook is on its way with dual-mode 3G for EVDO and HSPA networks, an FCC filing (PDF) shows. Qualcomm has greenlit the use of its Gobi chipset for as yet unreleased NB300 and NB305 netbooks and as such would give one or both models access through AT&T, Sprint or Verizon without needing different hardware. The presence of internal 3G also hints at one or more carriers subsidizing the Toshiba PC when it's bought with a data contract.
Actual specifications for the system aren't mentioned, but it's near certain the system will be based on Intel's 45nm Pine Trail-based Atom and will probably use the 1.66GHz Atom N450 to get 20 percent more battery life and slightly higher performance. A schematic seen at the FCC doesn't provide any clues other than the existence of the new netbook.
As the first wave of Pine Trail netbooks should ship on or shortly after January 4th and just before CES, that timeframe is the most likely for Toshiba to unveil the new models. [via jkOnTheRun]
