Chrome OS netbook spec leaks hint at ARM, NVIDIA Tegra
updated 11:05 am EST, Mon December 28, 2009
Chrome OS netbook to sport ARM CPU, Tegra chip?
Some recent web rumors show that Google's Chrome OS netbooks, whether branded with its own name or third-party computer makers, will use an NVIDIA Tegra chipset for graphics processing and rely on the Tegra's ARM CPU for general computing. The ARM chips are said to offer greater performance while being more energy efficient than Intel's Atom offerings. While not official, the netbook should also get a 10.1-inch display with a multi-touch capability and relatively high resolution.
Remaining expected specs include a 64GB solid-state drive, 2GB of RAM and more common features that include Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth. Features like an Ethernet jack, USB ports, a webcam, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a multi-card reader are also expected to be built into the netbooks. On the software side, the netbook will most likely preload Google Maps, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar and Google Search by Voice.
Sources also say the device will be sold and subsidized by Google, carrying a price tag of under $300. It would be further subsidized by a wireless provider thanks to a bundled data plan, potentially dropping the price of entry even further and making it a close competitor to Nokia's Booklet 3G and other discounted but capable netbooks. [via IBTimes]
