Google's Chrome OS netbook, Web Store may be unveiled Dec. 7
updated 04:25 pm EST, Fri December 3, 2010
Google Chrome OS netbook may show Dec 7
Google's internal Chrome OS netbook may be unveiled at a special event on December 7 if a rumor proves true. The computer would still only be limited to about 65,000 units for "friends and family" and would be running a beta release. Engadget in getting the details raised doubts about whether it would be public facing at all, however, since invitations still haven't been sent to the press and it would overlap with AllThingsD's imminent mobile event.
A quiet release might still be possible and has been fueled by the launch of Chrome 8. The browser has features tailored to a cloud computer, including a built-in PDF viewer and support for the Chrome Web Store for online apps. The store is rumored to go live the same day as the netbook and has been supported by e-mail sent out today telling Chrome extension developers to ready code for the Web Store.
The design is reportedly being manufactured by Inventec, possibly without a PC designer's name attached. It would be the rough equivalent to the Nexus One but without access for regular users early in its life. The system is known to use an Atom chip and could have as little as an 8GB SSD for storage.
