Qualcomm demos new "Smartbooks"

John Chan | Jun 03, 2009

The Android-based Asus Eee PC demonstrating its multimedia capabilities.

There has been talk that the Android OS will appear in Netbooks, with some manufacturers revealing that they are exploring the possibility. If it does happen, one company that could provide the processors is Qualcomm. Well-known for its integrated chipsets used in smartphones, the US company demonstrated a category it calls "Smartbooks" at this week's Computex.

So named because it's supposed to fill a gap between smartphones and Netbooks, the Smartbooks demoed included an Asus Eee PC and Compal minilaptops running on the Android OS and equipped with its Snapdragon processor. Originally designed for handsets, this platform features wireless connectivity options built into the chipset and better power efficiency than most notebook systems. According to Qualcomm's vice president of product management, Mark Frankel, this will give all-day computing on a "Smartbook" with always-on 3G connectivity.

Though Asus' Eee PC was used in the demo by Qualcomm, the Taiwan-based manufacturer does not seem ready to commit to the platform. When further quizzed about the Android-based Eee PC, chairman Jonney Shih apologized and said that this will no longer be put on display at Asus' own Computex booth. No detailed explanation for this move was given.

Nonetheless, there are many manufacturers out there and more than one will be expected to take up this new prospect. Qualcomm's Frankel anticipates that new products based on his company's Smartbook concept will debut in 2010 and said they will be similarly priced to Netbooks, if not cheaper.

Filed under: Notebooks
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share