During this year's edition of Computex, a new concept emerged, one that was heavily promoted by chip maker Qualcomm. We are here talking about smartbooks, a new type of computer system that is meant to become a competitor for the fast-growing netbook segment.

One of the main features of smartbooks is that they will be powered by ARM-based chips, whereas netbooks are mostly powered by Intel's Atom or other x86-based computer processors. On that note, according to a recent report, leading PC vendor HP is considering paving its way into this new segment of smartbooks, as the company is said to prepare the launch of some Snapdragon-based smartbooks for later this year.

 

According to a recent report that surfaced on “The Street”, citing Collins Stewart analyst Ashok Kumar, Foxconn is lining up to supply HP with some Snapdragon-powered smartbooks for later this year. HP is yet to officially confirm the rumor, as the company maintains its policy not to comment on rumors or products that haven't been officially announced.

 

Smartboooks have been one of the main highlights at this year's Computex show, along with some of NVIDIA's latest Ion and Tegra-based devices. For those who aren't yet familiar with the concept, smartbooks are said to be a combination of smartphones and netbooks, but Qualcomm has been promoting the smartbook branding as it wants to distinguish itself from all those Intel-powered devices.

 

A potential move from HP is not unexpected, as the leading PC vendor is known for having introduced new systems that incorporate technologies from other chip makers, not only AMD and Intel (i.e. the VIA-based Mini 2133 ultraportable laptop). Also, if HP is among the companies to unveil a Snapdragon-based smartbook, the company will play a significant role in the adoption and success of the smartbook device.