Even though the ARM architecture still hasn't managed to establish a foothold in the netbook market, it seems to be getting closer and closer, especially considering the latest smartbook that HP has revealed. The company has put together what seems to have been the internal circuitry of a smartphone inside the body of a touch-capable netbook, which is quite in line with the general idea that smartbooks should combine the best of both product types.
Known as the Airlife 100, the mobile unit uses an Android OS platform and a central processing unit which, although still unconfirmed, is most likely, according to
Engadget, the Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM-based chip. The device also has a solid state drive (SSD) with 16GB of storage space and a screen size of no less than 10.1 inches. Other features of the product include an instant-On startup function, as well as a VGA camera. As for connectivity, the smartbook has all the circuits necessary to provide both 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities.
The Airlife's touchscreen interface complemented by the keyboard, which is 92% the size of those used in standard laptops, will allow such operations as Internet browsing, writing emails, instant messaging, social networking, photo viewing and listening to music to be easily carried out. Finally, as far as battery life is concerned, Hewlett-Packard has stated that the Compaq Airlife 100 can operate for up to 12 hours on a single charge and that it can even last for about ten days if left in standby.
According to the press release, the Airlife 100 was developed in partnership with Telefonica, as per the strategic partnership the two signed in 2009. The device was designed as a way to provide mobile broadband services in the markets of Europe and Latin America. As such, it is unknown when, and if, the smartbook will make it to the US.
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