14 DAY TRIAL // Some netbooks running Google's Chrome OS have already been formally or unofficially announced, but it looks like the software will land on desktops soon enough, although the first model will have a modular architecture instead of a standard one.
That Chrome OS-loaded laptops would eventually appear is something that has been known for months and, most recently, confirmed beyond doubt.
Then again, nothing says that the OS can't show up on anything besides netbooks, and it looks like Xi3 will capitalize on this, come July.
It isn't the small form factor system that Google itself teased about two weeks ago, however, this being a completely new model.
In fact, the difference isn't just in the outer looks, but also in the hardware itself, since the system doesn't actually have a motherboard to speak of.
Indeed, the X13 system, known, for now at least, as ChromiumPC, will have what is known as a modular construction.
To be more specific, a processor is paired with two I/O modules, one for communications ports and another for the rest of the necessary connectivity.
What's more, the modules are swappable, meaning that users will be able to change the feature set if they so wish.
Unfortunately, exactly what that feature set really is has not been made specifically clear, although it is more or less certain that little storage space will be provided, what with most every Chrome operation being performed in the cloud.
A single or dual-core x86 processor will be utilized, while the enclosure of the device will be available in several colors. Third party PC makers should also, eventually, put together their own modules.
Fortunately, while the actual sales won't start until July 2011, Xi3, ZDNet reports, will provide further details earlier than that. All that remains is for users to wait and see.