14 DAY TRIAL // Even though the actual netbook from Google is still a long way off, IBTimes reports that a set of specifications have somehow made their way to the web and pushed end-users into deep states of wishful thinking. Rumors that Google had begun negotiating deals with manufacturers surfaced before, but only now does the actual set of specs make it out. If genuine, the mobile PC will not only pack a strong punch, but will also be quite gentle on the budget.
The specs were supposedly leaked following a Request for Proposal (RFP) allegedly given by Google to the intended hardware manufacturer. Previous rumors and reports suggested that Acer was working on a Chrome netbook, seemingly set for release during the second half of 2010. Regardless of Google's targeted company, the specifications are definitely enthralling.
The details that surfaced cover more than the obvious fact that the netbook will run the Google Chrome OS. The device will use an NVIDIA Tegra chipset, meaning that the CPU will be ARM-based. ARM CPUs are known for performing as well as or better than Intel Atom CPUs, while also consuming less electricity. The only drawback of ARM chips is that they aren't exactly usable in PCs because of their being unsupported by Windows. The Chrome has no such support limitations, which makes the ARM an even likelier candidate.
The netbook is suggested to make use of a 10.1-inch TFT HD-ready display with multi-touch capabilities. The total memory will be of 2GB and the machine will have a maximum of 64GB of storage provided by a solid state drive. Additionally, it will be built with an Ethernet port, USB ports, 3G, Bluetooth and WiFi, and it will even sport a webcam, 3.5mm audio jack and a multi-card reader.
The specs seem very appealing and end-users will most likely consider that the price is the only element that will determine the device's popularity. Of course, there are no official details yet, but market rumors indicate a tag of around $300, which is quite convenient considering the rather pricey SSD.
Naturally, end-users should be careful not to make any plans based on these rumors alone. The actual gadget is still a long way off and it will likely not be out before the 2010 holiday season, by which time Atom processors and netbooks in general will have evolved as well.