Smartbook computers fall between netbooks and smartphones to bring the best of both worlds together. Much like smartphones, the best smartbook computers have convenient connectivity, all-day battery life, a GPS and are always “on” for email messages. Smartbook laptops also resemble netbooks because they are a larger device with a full keyboard.
Basics About Smartbook Computers
Smartbook computers were first revealed in June, 2009 at a Computex trade show in Taipei. Unlike netbooks, smartbook laptops use ARM chip architecture for their main engine rather than an atom chip like Intel. Qualcomm and Freescale are two major makers of ARM chips that teamed up to describe these innovative ARM-based mini-laptops as smartbook computers. Jen Hsun-Huang, chief executive of Nvidia the creators of the similar Tegra
platform, stated, “This is the true beginning of a new era. All of a sudden you will get computing devices of all shapes and sizes.”
Smartbooks are supported by a range of software including mobile operating systems such as Linux and Android. An ARM-compatible version of the upcoming Windows 7 operating system is being considered for development. The best smartbook computers are powered by Qualcomm high-performance Snapdragon processors. Other chip makes are developing low-power ARM based processors to make pricing more competitive. Currently Smartbook AG claims to own the copyright to the official name “smartbook”.
PC World summarized smartbook computers, stating, “Smartbooks are netbook-type devices that are powered by chips designed by Arm. The devices mostly support the Linux OS and are designed for those who rely on the Web for most of their computing.”
Features Of Smartbook Laptops
After the advent of the notebook, the smaller netbook was announced by Psion six years ago. In November, 2008, the concept of smartbook computers was announced by a market executive from Western Digital, a hard-drive maker. According Glen Burchers, the consumer marketing director at Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., features of the original smartbook laptops include:
- ARM-based core chip;
- Linux OS, Google Android, possibly Google Chrome OS;
- 8.9 inch screen;
- Wi-Fi;
- Full-sized keyboard;
- is always ‘on’ to take email messages automatically;
- All-day battery life up to 8 hours or more;
- Weighs less than 2 pounds;
- 3G connection;
- 512MG of RAM; and
- a significantly lower price tag than netbooks with pricing at around $200.
Smartbook laptops are the wave of the future as more people look to stay connected in the most affordable, convenient way possible.
Comparison Of Smartbook Computers With Netbooks
The cheapest netbooks are priced at about $300, which makes them significantly more expensive than smartbook laptops. Most netbooks have a battery life of about 4 hours while smartbook computers have a battery life of 8 to 10 hours. Netbooks typically use a x86 chip and run Windows while smartbook computers use a Linus OS.
A smartbook does more than a smartphone, which makes this unique device stand in a category all by itself. Bill Calder, spokesman for Intel, already reacted on the new term “smartbook” by stating, “Today we have iPhones, smartphones, mobile Internet devices, netbooks, notebooks and more. We’re not sure how adding another new term helps, and in fact, it may only confuse consumers.
Consumers are quickly understanding the differences and benefits of using smartbook laptops rather than other similar devices. The price, simplicity and full range of features offered by smartbook computers is unsurpassed by any other device. Internet access is gained through a wireless data plan.
Benefits Of Smartbook Computers
Smartbook computers offer a viable alternative to heavier notebooks or Windows-oriented netbooks weighing in at less than 2 pounds with a Linux OS. For those looking to access multiple Web applications on-the-go, smartbook laptops are mobile, convenient and offer a user-friendly interface. For less money than a netbook, you’re up and running with a mini-laptop with all the functionality you need for a variety of Web applications.
Choosing The Best Smartbook Computers
Most of the best smartbook computers are scheduled for release during the final quarter of 2009. This incredible new device is still being developed with several contenders in the making already.
In August, 2009, the Sharp PC-Z1 Netwalker device was introduced, with a shipping date of October, 2009. This smartbook computer has a 5.5 inch touchscreen, a clamshell design and runs 10 hours on a single battery charge. It runs Ubuntu on a Freescale processor, runs 720P video with 2D and 3D graphics acceleration and comes with Adobe Flash Lite 3.1 already installed.
ASUS company Pegatron is working on a smartbook laptop prototype as of August, 2009 with Freescale, 2D and 3D graphics, 720p HD video, 8.9 inch screen, 512MB DDR2 RAM, LCD screen, Bluetooth 2.0 running off a SD card. The device will also run Ubuntu Netbook 9.01 and a version of Adobe Flash player. The Pegatron prototype will have a USB port, a micro USB port and a card reader.
Dell, the fifth largest netbook vendor around the globe, is considering development of their own smartbook computer. Todd Finch, Dell senior product marketing manager for Linux clients, stated, “I think it’s natural and reasonable for us to begin looking at them as they begin scaling their processors up.”
As the new smartbook computers are released, summaries will outline their benefits and features to help you select the best smartbook computers for your business and personal needs.
