Qualcomm shows off new Snapdragon smartbook prototypes

While we’re waiting for Lenovo to launch the first commercially available smartbook with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Qualcomm has been showing off a few other prototypes.

SlashGear snagged some images and a bit o video of a new mini-laptop running Google Android as well as a non-working tablet concept that could serve double duty as a laptop-style device thanks to an optional wireless keyboard.

I have to say, I had kind of expecting so-called smartbooks, which blur the line between and always-on, always-connected smartphone and a laptop to be smaller than netbooks. Some of the earliest prototypes I’d seen had 7 or 8 inch displays and looked like they’d be even easier to slip into a bag than a netbook. But you know what? I don’t think it’s the screen size that’s made 10 inches the standard size for today’s Intel Atom powered netbooks. It’s the keyboard size. If you have a screen smaller than 10 inches, it’s hard to have a comfortable keyboard that you can type at full speed on.

SlashGear said the Android prototype with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor felt just as responsive as a typical netbook running Windows.

You can check out a brief video after the break.

Posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009, 11:13 am by Brad Linder

gman

I'm glad to see you're agreeing with my statement that nobody wants <10″ computers. It's keyboard size, period. <10″ netbooks are essentially off the market because of that fact. I know you are a smart guy, but was I the first person to make this comment about keyboard size? How is a smartbook going to revolutionize a computer that has been attempted already. Did I mention nobody releases 9 inch netbooks, let alone 8 or 7 inch? Lastly, Brad, you must rethink the 10″ and less netbook label simply because, you are essentially saying that there is only one size, 10″ computers, that are netbooks. There are no other computers being released in the 7,8, or 9 inch (other than so called smartbooks). Aren't you tying your hands in a way?
http://liliputing.com Brad Linder

So you're saying that the Asus Eee PC T91MT, Always Innovating TouchBook,
Classmate PC, and dozens of products that were released on or before
mid-2008 aren't netbooks?

I personally prefer a 10 inch model, and so do a lot of other people which
explains why the industry has moved toward this as a standard size. But
there are plenty of 7 to 9 inch netbooks out there, and there are plenty of
people who prefer that form factor.

I'm also getting tired of you telling me how I “must” run this site.
DG

Go Brad D

I like my original AA1 – 9″ screen, but 10″ chassis really, thankfully tastefully bezelled unlike some. I thought I wanted something physically smaller, but in the end was rather glad I found this one cheap because the keyboard is pretty much spot on both for size and layout.
gman

Fair enough, no hard feelings I hope. I apologize! I don't want to be a pest to you. So I won't take up more space discussing netbooks classifications. I kind of wish we could, as webmasters have some type of open forum on the subject. A “summit” if you will. Sort of “us” deciding what is or isn't instead of “them” tell us what is or isn't.

But I respect your comments and consider this my last comment in that regard. <eom>
http://openid-provider.appspot.com/warschauer Mark Warschauer

Anybody know how big the screen is on this prototype?
Charbax

Smaller screens are ok and they are cool too because the device is smaller.

Though, ARM laptops can have 12″, 13″ and 15″ screens too, since what you want is just a full screen full resolution web browser.

Put the full Chrome browser within Android and you've got all of what most people need.
Michael

I think this ARM/ Snapdragon machines would be a big hit and may even be at par with Windows netbooks.

In reality, most people just use a web browser and to surf the net. Even those who do CPU intensive stuff, usually do it at home or office with their primary machines which are powerful.
michael

I think this ARM/ Snapdragon machines would be a big hit and may even be at par with Windows netbooks.

In reality, most people just use a web browser and to surf the net. Even those who do CPU intensive stuff, usually do it at home or office with their primary machines which are powerful.
http://openid-provider.appspot.com/warschauer Mark Warschauer

Anybody know how big the screen is on this prototype?
http://armdevices.net/ Charbax

Smaller screens are ok and they are cool too because the device is smaller.

Though, ARM laptops can have 12″, 13″ and 15″ screens too, since what you want is just a full screen full resolution web browser.

Put the full Chrome browser within Android and you've got all of what most people need.
Michael

I think this ARM/ Snapdragon machines would be a big hit and may even be at par with Windows netbooks.

In reality, most people just use a web browser and to surf the net. Even those who do CPU intensive stuff, usually do it at home or office with their primary machines which are powerful.
michael

I think this ARM/ Snapdragon machines would be a big hit and may even be at par with Windows netbooks.

In reality, most people just use a web browser and to surf the net. Even those who do CPU intensive stuff, usually do it at home or office with their primary machines which are powerful.
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In reality, most people just use a web browser and to surf the net.

Qualcomm shows off new Snapdragon smartbook prototypes

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