There has been talk of big time hardware companies teaming up for the soon-to-be released Google Chrome OS. In case you didn’t know, this OS will become an addition, a rival some hope, to Windows and other popular operating systems on Smartbooks/Netbooks.
At the recent COMPUTEX, people have been abuzz about major hardware manufacturers possibly using the Google Android as an OS – Qualcomm and ASUS plans to use it for the Smartbooks, while Acer wants to adopt it on Netbooks. If you’re wondering what netbooks and smartbooks are, this writer will provide a simple overview. A Netbook is a smaller (usually 7”), lighter (about 1.2 kilograms) and inexpensive (US$300) version of a laptop. A smartbook on the other hand, is a cross between a Netbook and smartphone in that it uses an ARMS processor instead of the usual x86 Atoms (Intel).
With the recent announcement from Google, it will be interesting to see how the Google Chrome OS will affect hardware company partners’ development plans. The Chrome OS is, for some, a better OS than the Android. It seems to be a top candidate for the Smartbooks OS, and an addition on Netbook.
Chrome OS: ARMS vs. X86 Atom
Netbooks, function poorly under ARMs processors. It cannot support all the functions, features and performance expected of the Netbook or similar machines. The same thing can be said for the Android OS. As far as operating systems go, Android does deliver on its promise (light and fast) but it still remains as a mobile OS, thus unsuited for the Netbook.
The ARMS however was implemented into Smartbooks (Netbook-based). With the current OS (Android), the full potential of the Smartbook has not yet been utilized. What the smartbook needs is a stronger processor, in terms of performance, and a heavy duty OS, in terms of browsers. The browser part has been answered by Google. Hardware on the other hand, leaves much to be desired.
For the Netbook, the Google Chrome is an excellent secondary OS. This writer won’t be surprised if the Atom-based Netbooks are shipped with the Chrome OS and Windows in one package. Basic, small, and browser functional, this is definitely suited for the machine along with the Windows OS. Users who love using Google apps can surf safely by booting to Chrome OS and booting to Windows if any Windows application needs running. Those who have Chrome browsers will be glad to know that it works perfectly with the Chrome OS.
Vendors may retail Netbooks/Smartbooks with either OS or both. Ultimately, it is left to you which one to pick.
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