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A handful of sites are linking to a post on NetbookNews.de<\/a>, which links to a post<\/a> on a UK-based site called IBTimes titled Google Chrome OS-based netbook tech specs are out<\/em>. It seems fishy and the site doesn\u2019t get a lot of traffic<\/a> in the first place but if the post ends up being credible, I apologize.<\/p>\nThe post starts out with \u201cthe tech specs of the rumoured Google Chrome OS-based netbook are already out\u201d followed by \u201ctech bloggers have already begun speculating about the netbook\u2019s specs\u201d followed by \u201cThe Google netbook, it is reported, will run on Chrome OS\u2026\u201d etc. But where is this being \u201creported\u201d? And is this information based on speculation by tech bloggers or actual sources? There’s a world of difference there.<\/p>\n
Then the next paragraph begins with \u201cIt is also being rumoured that the netbook will sport\u2026\u201d So we have that the tech specs are \u201cout\u201d but all the information seems to be based on rumors. Whatever the case, here\u2019s what we\u2019re apparently working with:<\/p>\n
- \n
- NVIDIA Tegra<\/a> platform with ARM CPU<\/li>\n
- 10.1-inch TFT HD-ready multi-touch display<\/li>\n
- 64GB solid state drive<\/li>\n
- 2GB of RAM<\/li>\n
- Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB ports, webcam, card reader<\/li>\n
- Subsidized at less than $300, sold directly to consumers by Google<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The post then ends by saying \u201cNow if all of these are true, it\u2019s like getting a Ferrari for the price of a Mini Cooper.\u201d That\u2019s pretty much an admission that none of these specs can be officially confirmed. And let\u2019s look at the actual plausibility of the specs.<\/p>\n
– Subsidized at $300 or less: Maybe. Google says<\/a> Chrome OS netbooks \u201cwill be in the price range that people are used to for netbooks today.\u201d The Nokia Booklet 3G<\/a> is subsidized at $300, but that’s about the top of the scale as far as pricing goes.<\/p>\n
– Sold directly to consumers by Google: Maybe. When initially asked about Chrome OS netbook pricing, Google said<\/a> \u201cYou will hear that from our partners.\u201d Recent rumors<\/a>, however, seem to indicate that Google may be seeking a hardware developer to build a Google-branded netbook. It seems odd, though, that Google would create its own netbook only to then partner with a wireless company to subsidize the price of it and that such a product would be sold directly by Google and not also in the wireless carrier’s retail locations.<\/p>\n
– NVIDIA Tegra platform with ARM CPU: Plausible, likely.<\/p>\n
– 10.1-inch TFT HD-ready multi-touch display: Not likely to get multi-touch for $300. If it\u2019s indeed being subsidized, multi-touch is a possibility.<\/p>\n
– 64GB solid state drive: This is the biggest red flag, as far as I’m concerned. Everything is supposed to be \u201cin the cloud\u201d with this platform. Maybe a 4GB or 8GB solid state drive. There\u2019s no use for a 64GB drive and it’d add to the overall cost of the netbook.<\/p>\n
– 2GB of RAM: Likely.<\/p>\n
– Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, etc.: Plausible, likely.<\/p>\n
Now it\u2019s entirely possible that these could be the specs for a particular vendor<\/em> that\u2019s intent on selling a Chrome OS-based netbook, but the idea of a flagship Chrome OS netbook with a 64GB drive and subsidized price tag sold directly by Google to consumers seems unlikely.<\/p>\n