The buzz about the impending launch of Google's very own Chrome OS-based netbook refuses to die down with many industry watchers claiming that the internet giant has tapped at least one hardware manufacturer to make the netbook.
According to several tech blogs, including TechCrunch, the Mountain View-based company has sent RFPs (Request for Proposal) to several hardware manufacturers, including two prominent companies based in Far East Asia.
No real word on the hardware specs yet but there are rumours that Google's netbook will sport a chipset from Nvidia's Tegra line and it will be powered by an ARM CPU (which reportedly performs better than Intel Atom and consumes less power).
Meanwhile, sources close to the development said Google is keen on subsidising the device and selling it directly to consumers. However, it has not totally dismissed the idea of tying up with one or more network operators, who could sell the netbook with a bundled plan.
Google's Chrome OS was unveiled last month and it generated tremendous interest as it heralded Google's maiden entry in the OS market, which is currently dominated by Microsoft. Incidentally, Google's browser offering by the same name has failed to impact the browser market, which is currently dominated by Internet Explorer (again a Microsoft product).
So will Google Chrome OS be able to do what Chrome browser could not?
Not likely, claims tech analysts, as unlike Windows OS, Chrome OS will be compatible to a limited number of hardware. For instance, it will run only on a flash drive and not on traditional hard drives.
According to Google's vice president of product management Sundar Pichai, it increases boot-time speed and makes it more stable and secure but tech analysts claim that Google has an ulterior motive - by shunning hard drives Google gets to keep your data on its servers, which it can be used to target ads.
Meanwhile, word is out that the Google netbook will not hit the market before 2010 holiday season.
What do you think, folks? Will Google netbook end up as another rumour? Or is Google serious about taking on Microsoft? Will Chrome OS be Google's cash cow? Leave your comments below.
No real word on the hardware specs yet but there are rumours that Google's netbook will sport a chipset from Nvidia's Tegra line and it will be powered by an ARM CPU (which reportedly performs better than Intel Atom and consumes less power).
Meanwhile, sources close to the development said Google is keen on subsidising the device and selling it directly to consumers. However, it has not totally dismissed the idea of tying up with one or more network operators, who could sell the netbook with a bundled plan.
Google's Chrome OS was unveiled last month and it generated tremendous interest as it heralded Google's maiden entry in the OS market, which is currently dominated by Microsoft. Incidentally, Google's browser offering by the same name has failed to impact the browser market, which is currently dominated by Internet Explorer (again a Microsoft product).
So will Google Chrome OS be able to do what Chrome browser could not?
Not likely, claims tech analysts, as unlike Windows OS, Chrome OS will be compatible to a limited number of hardware. For instance, it will run only on a flash drive and not on traditional hard drives.
According to Google's vice president of product management Sundar Pichai, it increases boot-time speed and makes it more stable and secure but tech analysts claim that Google has an ulterior motive - by shunning hard drives Google gets to keep your data on its servers, which it can be used to target ads.
Meanwhile, word is out that the Google netbook will not hit the market before 2010 holiday season.
What do you think, folks? Will Google netbook end up as another rumour? Or is Google serious about taking on Microsoft? Will Chrome OS be Google's cash cow? Leave your comments below.
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