Qualcomm shows off Snapdragon-based netbook / tablet concept

It's already doubled the power of its SnapDragon platform with a new dual-core processor, but it looks like Qualcomm is now really making a push to take on Intel in the netbook / MID space, with it recently showing off a seemingly fully-functional concept device. As you can see above, the device is a convertible tablet, which should surely make Intel's head spin, as will the fact that it is running a curiously familiar-looking OS. Being a concept, however, Qualcomm isn't offering too many specifics just yet, although it does say that devices like this one should last for four to six hours on a single charge, and that the first batch of devices based on the platform (but not necessarily this device) should be available sometime next year, with twelve different companies having already signed up to build devices.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

[David @ Dec 5th 2008 4:13PM]

I'm not a huge fan of netbooks, but the fact that this is a tablet as well may keep me interested. However, I'm not too sure I want to go with a lesser-known processor. Funny thing...still has the windows key

[Dee @ Dec 5th 2008 4:17PM]

All I care about is how much will it cost? A netbook costing as much as a portable laptop makes no sense to me.

[Ashwin @ Dec 5th 2008 4:30PM]

I hope Intel is ready, because this is going to give them a run for their money. The only thing that appears to prevent Qualcomm from winning is that there is no way to run Windows XP on an ARM chip. However, if consumers begin to pick up Linux, I would be afraid for both Intel and Microsoft.

[ethana2 @ Dec 5th 2008 6:27PM]

Intel will survive whatever happens. They've got the fabrication technology, they've got the R+D muscle, they've got the brand.
x86 could die a violent death (which I would be very excited about) and they could apply most of their awesome ideas just the same, if not better.
I look forward to a day when binary compatibility is irrelevant and we can all use the best hardware for the job at hand.

[cb88 @ Dec 6th 2008 12:01AM]

why should you be afraid for them? they have plenty deep enough pockets to take care of themselves and the PC market would be better off without them at least IMO

[Boarderwoot @ Dec 5th 2008 4:59PM]

big keyboard I understand, small screen, not so much.

[cb88 @ Dec 6th 2008 12:02AM]

LCDs suck power for one thing... and cost... the have to keep it down

[cmonkey @ Dec 5th 2008 5:09PM]

Hmm, it seems ARM and x86 have finally converged in terms of performance and power consumption. The Atom and Nano have pushed x86 into lower power, while the Snapdragon has brought ARM's power consumption and performance up into x86 territory.

[Joshua Walters @ Dec 5th 2008 5:33PM]

*Please be the sub-$600 netbook/tablet hybrid Ive been looking for*

[NuShrike @ Jan 8th 2009 12:12AM]

Does it have drivers?