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Google Netbook Specs Leaked

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-they-can dept.

Foochee noted that specs have leaked for an alleged new Google NetBook. Coupling this with the HTC Google Phone, it really appears that Google is going to be pushing into new spaces in the next few years.

2 of 176 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Cool. by maeka · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No kidding, TANSTAAFL.

    Now if all of these are true, it's like getting a Ferrari for the price of a Mini Cooper.

    Pick (at least) one:
    A - All of these [rumors] aren't true.
    B - You're going to be forced to watch ads.
    C - It's going to be bundled with a monthly wireless bill.

  2. Very interesting. by wvmarle · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This can be interesting, why:

    • This would become a non-Intel platform, which means Windows doesn't run on it. I'd really like to see how well it sells when Windows is simply not an option. If it takes off, MS is going to be hit hard, if only because alternative OSes become a serious alternative all of a sudden. Instead of being a niche product.
    • Price of under $300, but still subsidised: where is the money coming from? Normally e.g. a mobile phone is subsidised because you are going to pay money to the mobile phone provider (calls, data, etc). I have never paid Google anything, other than for ads that I asked them to place. But not for any of their regular services. So either ad-supported, or only sold together with mobile data plans or so? The first is easy to get around: just install another OS or so.
    • Opening up the processor market: if this netbook takes off, we could start seeing really lots of non-Intel compatible computers around, first of all of course ARM based, and maybe a revival of the PPC in the consumer market. I think that would be the best effect of this. Not just because Windows doesn't run on it but because there is so much more than Intel. And I bet there will suddenly be more room for competitors to AMD and Intel: they do not need to license any microcode or so. And porting Linux/*BSD/Chrome to those architectures, if not done yet, will be relatively easy.

    IMHO one of the core reasons all consumer PCs come with Intel compatible processors is that Windows runs on them. Equip them with other processors and you can not sell your product with Windows. And that is an absolute suicidal business plan at the moment. Google may get this going, get non-Windows and non-Intel computers to the masses, opening up a lot of space for competitors.

    And if it doesn't work, well we can always continue dreaming.