So Where Are All the Smartbooks?
Back in May, we first heard about smartbooks. Qualcomm tipped us off on these upcoming devices and started up a smartbook website to explain how they’d be powered by Snapdragon processors. Here’s what Qualcomm says makes up a smartbook:
- Instant On Access — no boot up time or waiting for email to download
- 3G Connectivity — get mobile broadband speeds with your wireless network carrier
- Ultra Portable Design — less than 20mm thick and less than two lbs.
- All Day Battery Life — 8 to 10 hour charge, plus week-long standby
- Built in GPS — location-aware, to get you there faster and easier
- Customizable Interface — intuitive, one-touch navigation to your favorite applications
The company even suggested that we might see smartbooks by the fall of 2009. Isn’t that right about now? So far, all we’ve seen are some prototypes and a scant few devices that loosely qualify as a highly portable, low-powered Linux smartbook.
I’m beginning to wonder if this device class is really going to take off. I’d like them too, believe me. I’m all about working in a good web browser all day long, wherever I’m at. But it seems like the Snapdragon is destined to power smartphones right now, not smartbooks. Essentially, it shouldn’t be too difficult to build a smartphone platform without the voice stack and with a larger display and keyboard. None of the usual suspects have done that though. I’m thinking of companies like ASUS, Acer and Samsung here — they all seem focused on their full-sized computers, netbooks and smartphones these days. Given the recent launch of Microsoft Windows 7, I suppose that makes sense, but what happens next? After the Windows 7 hoopla dies down, I have a feeling that smartphones will be the focus.
Is it just me that’s interested in seeing a solid smartbook or two hit the market this holiday? I tend to go for niche devices — my three Samsung Q1 UMPCs are a testament to that — so maybe it is just me. I can’t help thinking that a lightweight, power efficient Android device with usable keyboard and widescreen display would keep me happy all day. Won’t anyone make one?
“a lightweight, power efficient Android device with usable keyboard and widescreen display would keep me happy all day”
Yep, Kevin, this description, in the form factor of the pic you show with this post, is what I’m looking for… I’m still hoping it will happen!!
bI hear what your saying Kevin… I have the Sony P; which by the way using at the moment for light weight and great keyboard to do some work while out at dinner. The picture of the smartbook looks like my Sony P… hmmm maybe Sony sold me a smartbook.
I normally just use the Sony P for email, Word, Excel, and web browsing. I did pickup a Archos 5 Android but, I returned only because I was hoping to get my BB working with the BT DUN. It is a really nice portable device and will buy it again if the Android every supports BT DUN.
I have to agree, especially after putting 1.37GB of official Sony WIndows 7 software on it my Vaio P is definitely a Smartbook!
I like it. It reminds me of my old mobilepro 780/790. I carried that thing everywhere in my road warrior days. I’d get a smartbook in a second.
Somebody make one.
Hi Kevin,
Based on the channel checks, with companies like QuickLogic (who BTW provide a VEE – Visual Enhancement Engine) to SmartBook OEMs, we should expect them sometime in Q4.
Cheers,
Headworx
Probably still waiting on the Chrome OS port and trying to find big enough customers who have established channels but aren’t beholden to Intel.
We did a review of a Win CE based Smartbook previously and the OS is really only the significant drawback to the devices.
http://www.shanzai.com/index.php/component/content/article/12-smartbook-reviews/138-worlds-1st-real-smartbook-review?directory=32
I know this’ll sound like another crusty old geezer talking about those great gizmos back in the day . . .
but I remember my IBM z50 Workpad fondly not because it had any wireless capacity (it didn’t, unless you count IR), good graphics (16 bit VGA), or lots of storage (16megs, plus a CF slot) but for 5 essential things:
1. Instant on
2. All day battery
3. light weight, no moving drives
4. Usable screen and keyboard
5. Just enough software to get basic work done
Seriously, please add me to the list!
I am waiting, I am waiting, I can’t believe we are still waiting for these.
I can’t help check google news every day to find out when these ARM smartbook/netbooks are arriving. I have a horrible feeling that they are not coming soon. Something due to the Intel / MS influence and the absence of any decent computer maker taking a chance with these (and the hit they will probably take on margins?)
Given that these might not materialise, I would love to buy one of the new OLPC XO 1.5’s when they come out… if they do G1G1 again, but I doubt that will happen either.
Seems like everyone here has an unrealistic expectation of design cycles from chip availability to post-prototype, even given the warp speed some Asian ODMs tend to work from. I always add two quarters minimum to analysts’ and proponents’ predictions. And I’m always hearing that “xxx under the Christmas tree” (DSL modems, iTouch, XBox, you name it), none of which ever come true – unless it’s the following holiday season.
I’ve been waiting and waiting for my smartbook.
All I want is an instant-on Firefox machine in a small notebook form factor with all day battery life. Is that asking too much?
I have cash, just sat here, waiting to be spent on a Smartbook that can offer the exact same basic criteria which you describe:
1. Good-sized keyboard;
2. All day battery;
3. Linux OS;
4. No touchpad! (Who needs one, seriously!)
Add me to the list too! This cash is almost burning a hole through my desk!