Android was originally written for ARM processors, like those found in most current smartphones. This has meant Intel has had to play catch-up to port Android to x86 architecture.

“Our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers” Renee James, Intel’s senior VP for software and services said.

Via APC.

Whilst the hardware is largely in tact, the custom Linux OS for the Skylight has been ditched in favour of Android. This has given them more confidence, especially since Lenovo has worked on Android with its smartphone in China. Release timelines still remain a mystery but fingers crossed it will be out in 2010.

Via Slashgear.

Toshiba have made slight tweaks to Android 2.1 to make it more suited as a netbook. You’ll get the usual homescreens that can be pre-configured and a number of apps will be pre-installed including Documents to Go for viewing and editing Microsoft Office files, a POP3 email client and a Toshiba Media Player.

It will come with a non-touchscreen 10.1-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution display. Other features include a 1.3MP webcam, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, an optional 3G module, an integrated SD memory card slot, a USB port, a mini-USB port and HDMI-out. The Toshiba AC100 will be available from August 2010 although pricing remains a mystery for now.

Slashgear, Crave and PC Pro managed some hands-on time with a prototype device and found that whilst the AC100 was indeed lightweight there was an element of flex in the chassis and keyboard. The software seemed to freeze and there is no Flash support right now, although an update to Android 2.2 (complete with Flash 10.1 support) is pencilled in over the next few months.

Of more concern, however, was the limited peripheral support given the Android OS. Printers and cameras are the main offenders whilst mice and external keyboards should be okay. Also, the fact that the display was not touchscreen meant that the Android UI was a bit unintuitive over a mouse. Check out some videos below.

He goes on to say that Apple has “legitimated” the tablet market with the iPad. He is not alone in these thoughts, researcher IDC says that the global tablet shipments will increase sixfold by 2014 from 7.6 million to 46 million. Lofty projections indeed. Let’s just see if this doesn’t become another fad.

The tablet wasn’t spotted booting into Android, but a 3D game was being demonstrated, most likely to show off Tegra 2’s gaming prowess. A couple of sites including Engadget and NetbookNews managed to go hands-on with the device and we’ve attached some video hands-on after the break.

The 10.1-inch Airlife 100 comes with the Android operating system, 512MB RAM and a 16GB flash drive. The touchscreen display is resistive rather than capacitive but comes with a matte finish. The OS has been tweaked to easily work with the touchpad as well as touchscreen. You can check out the unboxing video after the jump.

Via Carrypad.

The dual-screen tablet, first seen at CES, has been delayed though due to issues with battery life. “The two screens are a major drain on the battery, and even with a higher density battery and the Menlow CPU we are only getting three hours,” said MSI’s Andy Tung. This device is now expected to land in the fourth quarter.

Certainly not cheap. You can opt for a cheaper €39 per month price plan but that will require a higher initial investment of €299 for the Airlife. Engadget confirmed that the Airlife 100 will not be coming to the US, however it’s unknown at this stage whether we’ll see it in other European countries.

The Airlife 100 is powered by a the 1GHz Snapdragon chipset and sports a 16GB SSD, 512MB RAM, 512MB ROM and a 28Whr battery that should last for over 12 hours. It also comes with a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) resistive touchscreen.

The Dell Athens netbook is more typical in its form-factor and will sport a similar sized display and ARM processor. It will have a thin chassis and weigh less than 900g (1.98lbs). These models are expected to launch during the Autumn. Check out a large screencap of this Dell roadmap after the break.

Mombrini also confirmed that Acer will be launching a Google Chrome OS netbook during Q3 and that they are working closely “with the guys at Google”. We’ll keep you posted on any further details.

Via Electric Pig.