OLPC urging Microsoft to makes Windows compatible with ARM
March 13, 2009 at 10:20 am
The next notebook due from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project, nicknamed XO-2, is likely to drop AMD’s x86 Geode CPU in favour of an all-in-one ARM processor according to PC World. While x86 chips have the potential to become more power efficient, ARM has the upper-hand in this area with advanced power management features and built in integrated graphics and Wi-Fi networking. Read more
ARM to take 55 percent netbook market share by 2012
March 10, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Whilst Intel’s Atom is expected to hold a commanding 80 percent netbook market share in 2009, ARM is expected to turn this around in the next three years by taking a 55 percent netbook market share by 2012 according to The Information Network. “ARM processors, not Intel’s Atom, will benefit from the current technology-economic cycle. Anyone thinking that ARM will make up only a small percentage of netbooks gong forward is not thinking outside the box,” Dr. Robert Castellano noted, President of The Information Network. Read more
Ten ARM-powered netbook models expected in 2009
March 9, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Arm’s Chief Executive, Warren East, expects that at least ten ARM-based netbooks with processors from Qualcomm, Freescale and Texas Instruments will hit retail shelves this year. We already know that Asus is considering Qualcomm chips (based on ARM designs) for upcoming Eee PCs.
East is frustrated on the lack of Microsoft support for upcoming ARM-powered netbooks. It is widely understood that Windows XP, Vista and the upcoming Windows 7 cannot run on ARM CPUs given their need for x86 processors. Linux or Google’s Android are the most likely operating systems for ARM-based netbooks. However, Windows Mobile and Windows CE are used in close to 150 different mobile phones powered by ARM chips. Presumably little adaptation would be needed for netbook usage.
Netbook + Tablet = Touch Book
March 2, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Always Innovating has announced an intriguing new portable device called the Touch Book that works as both a netbook and tablet in one. How you might ask? Well it’s down to a detachable keyboard enabling the touchscreen to slide out of the keyboard dock.
The manufacturers really look like they are living up to their name given that other innovative features include internal USB plugs to cut down on dongle mess, and the whole screen is magnetic for mounting on a fridge!
The netbook attributes include a low price point ($299), a weight of less than two pounds and an impressive battery life of 10-15 hours. The battey life is down to the Touch Book being one of the first netbooks featuring an ARM processor from Texas Instruments. The Netbook runs on a Linux OS. We’ll see how well it lives up to its claims in late Spring, when the Touch Book is expected to ship.
Specifications:
- 9.4″ x 7″ x 1.4″ for 2 lbs (with keyboard)
ARM Texas Instruments OMAP3 chip
1024×600 8.9” screen
Storage: 8GB micro SD card
Wifi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth
3-dimensional accelerometer
Speakers, micro and headphone
6 USB 2.0 (3 internal, 2 external, 1 mini)
10h to 15 hours of battery life
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