Asus, Acer and Toshiba are Working on Small Notebooks Using Qualcomm’s Instant-on Solution, Snapdra

Acer, Asus, and Toshiba to create Snapdragon based netbooks

Acer and Toshiba will work on small notebooks using Qualcomm's instant-on solution, Snapdragon. Actually, based on Manjitt Gill (the interviewee) it's a lot more like always on.

"Mobile Computing Devices (MCDs) provide a revolution in computing and communications in a thin and light form factor with a 7-12" display and full keyboard. MCDs are ideal for viewing movies and maps, or editing spreadsheets and documents while also accessing full Internet browsing and social network. Dual-mode MCDs permit notebook and tablet/reading mode to improve the consumer experience. "

"Our vision is that (the device is) always connected. Even if you shut it down, it's still 'on. ' (The laptop) would go to your Exchange server, gets your e-mail, puts it on the drive--solid-state or hard drive--and then as you prepare to complete e-mail, you flip it open and it is immediately. Instant on, always connected, "

There's more interesting info in the interview, including how Qualcomm sees the differentiation between what it calls Traveling with a laptop Devices (MCD) and the already established Netbook. Intel can also be revealing some information about how it has ramped up the ARM processor to compete.

So full day, always on and incredibly mobile.. but it's ARM based, Linux only. Could they really contend with Intel on more computer than phone like devices, netbooks?

It might require a large amount of co-operation between them, Linux vendors and OEMs. Intel has been building their Linux only MID community for just two years and all we now have seen is extremely basic and never even not quite finished computer software. Hardware can enable, but to create ARM based Linux netbook even close to current ones will require work.. maybe an excessive amount of work?

Qualcomm appears to believe highly themselves because they are now naming Acer, Asus and Toshiba as their future Snapdragon clients:

"Companies including Acer, Asus, and Toshiba are intending devices predicated on Snapdragon, based on Qualcomm. Acer, for instance, will initially introduce Qualcomm's Gobi 3G modem in to its devices, then gravitate to products and services predicated on Snapdragon. "

We will have it soon hopefully..