Photos: Freescale shows off 'smartbook' designs
The company aims to squeeze smartbook devices into the space between notebook and Netbook PCs on the larger side, and smartphones on the smaller side.
Red smartbook
At the Computex show in Taiwan on Tuesday, Freescale Semiconductor unveiled prototypes of a new portable computer format that it calls a "smartbook." Both Freescale and Qualcomm have just begun promoting the smartbook notion as a potential category of computing devices between traditional notebooks (or more recent Netbooks) and much smaller smartphones.
The prototype smartbook seen here in candy apple red unfolds and separates into several pieces to allow use of keyboard and mouse. Freescale came up with its prototypes in conjunction with the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Touchscreen smartbook
This less colorful concept smartbook is meant to suggest a possible touchscreen design. Here's part of Freescale's pitch for smartbooks: "Sporting larger screens than traditional smartphone devices, smartbooks are cloud-computing-centric and characterized by all-day battery life, instant-on functionality and persistent connectivity."
Smartbook with vertical display
The smartbook stands tall with a design intended for vertical displays. Freescale's smartbooks would use the company's i.MX515 processor, while other potential smartbooks would use Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor. In both cases, the chips would be based on designs from ARM.
"The primary distinction between (smartbooks) and the existing crop of Netbooks will be longer battery life--eight-hour battery life--slimmer form factor, and lower price point," Glen Burchers, director of global consumer segment marketing at Freescale, told CNET News last week.
Smartbook with sliding keypads
This unusual design features keypads that slide out from either side of the smartbook. Burchers told CNET News that manufacturers Wistron and Pegatron have "near production-ready" clamshell designs that could be on the market before the end of the year, and that it is targeting a price of $199.
Modular design
Shades of Legos--smartbooks could also be built in a modular fashion. Under the hood, the devices are expected feature 3G connectivity and to run either the Linux operating system or Google's Android.
Leather-clad smartbook
This smartbook prototype features a "leather-based" casing.
See also: "Qualcomm, Freescale say 'smartbooks' to rival Netbooks."
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?