1st Chrome OS Netbooks to Hit Market, Reports Say

IRVINE, Calif. — Several hardware makers are reportedly preparing new netbooks for the holiday season that use Google’s Chrome OS, a highly customized Linux distribution, instead of Windows, according to a report in DigiTimes.com.

The report said the first Chrome OS product to come out will be a first-party design, with hardware from Ivantek.

Google reportedly is following a similar model to the Nexus One with the device and will be selling it exclusively online. It will not ship to traditional retailers.

The netbook's hardware is designed by Ivantek, but only a few details are available. The lightweight laptop is expected to employ an ARM processor.

ARM has certain energy efficiency advantages, but currently is not supported by any Windows PC operating system. ARM processors are found in popular smart phones like the iPhone 4 and Samsung Epic 4G (Samsung Galaxy S).

Acer, who makes the Aspire One netbook and Hewlett-Packard are expected to follow with competitive designs in December.

A fourth manufacturer — Asustek — is reportedly eyeing the market, considering a possible Chrome OS product of its own.

With Google-powered netbooks on the market, suppliers believe that interest could return to netbooks, after sales have been cannibalized by Apple’s iPad, according to DailyTech.

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