Google to Launch Its Own-Brand Chrome OS Smartbook?

Global brand vendors are expected to launch smartbooks based on Google Chrome OS later this month. Google is said to be readying its own-brand notebook similar to how it released the Nexus One smartphone, according to a DigiTimes report.

Google's Chrome notebook is expected to be manufactured by Inventec with initial shipments to reach 60,000-70,000 units. The Google Chrome notebook will feature an ARM-based platform and will not be selling through retail channels.

The sources pointed out that after Google announced its Chrome notebook, Acer and Hewlett-Packard (HP) will follow suit and launch their products in December, at the earliest, to test the water. Both vendors' products will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, while Asustek Computer is currently still observing the market.