AfterDawn: News

Compaq releases touchscreen Android 'smartbook'

Compaq has launched its new AirLife "smartbook" this week, an interesting move away from skimpy netbooks.

The AirLife includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, has 3g wireless built-in, Wi-Fi and runs the Android operating system.



Most notably, the smartbook includes a 10.1-inch, 1024x600-pixel touchscreen TFT display, allowing for multi-touch.

There is a 16GB SSD, so internal memory may become a problem fast, but the computer should also load everything lighting quick. The battery life is promised at 12 hours, with 10 days of standby.

There was no word on price or availability as of yet, but subsidized the smartbook is expected to cost under $300.



Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 12 Feb 2010 18:06

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• 6 comments

• khmernize

  If this is under 300 bucks, I might have to own my first notebook soon.

  12.2.2010 20:08 #1

• i1der

  This is not awesome, put certainly put ipad and BADapple to shame

  12.2.2010 23:04 #2

• xyqo

  This makes things very interested. If this does well it will leave very little space for Chrome OS devices. Google might find android competing with Chrome in the Netbook market and may have to merge the projects or even forget about Chrome OS

  13.2.2010 14:34 #3

• biglo30

  Originally posted by xyqo: This makes things very interested. If this does well it will leave very little space for Chrome OS devices. Google might find android competing with Chrome in the Netbook market and may have to merge the projects or even forget about Chrome OSYeah agree with you on that one because the mobile device OS is already moving on to the netbooks with know word on the release date of Chrome OS. I bet this will make apple drop their prices.

  13.2.2010 16:04 #4

• snardos

  I am confused why $300 subsidized is considered a good price. It would be very good if that was the retail price. Netbooks are selling as cheap as $300 loaded with linux. Add a 3G modem and touch screen and I wouldn't see the cost being much more than $400 to $450. I wouldn't pay anything for it if I had to sign a 3 year contract. With the Android OS does this even have the full functionality of a netbook?

  13.2.2010 19:01 #5

• NINVIN21

  What make's it a smartBook?
  The Snapdragon processor?
  12 hour battery life hmmmm
  Why Would I want to put Fingers all over my screen they need to
  get away from this touch crap.
  The 3g I seen was Slow!

  14.2.2010 09:35 #6