Sony Reportedly Working On VAIO Hybrid PC and Chrome OS Netbook

Sony Insider has mentioned a bunch of things that Sony might actually be launching this Summer. They reportedly include a VAIO Hybrid PC and a VAIO running the Chrome OS, which is pretty expected since they're the only company that ships their PCs with Google Chrome. The website is hearing about some specifications on both devices too and, of course, we'll sum it up for you.

The VAIO Hybrid PC is said to feature an ultraportable thin body along with Intel's Thunderbolt tech, a Core i7 CPU, and 8 to 16.5 hours of battery life. Other specs reportedly include SSD options, an HDMI output (with 3D support), an AMD GPU, Blu-ray drive, and other standard ports (VGA / USB).

Sony also reportedly has a Chrome notebook on the way as well. This one's said to feature an 11.6-inch display (1,366 x 768 resolution), a Tegra 2 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of flash storage, a GeForce GPU, WiFi, and an 8-hour battery life. Remember that it won't have an HDD inside to speed up things because you'll be relying on the cloud to save your information. Of course, that could be risky so the decision is yours.

[Sony Insider, Engadget]

Asus Aiming To Launch a $200 - $250 Android / Chrome OS Netbook

DigiTimes has just mentioned something pretty cool that's apparently coming from a supplier's mouth. The report says that Asus is looking to really undercut the netbooks that we're used to seeing right now. Apparently, the company plans to launch a $200 to $250 netbook running on Google's Android or, hopefully, Chrome OS. The notebook will reportedly be a 10 or 11-inch model and will be free subsidized on a carrier if you wan to sign a 6-month contract. Hmm, this might be something I'm interested in if it's a $200 netbook running Chrome OS.

[Crunch Gear]

Google Announces the Chrome OS Notebook (Cr-48), Good Luck Getting Your Hands On One Though

So, at Google's event today they announced a bunch of things. Chrome (the browser) improvements in speed and functionality, the Chrome Web Store (which is available in the USA right now with a global roll-out in 2011), and Chrome OS which is all about the web. The first Chrome OS notebook (they don't call it a netbook) is being dubbed the Cr-48 and it's part of a Pilot Program for now. Some businesses will be using it, like American Airlines and Google themselves. The Cr-48 has no design features at all; it's all black and features no logo. If you really want to get one then you can audition for one here or your business can apply for the Pilot Program here.

As you can see in the photo above, the Chrome OS notebook features a 12.1-inch display, a full-sized keyboard, a large touchpad, global 3G support, WiFi 802.11n support, an integrated webcam, and a battery life that will last 8 hours of active use and 8 days of standy time. This notebook has an SSD inside and does not feature a spinning disc or any function keys. This notebook will be running on Verizon's network in the USA and you'll have 100MB of free data every month for two years. If you want more then there are a number of plans available starting for as little as $9.99 monthly.

Acer and Samsung Chrome OS notebooks will be available in mid 2011 as you can see in the picture below. If you want to know more then the interwebs are flooding with new information and you can also check out Engadget's live blog at the link below.

[Engadget]

Toshiba Working On Windows 7, Android, and Chrome OS Tablets, Will Be At CES 2011

Digitimes is reporting that Toshiba will have three tablets to show us at CES 2011 in early January. They'll be running the three major OS's out there, so you'll get a Windows 7, Android, and Chrome OS model. The company's Folio 100 tablet is pictured above and it's actually already available so you won't be seeing it at CES. Anyways, two of them are said to sport 10.1-inch displays while the other one will have an 11.6-inch display. Looks like we'll have to wait another month to get our eyes on these.

[DigiTimes]
Picture Source: Engadget