Monday, January 5, 2009

Freescale Eyes Netbook Market

Austin-based Freescale Semiconductor said this morning that it has begun to target net books--small, inexpensive laptop devices--with new processors specifically focused on the market. According to Freescale, it has created a setup of software, components, and other resources based on its i.MX515 processor specifically geared towards OEMs building sub-$200 net book devices. The resources--available via a reference design--include a Ubuntu Linux OS, power management ICs, audio codecs, and other software. Net books are inexpensive, streamlined laptop devices with a reduced form factor, targeted at Internet surfing. They typically have less processing power, weigh less, but are geared towards Internet and wireless connectivity.