LinuxInsider Talkback

Re: Freescale Eyes Cheap Linux Netbooks With New Chip Design
Posted by: Chris Maxcer 2009-01-05 17:43:21

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Freescale Semiconductor has launched a new low-cost processor, the i.MX515, that's designed to power what Freescale hopes will be new lines of Linux-based netbooks retailing for less than $200. There are lots of interesting angles to Freescale's efforts -- the lower price point, the technology behind the i.MX515, and a new path for Linux into the minds of everyday consumers. Most netbooks retail in the $300 to $400 range, so a sub-$200 netbook obviously could generate a lot of consumer appeal.

Killer App - Voip. Freescale Netbook.
Posted by: carlleigh 2009-01-05 19:05:26 In reply to: Chris Maxcer

Throw away your cell phone. Make the Freescale netbook/nettops support Voip and with a Bluetooth 'phone ready' headset, I believe you've got killer ap 1. $200. Throw out the Ipod and Zune. Killer ap 2. Still $200. Of course with the crappy mobile internet you have in the U.S. it will probably sell better in Asia and Europe. Build it and add a small projector like 3M's MPro 110 and you've got Killer ap 3. $500 netbook and projector combo. Killer presentation tool all weighing less than three pounds. Need I go on.....

Hardware and Software
Posted by: pogson 2009-01-05 17:49:49 In reply to: Chris Maxcer

This product has interesting features:

It is not x86 so it could give more competition in CPUs in general. If it catches on in netbooks, there is no reason it could not flourish on other platforms.

It is not x86 so M$ will not be able to compete there promptly.

Both features could weaken the Wintel monopoly, could accelerate improvements in price/performance and could expand the competition in hardware and software. It is all good news. Good luck to them.

This architecture may be more energy-efficient in the long run and permit better thin clients/thick clients/servers/PDAs as well as netbooks.