The first ARM-based netbooks are slated for this summer, and Freescale consumer business marketing director Glen Burchers believes ARM-based processors could capture about half of the world's netbook chip market. The company said at the Mobile World Congress that it believes netbooks build around its technology can be made at a cost of about $100, which is significantly cheaper than current netbooks.
"For price reasons, the Netbooks are going to primarily be shipped with just Wi-Fi. For mobile professional users, you do need 3G connectivity," Glen Burchers, marketing director for Freescale's consumer business, told Reuters.
As well as Google Android, Freescale will also support third-generation operating systems from Phoenix Technologies and Xandros starting next quarter, the company said at the Mobile World Congress trade fair in Barcelona.
The Netbook market is shaping up as a battleground for Intel's Atom processors--which currently have the market to themselves--and chips based on designs from Britain's ARM.
Freescale has thrown its lot in with ARM, saying ARM-based processors have battery life of about eight hours--about four times as long as Atom--less heat generation, eliminating the need for fans, and far cheaper prices.