Nvidia created their Tegra chip, but the OEM’s have not been flocking towards it, staying with the Intel Atom for the most part. Recently we learned that Microsoft will be using the Tegra for the newest Zune, the ZuneHD, expected this Fall. In the menatime, Nvidia wanted this part used in a netbook of some sort. I guess if they want it done, they just might have to do it themselves.
While netbooks are getting larger screens and higher end parts, there still is a push at the lower end to keep them true to their roots. Namely, purpose built machines that combine low powered processors, long battery life, and a cheap affordable price. While it won’t recompile video, at the right price point, consumers will be willing to make the tradeoff. The Tegra, not surprisingly coming from a graphics card manufacturer, has inherent strengths in HD video. It is ARM based which means runningWindows XP or 7 is not gonna happen.
The netbook is rumored to have an 8.9″ screen, and run Windows CE (although Google Androind is another possibility discussed). It will have WiFi, and wireless 3G connectivity, as well as a webcam. While it may be part of some subsidized cell phone carrier model, it is also expected to debut on Black Friday for $199. At that price point, which is lower than an iPod Touch, this could be the bargain of the holiday season.
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