Another Chrome OS-based device has reared its head in the Chromium bug reports, this one codenamed as the Samsung "Alex." While the netbook/notebook has yet to be officially named and confirmed, the report clearly lists specifics like RAM, the processor and more, giving us more insight into what Chome OS products will feature when they reportedly launch in June or July.
According to the report, the Samsung "Alex" will sport a decent step up in specs compared to the Cr-48, offering a 1.5 GHz Intel Atom N550 processor, 2 GB of RAM, Realtek ALC272 audio, and a Sandisk solid state drive for storage. The report also lists the Qualcomm Gobi Chipset 2000 (pdf) for connectivity and a screen resolution of 1280 x 800.
So what's Gobi? Here's Qualcomm's explanation on the official website: "Gobi is the first embedded mobile wireless solution designed to put an end to connectivity limitations. With Gobi, the notebook computer becomes the unifying agent between the different high speed wireless networking technologies deployed around the world and that means freedom from having to locate hotspots, more choice in carrier networks, and, ultimately, freedom to Gobi where you want without fear of losing connectivity – your lifeline to your world."
Essentially, the Chrome OS netbook/notebook can be taken anywhere across the globe, used on any wireless network. Prevous reports indicate that the device will be sold like Google's Andorid products— mainly in retail stores and wireless carriers. Using Gobi will make it easier for Google to sell the notebooks across the board rather than having to build one for AT&T, build one for Verizon and so on.
Last week brought reports that Google may charge a subscription for of $10 to $20 for the Chrome OS notebooks. The fee reportedly includes future hardware upgrades and replacements should a component fail. Given that Chrome OS is mainly web-based (cloud), the subscription fee may pay for a wireless Internet connection, or could simply be a subsidized free to keep the cost to consumers low.
Google I/O begins next week, and will likely be the launch platform for Google's Chrome OS notebooks. Expect to hear more about these devices all through the week.