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Qualcomm floats 'PC alternative' 3G device

Qualcomm on Wednesday entered the Internet device market with a "PC alternative" designed to give netbooks some competition in emerging markets.The device, dubbed Kayak, is designed to use 3G wireless connectivity and be completely free of landlines and other accessories to connect to the Internet.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Qualcomm on Wednesday entered the Internet device market with a "PC alternative" designed to give netbooks some competition in emerging markets.

The device, dubbed Kayak, is designed to use 3G wireless connectivity and be completely free of landlines and other accessories to connect to the Internet.

The details--notably a few mockups of this contraption--are sketchy (statement). Qualcomm says it will give device manufacturers a reference design and software specification. The Kayak uses Qualcomm's chipsets for computing and connectivity.

In many respects, Qualcomm is following the Intel playbook. Intel launched the concept of the netbook to sell Atom chips. Qualcomm Kayak is a similar play, but focused on the company's wireless core strengths. If successful, Kayak can gain more share for Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets and platform.

Among the Kayak specs:

  • A Web browser from Opera;
  • Support for TVs and computer monitors to access larger screens;
  • Keyboard and mouse compatibility.

Qualcomm added that Inventec will start user trials for Kayak in the first quarter in Southeast Asia. Qualcomm told the Wall Street Journal that the devices will cost less than $399.

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