Here is yet another category for computers. A few days ago, HP announced its Android powered tablet, “smartbook.” It is not a “netbook” and not a “smartphone,” but featuring a touchscreen and 3G, the Airlife 100 is a “smartbook.” I remember rolling my eyes when smaller SUVs began being called SAVs.


How many types of cars and computing devices can the consumer market handle? HP’s Airlife combines the portability of a netbook, the functionality of a touchscreen tablet, with a smartphone operating system (Android) and components (Snapdragon 1GHz Qualcomm CPU, though this is not finalized yet). Unlike the iPad though, this smartbook has the potential to replace your portable computer.

- 10.1″ (resolution?)
- 1GHz Snapdragon CPU (probably)
- 512Mb ROM, 512Mb RAM
- 16Gb SSD Drive
- Webcam
- SD slot
- WiFi b/g, 3G, SD slot
- Up to 12 hours battery life, standby up to 10 days
- 2.2 lbs.

The Airlife will be sold through European carrier Telefonica in April.