| Julian Tsai and Yen Ting Chen, Taipei; Joseph Tsai, DIGITIMES [Thursday 18 December 2008] China-based whitebox netbook makers are planning to launch ARM-based netbooks in the local market, with a 7-inch device expected to sell for less than 1000 RMB (US$146), according to local Chinese news media reports. A sample of the 7-inch device is already completed, at a manufacturing cost of around 600 RMB. The netbooks are expected to hit the market in January or February next year. In addition to 7-inch model, makers are also lining up a 10-inch model priced at 1,200 RMB. These netbooks adopt the Windows CE operation system, featuring all standard office functions including e-mailing and Internet surfing, but unable to support 3D games and other applications designed for Windows XP or Vista. The system makers are currently partnering with local China-based IC design houses for the ARM processors. ARM China pointed out that the 7-inch netbook is using the company's ARM9 Core, which has core frequencies of 300MHz but the company also has later versions of its processors, including its ARM11 Core running at 500MHz that can support the platform. However, industry players pointed out that ARM's processing performance, especially the older ARM9 Core, cannot match that of an Intel Atom processor or a VIA Technologies processor. Asustek Computer pointed out that the low price is not the winning key for netbook market. Although ARM-based netbooks have advantage over price, their lack of system stability, maintenance service and content security will limit them to compete head on with first-tier netbook vendors. While the price of the whitebox netbooks is lower than X86-based netbooks and ARM cannot compete on raw power alone, the company has recently stressed the battery life of ARM-based devices as it looks to make headway in the netbook market. | 
