Chip vendors bring Windows 7 closer to netbooks

11.02.2009
Chip vendors Qualcomm and Nvidia have thrown their support behind the Windows 7 OS for netbooks, announcing efforts to bring better graphics and continuous 3G connectivity to the devices.

Qualcomm on Wednesday announced it was sampling chips that enable Windows 7 netbook connectivity to multiple 3G networks. Separately, Nvidia announced beta drivers for its netbook platform that could bring full high-definition video to Windows 7.

Qualcomm said it had updated its Gobi2000 3G embedded chip, designed to let netbooks and laptops access multiple 3G networks like HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) or EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized). The chip supports Windows 7 and improves data speeds and frequencies at which devices can connect to 3G networks.

The module is in sampling and should reach netbooks and laptops in the second half of this year, Qualcomm said.

"We believe Gobi notebook and netbook customers will experience the long-sought desire for ubiquitous connectivity," said Gary

Greenbaum, director of business development for Windows Networking at Microsoft, in a statement.