A new category of hardware is emerging, positioned between multimedia smartphones and netbooks. These so-called "smartbooks" might look like smaller netbooks, but will run OSes such as Android and variants of Linux.

The devices will also ditch Intel Atom processors in favor of leaner ones from companies such as Freescale, Qualcomm and even Nvidia. These would most likely use ARM architecture, and therefore not be able to run Wln.dows or traditional PC software, making them more like the IPhone, which would need to develop their own ecosystems for software and applications: A common OS will be unlikely.

Form factors include the traditional folding netbook style, larger-screened tablets, and even some experimental types which fold or flip over in different ways.

Manufacturers including Sharp, Lenovo, Foxconn, and Mio are said to be developing prototypes already, with several others expected to be seen at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2010. Other OEM companies are building devices that will be sold through mobile service operators around the world, capitalizing on their built-in 3G or high-speed data connectivity.