Most smartbook developers have been trying to clarify fuzzy boundaries between smartbook and netbook, while leaving a significant gap between the smartphone and smartbook. Not China smartphone manufacturer QiGi, which was recently acquired by TechFaith Wireless. The IT Chuiko blog tells us that QiGi is launching the U1000 with the “Smartbook” logo plastered under its 5-inch, 600 x 800 screen. Think it’s a glorified phone? The WinMobile 6.5 OS and 1 Gbyte of RAM might lead one to think otherwise.
It’s true that many smartphones, like the U1000, offer USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, but the Windows-centric suite of applications seem more akin to a netbook. We’ve seen a lot of silly punditry in the last month regarding what constitutes smartphone, smartbook, or netbook, based on OS, microprocessor, or application suite. QiGi has indicated it doesn’t really care. We’ll reserve judgment and not declare club membership on behalf of a manufacturer.
Loring
