Dell pondering Chrome OS Netbook

Chrome OS Netbooks are expected to launch by the end of the year and Dell has offered the strongest suggestion yet that it will be on board.

by Tom Krazit

June 21, 2010 9:45 AM PDT

Google's Chrome OS software could run on a Dell-built Netbook later this year.

(Credit: Google)

When Google's Chrome OS arrives later this year, Dell could be ready to jump on board, according to a report.

Dell's Amit Midha, president for greater China and South Asia, said the PC company "wants to be one of the leaders" when it comes to adopting new technologies like Google's Android and Chrome operating systems, according to Reuters on Monday. Dell's interest in Android is old news, but it has to this point only played around with Chrome OS, stopping short of announcing plans to release a product based on the software.

Midha didn't exactly announce such plans with his comments, of course, but his words are the strongest suggestion yet that Dell would like to build a Chrome OS Netbook. The company is not listed among the official Chrome OS supporters on Google's Chrome OS pages, which include Dell competitors such as Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Toshiba.

Google has said Chrome OS Netbooks are supposed to be out by the end of the year. The company has also said it plans to use the devices internally, and it will be interesting to see which hardware vendor gets the Google contract.