Smartbooks vs. Netbooks: First Lenovo Smartbook Unveiled.

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Are you excited about getting a smartbook? Qualcomm, the world's largest maker of computer chips for mobile phones, gave us a sneak peak yesterday of this new product category. According to Qualcomm, "A smartbook is what you get when you marry a smartphone and a netbook."

Laptops, Netbooks, Smart phones and...Smartbooks?

If you're wondering what qualifies an item as a smartbook, CNET explains:

The new terminology, coined to describe laptop-style devices running sub-Atom processors... is rapidly gaining in fashion lately, especially in relation to cell phone carriers. Packaging these types of extremely small and cheap smart devices in with cellular data plans seems like a match made in gadget heaven.

Like smart phones, smartbooks will offer users a constant connection to a wireless network and near-instant boot up times. Qualcomm explains the goal of its Lenovo Smartbook:

It's about the size of a netbook. However, the company's Snapdragon chipset, which does not require a heat sink or a cooling fan, allows for a lower price and longer battery life than what netbooks offer.

For more on Qualcomm's smartbook line, visit their site.

So, will smartbooks replace netbooks?

Some say "the smartbook has been waiting 28 years to be the next best thing." But, you tell us. Sound off below or join the conversation with SquareTrade on twitter.