Smartbooks are based on chips designed with ARM architecture, which also powers most smartphones (thus, the name).

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Despite obvious challenges, companies that were early proponents of smartbooks still believe the category could make a comeback.

FORBES: Freescale CEO Says Smartbooks May Rise Again

Existing wireless-capable notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, and tablets will also need to be refreshed.

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For the most part all these tablets (or small smartbooks) have ARM 9 or 11 processors and 5 to 7-inch resistive touch displays.

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Talk with Rich Beyer, the chief executive of chipmaker Freescale Semiconductor, about the consumer electronics industry, and one thing stands out: he mentions smartbooks.

FORBES: Freescale CEO Says Smartbooks May Rise Again