Everex preps low-cost 'Cloudbook'

Due to all the excitement around low-cost laptops as of late, it seems like manufacturers are engaged in a race to the bottom, to see who can produce the cheapest and/or smallest Linux-based notebook. Looks like Everex--Chinese OEM and producer of various low-cost PCs for Wal-Mart--is throwing their hat in the ring as well. Say hello to the "Cloudbook," an ultraportable PC that aims to take on the Eee PC and OLPC XO in the $400 laptop market. Here are the rumored specs:

• 7" LCD display
• Linux-based gOS (as seen in the Wal-Mart "gPC")
• 1.2Ghz Via C7 ULV CPU
• 512MB of RAM
• built-in WiFi, Ethernet
• 4-in-1 card reader
• built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• USB 2.0, DVI-out

In addition to the standard model, Everex is rumored to have a "developer's version" of the Cloudbook in the works as well, which adds a touchscreen and hardware add-on interface, for devices like a Skype phone or alarm clock module. Word on the street is that we should see the standard version on January 15th for $400--stay tuned for an official announcement.

For more on the Cloudbook:
- see this article from Electronista