By: Andrew Berg
Israel-based Altair Semiconductor will provide single-mode LTE chips for HP’s Google Chromebooks.
According to a press release, Altair’s FourGee-3100/6202 chipset was selected to connect the new HP Chromebook 11.6” LTE to the Verizon’s LTE network. The new device is available in Best Buy stores for $329 after a $50 account activation rebate.
The ultra-portable device, developed by HP in close collaboration with Google, is based on the Wi-Fi-only Chromebook 11, launched in October. With a price tag that is only $50 higher (and an additional $10 monthly charge for data through Verizon Wireless), the Chromebook 11.6” LTE reduces the upfront cost of adding high-speed cellular data capabilities to a Chromebook.
It is also the only LTE-only Chromebook available.
Eran Eshed, co-founder and vice president of marketing and business development at Altair, said his company is focusing 100 percent on LTE and eliminating the cost of supporting 3G components.
“We were able to help our partners lower the cost of this critical LTE connectivity feature. We see this product launch as another important milestone towards achieving our mission of bringing LTE-enabled devices to everyone,” Eshed said.
Altair recently announced that its FourGee-3100/6202 single-mode chipset is at the core of the LTE-enabled Ellipsis 7 tablet, the first-ever device marketed under Verizon Wireless’ own brand.