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Did we mention that there are a TON of new Chromebooks headed our way over the next 6-12 months? As it sits, we’re tracking no less than a half dozen Chromebooks that will be powered by Intel’s 10th gen Comet Lake processors. Today, we’ve uncovered two more devices built on the Hatch baseboard and between the two, it appears that there will be at least six models birthed from the boards code-named ‘Dratini and Dragonair’. While very early in development, one commit gives us a clear look at what type of Chromebooks to expect from the new devices and they cover the gamut:
Dratini:
– SKU ID 1: (Clamshell, HDMI)
– SKU ID 2: (Clamshell, KB_BL, FPS, HDMI)
– SKU ID 3: (Clamshell, TS, KB_BL, HDMI)
– SKU ID 4: (Clamshell, TS, FPS, HDMI)
Dragonair:
– SKU ID 21: (Convertible, TS, FPS, Stylus)
– SKU ID 22: (Convertible, TS, KB_BL, FPS, Stylus)
Deciphering the commit above we see that there will be six devices to include four clamshells and two convertibles. Each progressive SKU adds a configuration that makes it unique on the list. KB_BL represents a backlit keyboard while FPS stands for a fingerprint sensor. We also see “TS” which stands for touchscreen. That shows us that the clamshell model will offer touch and non-touch displays.
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The convertibles will obviously both feature touch displays as well as a stylus but it looks like the backlit keyboard will be optional. ‘Dratini and Dragonair’ are being manufactured by Quanta which means the OEM could be any number of companies. However, given the fact that there are so many variants, I’d put my money on Acer. The PC giant has made their rounds with the 8th Gen Kaby Lake processors and I’d bet they’re now turning their focus to creating a fleet of next-generation Chromebooks.
We’ll keep digging around for more details on ‘Dratini and Dragonair’ in the hopes we can get a better idea of who’s making them and what to expect when they do arrive sometime next year. Fun Fact: Dragonair is and evolution of the Pokemon Dratini.
