The Download Squad certainly has a keen eye for detail. They've spotted parts of code within the code repository for Chromium OS that point to Dell, despite Dell not being named as an official Chrome OS partner.
The repository includes three files designed to configure hardware support. One carries the Dell name, while the other two point to Acer and HP, who are amongst the official Chrome OS partners.
Whilst Dell haven't confirmed whether or not they will be offering netbooks based on Google's Chrome OS, they have said that they are looking into the matter.
The Chrome OS is in essence Google's Chrome web browser running alongside Goobunto, Linux's baby. It won't be running applications other than the browser itself as all other applications will be accessed inside the browser. Recent reports have also suggested that applications may also run on remote machines as Google develops a browser based remote access tool called "Chromoting".
Another online service Google is currently developing is an online service called "Cloud Print" which will send jobs from Chrome OS to Google's servers and back to network connected printers. HP has already introduced printers which will work with the service.
In my opinion, it does look very likely that Dell will join HP and Acer in offering netbooks based on Google's Chrome OS, to be released later on in the year.
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