5G RedCap (restricted functionality), also known as NR Lite, limits bandwidth to a few hundred Mbps while maintaining key 5G characteristics such as fast response times, low energy usage, and improved security. When Qualcomm announced its 5G RedCap Snapdragon X35 modem-RF system last year, it envisioned the modem being included in a wide range of devices, including Chromebooks.
Recognizing that potential, CTL produced the new NL73 Chromebook with a Snapdragon X35 modem and demonstrated the prototype to stakeholders at this year’s MWC Barcelona.
CTL’s NL73 series of Chromebooks currently consists of six models, all with 11.6-inch screens (some touchscreen, some non-touchscreen). Two “Essential” (NL73 and NL73T), three “Enhanced” (NL73-8, NL73CT, NL73TW) and one “Performance” (NL73TWB). All products except the NL73TWB are equipped with a quad-core 3.4GHz Intel N100 processor (the performance model has his N200 CPU).
NL73 “5G Red Cap”
A new addition to the product line, the NL73 “5G RedCap” has similar features to other Chromebooks in the series, including an N100 processor, 11.6-inch touchscreen, 16 GB of RAM, 128 GB UFS storage, and Intel AX211Wi-Fi 6E. It follows the same specifications. The main difference is that it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 modem.
While the new modem isn’t the best device to launch, Gautam Sheoran, vice president and general manager of wireless broadband and communications at Qualcomm Technologies, is pleased with CTL’s adoption of the technology and expects He says: Breakthrough demonstration of Chromebook supporting 5G RedCap and our Snapdragon This shows our company’s efforts. Collaborate with CTL to drive innovation and bring the benefits of his 5G RedCap to his Chromebook users around the world. ”
It’s not clear when the new NL73 “5G RedCap” Chromebook will be released or how much it will cost, but existing NL73 models range in price from $299 to $449.
