When Google first announced the upcoming Chrome OS, mobile enthusiasts got excited. While many were hoping to see Android-equipped netbooks, the prospect of a similar platform designed specifically for larger screens made more sense. Throw in the fact that Chrome OS will be produced for non-x86 processors, and you have the recipe for something new. The notebook industry in China has never shied away from new technology and cheap systems, and the word that netbooks with Chrome OS may be appearing soon is business as usual in China.

Google plans on releasing the full version of Chrome OS next year, but they intend to roll out a preview edition this year. Sources in China are already saying that notebook makers will be releasing devices running the Chrome OS as early as next month. This would be a preview version, but that won’t stop the companies in China.

The same source is also reporting that notebooks will be released with Chrome OS running on the Loongson 2F process, a MIPS-based chipset. These could be produced much cheaper than netbooks with the typical Atom processor, and since Chrome OS is definitely going to support the ARM process, a MIPS variant is not out of the question. One thing is certain, these variant netbooks will make the netbook scene exciting.