CTL Chromebook NL73 Series to support 5G RedCap with a Snapdragon X35 modem

CTL Chromebook NL73 Series based on Intel Processor N100 or N200 SoC will be offered with a Snapdragon X35 modem to support the new 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) standard.

5G RedCap – also known as 5G NR-Light – keeps some 5G features such as low latency, low power consumption, enhanced security, and network slicing while limiting the bandwidth to around a few hundred Mbps. It was initially designed to target industrial IoT applications, but Qualcomm also mentioned its Snapdragon X35 modem could be used in smartwatches and XR glasses when it was first announced, and it might be used in other cost-sensitive devices such as Chromebooks.

Chromebook NL73 “5G RedCap” key specifications:

• Alder Lake N-Series SoC (one or the other)
  • Intel Processor N100 quad-core processor up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics; TDP: 6W
  • Intel Processor N200 quad-core processor up to 3.7 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 32EU Intel HD graphics; TDP: 6W
• System Memory – 4GB, 8GB, or 16 GB DDR5/5X RAM
• Storage – 128 GB UFS storage (I think it’s the first time I see UFS storage on Alder Lake-N hardware, but it’s indeed supported)
• Display – 11.6- HD touchscreen or non-touch display with 1366 x 768 resolution; 180 or 360° hinge depending on model
• Camera – 720p webcam
• Connectivity
  • WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 via Intel AX211 wireless module
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 Modem-RF System with support for 5G-RedCap up to 220 Mbps download speeds, up to 110 Mbps upload speeds
• USB – 2x USB-A ports, 2x USB-C ports
• Durability – MIL-STD-810H certification, drop testing from 75 cm, hardened glass, and built-in carry handles

The ML73 Series runs Chrome OS with automatic updates guaranteed until June 2033.

The 5G RedCap Chromebooks from CTL are not available just yet, instead, the company demonstrated a prototype at MWC 2024. Besides the lower cost, using 5G RedCap instead of 4G LTE will also enable private cellular networks. Further information about the existing CTL Chromebook ML73 series can be found on the product page, and the press release has a few more details about the 5G RedCap demo.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

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