Qualcomm Targets $600 ARM Laptops to Challenge Apple

Qualcomm is reportedly planning to expand its Snapdragon X chipset lineup with a new entry-level offering aimed at powering $600 ARM laptops, directly challenging Apple's dominance in the affordable notebook segment. Qualcomm CEO Christiano Amon previously hinted at $700 Snapdragon-powered Windows devices launching next year. This new, unnamed Snapdragon X SoC aims even lower, targeting the $600 price point. While specifications remain undisclosed, it's speculated to feature a 6-core CPU to reduce costs. This move positions Qualcomm to compete with Apple's M-series MacBooks, particularly the M2 MacBook Air, which currently starts at around $800 (after discount). However, Qualcomm faces the challenge of attracting native app development for the Snapdragon platform, a hurdle Apple has already overcome. While a 6-core Snapdragon X might offer lower multi-core performance, it could still be competitive if it matches the performance of Apple's M1. These $600 laptops are likely…