Freescale Semiconductor has unveiled what it calls the future of the smartbook (netbooks based on ARM processors) category – a tablet reference design featuring 7-inch touchscreen that is approximately one-third the size and volume when compared to today’s typical netbook.

According to Freescale, the ARM processor based design will cost less than $200 to make and offer power, performance, functionality and all-day battery life. The tablet design is based on 1GHz i.MX515 processor using ARM Cortex A8 technology, Freescale’s MC13892power management IC, SGTL5000 audio codec chip and MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer.

“Freescale’s new tablet opens the door to an exciting new world of compelling form factors specifically designed and optimized to support common online activities including social media, high-quality audio/video playback and light gaming,” said Henri Richard, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for Freescale. “We believe the tablet will emerge as a popular form factor for the next generation of smartbooks. By introducing this prototype reference design, Freescale intends to play a vital role in propelling the mainstream adoption of smartbooks.”

Other hardware features of the tablet include HD video decoder, 512MB DDR2 RAM, 4-64GB internal storage, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, optional 3G, 3-megapixel camera, USB 2.0 support, 1900mAH battery and microSD card slot. Freescale will demonstrate the tablet design at 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) running both Android and Linux operating systems. The company believes that products based on the reference design should hit the market as soon as the summer of 2010.