You’re allegedly looking at the keyboard of a Google Chrome netbook, according to Engadget. Notice anything different? It might be hard to see from this photo, but the caps lock key has been replaced with the search logo. Google is planning to unveil something new on December 7, so is this what the fuss is about? The answer could involve Google Chrome OS. Read on for rumor and details …

First, a tip of the hat to Engadget for confirming the Dec. 7 Chrome event and the pictures of the leaked keyboard. Engadget and the rest of the web said they’re expecting the Google announcement to be about the Chrome OS netbook, but the word “Chrome” by itself in an invitation doesn’t necessarily mean Chrome OS. The VAR Guy likes to err on the side of caution. That being said, the leaked pictures came after the official Google announcement, so that lends some credence to that train of thought.

But what does this all mean for the industry? Even while standing in a sea of tablets, it seems that Google doesn’t think the netbook is dead. Apparently, Google thinks caps lock is dead, though. A hardwired search button makes sense for an instant-on search-and-go purpose-driven device. My guess is it automatically opens a pop-over with a text box for searching, and I can’t think of a button on my keyboard I use less than caps lock. (Contrary to popular belief, it’s not cruise control for cool comments.)

Again, The VAR Guy has noted that JoliCloud beat Google to its own punch, but you can’t discount Google’s play.

So what should we expect? The VAR Guy’s guess: Expect a Google-apps cloud-linked netbook available for purchase along with possibly Chrome OS as an easy-to-install download with support for a plethora of hardware. Still, The VAR Guy can’t help but be skeptical about how much “exciting news” (Google’s words) will be here, which is why The VAR Guy thinks the Chrome announcement is about something more groundbreaking than a netbook.

Expect to see a close followup soon, in someplace new …

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