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Asus and HP netbooks to run Google Android?

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David Flynn02 April 2009, 3:23 AM

Asus and HP are both looking into Google’s Android as an alternative to Windows 7 for a new wave of netbooks.

Is 2009 set to be the year that Android makes the leap from mobile phones to low-cost netbooks? HP is eyeing off the open source smartphone OS as an alternative to Windows 7 in its Mini netbook line.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, HP vice president Satjiv Chahil revealed that Android is on the table. “We want to assess the capability Android may have for the computer and communications industries, and so we are studying it” Chahil said.

Last month, Asus revealed that it’s already working on adapting Android for the Eee PC. The project is only ‘proof of concept’ at this stage said Samson Hu, head of Asus’ Eee PC line in an interview with news service Bloomberg.

Asus has an inside line on Android, as it’s one of the OS consortium members and is already working with Garmin to launch a line of new GPS-equipped smartphones, some of which will run Android.

Market research firm Ovum tips that Android will become the Linux distro of choice for netbooks in 2009, displacing fully featured desktop-class builds such as Ubuntu and Xandros (although Ubuntu is promoting its own tweak known as Ubuntu Netbook Remix to manufacturers).

Laurent Lachal, Ovum’s director of open source research, says that although sales of Linux netbooks are lagging behind Windows, Android could reverse the trend if netbook makers “focus on specialised distributions, especially Android”.

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Tin (Cornerstone member):

I don't think it's customers not wanting the Linux ones... It's more that sales people sold the first rounds as if they were full laptops, and people were disappointed.
The concept of a netbook is something along the lines of a mobile phone... It's not a computer, but it does some things a computer does.

02 April 2009, 9:38 AM (1 year ago)report abuse Send to a friend

agami (User):

You've got it in one. I agree.

02 April 2009, 12:22 PM (1 year ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Aubrey (User):

I hate to say it, but the Linux being offered on netbooks needs to better than it is to be a real option for consumers. Ubuntu netbook remix is getting there IMO but we (Australia) seem to be now on the "preinstalled Linux blacklist" for OEMs. I have only seen XP offered lately on ASUS, HP, Acer and Dell netbooks in stores in Australia and the Linux versions aren't even visible on the Manufacturer's Australian websites.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Andoid ports to a netbook.

02 April 2009, 1:13 PM (1 year ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Tin (Cornerstone member):

I imported a Linux netbook from USA rather than buy a Windows one and "proving" we don't want Linux.
I do agree about the Linux distros supplied being a bit crappy though. I think they need to step up the game because at the moment they are an embarrassment to the name "Linux". Ubuntu and Android should be helpful there, especially as Android becomes more well known in the mobile phone world (and as apps start getting written specifically for it).

02 April 2009, 6:51 PM (1 year ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Hicks (User):

We actually sell both Linux and Windows Netbooks, but the WinXP versions are more popular due to ease of use for the average customer. We have had some come back because they could not work out how to install printers and various other items they use. Most people love the compact design of the netbooks for traveling with, as they don't need a large unit, most use it for checking banking and paying bills.

06 April 2009, 11:45 AM (1 year ago)report abuse Send to a friend