HP may ditch Windows from netbooks
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:15 pm
April 2, 2009 |
HP may ditch Windows from netbooks
By John Lister
http://vista.blorge.com/2009/04/02/hp-m ... -netbooks/
HP may ditch Windows from netbooksHP has confirmed it is looking into the idea of using Google’s Android system for its products, likely in netbooks. Such a move would be a major blow to Microsoft, particularly given its claims that Windows 7 works fine on such machines.
Android was primarily designed for cellphones, but with the idea that it might be extended to other mobile devices such as navigation systems. Netbooks would likely be the most powerful machines to run the system.
At this stage HP isn’t giving much indication of its thoughts on Android, saying simply that it wants to “understand all of the OS choices in the marketplace that might be used by our competitors, or that might possibly be of value to our customers too.” HP hasn’t specifically referred to netbooks, though that’s clearly the most logical use of Android among its range.
The news follows reports last September that HP was considering creating a Linux-based system which would be exclusive to HP machines. At the time the idea was for low-priced notebook machines, so non-Windows netbooks are a logical progression.
HP has already produced notebooks which run Windows as the main system but also have Linux available. This is used to make it possible to carry out tasks such as watching movies or browsing through photos without having to wait for Windows to load-up.
Beyond the potential for improved performance at particular tasks, the big advantage of a system such as Android in netbooks is the price. With low-cost computers such as a netbook, Windows makes up a much higher proportion of the price. Using Android would allow manufacturers to make drastic price cuts – or more likely, make decent price cuts while keeping more profits. One HP netbook already available with Linux as its main system is $70 cheaper than its nearest Windows equivalent.
HP may ditch Windows from netbooks
By John Lister
http://vista.blorge.com/2009/04/02/hp-m ... -netbooks/
HP may ditch Windows from netbooksHP has confirmed it is looking into the idea of using Google’s Android system for its products, likely in netbooks. Such a move would be a major blow to Microsoft, particularly given its claims that Windows 7 works fine on such machines.
Android was primarily designed for cellphones, but with the idea that it might be extended to other mobile devices such as navigation systems. Netbooks would likely be the most powerful machines to run the system.
At this stage HP isn’t giving much indication of its thoughts on Android, saying simply that it wants to “understand all of the OS choices in the marketplace that might be used by our competitors, or that might possibly be of value to our customers too.” HP hasn’t specifically referred to netbooks, though that’s clearly the most logical use of Android among its range.
The news follows reports last September that HP was considering creating a Linux-based system which would be exclusive to HP machines. At the time the idea was for low-priced notebook machines, so non-Windows netbooks are a logical progression.
HP has already produced notebooks which run Windows as the main system but also have Linux available. This is used to make it possible to carry out tasks such as watching movies or browsing through photos without having to wait for Windows to load-up.
Beyond the potential for improved performance at particular tasks, the big advantage of a system such as Android in netbooks is the price. With low-cost computers such as a netbook, Windows makes up a much higher proportion of the price. Using Android would allow manufacturers to make drastic price cuts – or more likely, make decent price cuts while keeping more profits. One HP netbook already available with Linux as its main system is $70 cheaper than its nearest Windows equivalent.