Report: HP considers Google Android for Netbooks
Hewlett-Packard is considering using Google's Android operating system on its low-cost Netbooks, an executive at the company told The Wall Street Journal.
In a story posted Tuesday, the Journal reported that Satjiv Chahil, a vice president of HP's PC division, confirmed that the company was studying the Google software.
"We want to assess the capability Android may have for the computer and communications industries, and so we are studying it," Chahil was quoted as saying in the Journal article.
Chahil declined to say for certain whether HP plans to sell Android devices, the article stated.
Android is a Linux-based operating system that was originally designed for cell phones. The operating system is currently available on only one phone, T-Mobile's G1 made by HTC. In February, HTC also announced it will offer Android on another phone called the HTC Magic. Several other handset makers, including Samsung and Motorola, have also promised Android-based phones.
But now experts are predicting that the open-source operating system could be used on other devices, such as the emerging low-cost laptops known as Netbooks. In fact, market research firm Ovum recently predicted that Android-powered Netbooks will emerge in 2009, as manufacturers attempt to drive the price of Netbooks to around $200 or less.
The reason is simple. Linux-based software, such as Android, is free, while Microsoft charges a hefty licensing fee for the Windows operating system. In order to hit super low price points, manufacturers need to cut costs wherever they can and that means ditching Microsoft's Windows software.
The problem is that most consumers are comfortable and familiar with Windows PCs and thus prefer a Windows-based Netbook to one using a generic Linux operating system.
Laurent Lachal, the open-source research director at Ovum, believes that Android could reverse this trend, especially as the Android software finds its way onto more mobile phones and Google's Android application store, known as Android Market, builds its inventory of new applications.
Independent software developers can now charge for applications on Android Market, which Laurent believes will increase support from the developer community.
HP has already been working on ways to offer an inexpensive and easy-to-use interface for its Netbooks that is an alternative to Microsoft's Windows. In October last year, it announced the Mini 1000 MIE, a Linux version of its Mini 1000 Netbook that is meant for casual, online use. The device costs $379 versus another version of the Mini 1000, which comes with with Windows XP and either an 8.9-inch or 10.2-inch screen for $449.
Android isn't currently available on PCs, but other PC makers have said they are considering using the software. Asustek Computer has already said it is considering using Android. And Dell is also considering the software for its upcoming smartphone.
Google declined to comment on whether HP or any other Netbook maker is planning to use its Android software, but the company emphasized that its Android software is not restricted to mobile phones.
"The Android smartphone platform was designed from the beginning to scale downward to feature phones and upward to MID and Netbook-style devices," a Google spokeswoman said. "We look forward to seeing what contributions are made and how an open platform spurs innovation, but we have nothing to announce at this time."
Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie. 
It does not matter how cheap it is if no one finds it useful. This is a big bluff by HP I think.
Web apps are the future and besides; Google Android is Linux based, so the amount of apps available for Google Android will be a moot point I'm sure!
The only viable solution in my opinion is something such as ReactOS which attempts to basically re-create Windows altogether, in an open source form. This way, it will share the same applications Windows can run (and can fully compete).
the difference is that almost all of the major apps run on OS X: Photoshop, Illustrator, Mircosoft Office, etc.and in case you have too.. you can actually run Windows on your Mac now.
So the comparison is not quite the same!
old fashioned moron. :-( since i am a penny pinching moron, i settle happily for the ones i can achieve. i often forget when i evaluate things? if there are pros there are cons. which is why things exists and thats why perhaps things evolve. if version 0.1 has this NOT, then version 0.2 will have Z times have NOT. so the ever longing desire vs TO AFFORD criteria plays major role vs "NEED". else the world hasnt changed in the last 5000 years of accounted history.
here i go again talking crap trying to find whats "something divide by 0" equals to. just ignore my comments, like all the time. i walk on the floor called soil, and a human being, i cant stare sky for long and walk. you may consider that as one of many disabilities of mine. :-( sad! "presses the submit button, w/o thinking once."
Android would likely be used most of the time, since it is fast, light, easy to use, easy on the battery, has cool market apps, etc., but Ubuntu would be there, for the occasional heavy lifting (e.g. software development, OpenOffice, etc.).
Android & Ubuntu both support x86 and ARM, so they could offer it on both CPU architectures as well.
Go run DSL, then run Ubuntu. One is practically instant-on, provides a plethora of tools with the benefit of quick access and is lightning fast and lightweight. The user interface leaves a tiny bit to be desired. Now jump on over to Ubuntu, running Compiz with Emerald or some other beautiful window manager / decorator, load up a full shell like GNOME or KDE, etc. Each has its function, each has its place.
That said, I only think there would be little difference for *most* users between waiting 10 seconds or 40 seconds for their OS to load, and most users would just boot into one or the other anyway, not knowing all the benefits of the either. The problem with most vendors switching from Windows is probably ease of use for beginners (I would suspect. I don't know for sure.) That said, I don't think a vendor would ever offer a dual boot environment. Since each OS is free anyway, if you're savvy enough to decide you need 2 operating systems, you can install them on your own.
You know somebody will announce they've installed Ubuntu on the Netbook within the week its released.
Ditch Microsoft's Windoze. I've had enough of it.
How about the existence of an operating system backed/developed by a company with about as much power in the world as Microsoft (see:Google).
How about major competition popping up in a market will very little true competition exists? Linux and OS X have generally been niche systems. Enter Google. *NOW* it's a cell phone OS, but if HP can prove it works on netbooks, the next logical step would be for Google to start making a true Netbook flavor. These are the first steps into what could grow to a truly significant platform.
How could you NOT get excited?
If your a computer maker and actually want to sell systems and want to put Windows on a netbook, it's pretty damn cheap. I mean I just got a 1GB atom based machine w/ a 16GB SSD for like $240 delivered. It has XP on it.
If someone wants to be indie and buck the system and get Linux on their netbook, good for them. Personally I'll pay the few extra bucks for XP but if I wasn't going to get XP (or windows 7 later) why wouldn't I get Linux? Why would manufactures look at ANOTHER totally different type of OS for their netbooks.
Answer? They won't. I can 100% guarantee it. No matter how many MS haters have wet dreams about it happening.
All the netbook owners I know are running Linux (most are Ubuntu). They only care about surfing the web, checking email and maybe listening to some music and/or watch videos or something, no need (or requirement) to run Microsoft Office or anything!
Oh, and drop the MS haters everywhere assumption. If people want Linux over Windows (and there folks who have that desire), then they should be able to choose whatever the heck they want without recourse! Contrary to popular belief, Windows is not for everybody!
I am Mac user but I know quite a lot of people that are using netbooks as well... the ones that I know have chosen Windows over the Linux versions. Mostly so that they can get work done while commuting to the city from the suburbs,
Don't worry, Google and Android will have plenty of competition when it comes to online apps and storage once the whole netbook idea goes mainstream.
I'm no MS, Linux, Google, Android, Apple, etc... fanboy or expert of any kind but I like to think I know a good idea when I see one.
Just be quick Christmas is coming!
- by batmanyey April 1, 2009 9:05 AM PDT
- hell, its about time we had a choice - go Android!
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(28 Comments)so sick of microsoft ~they've really become substandard and honestly i hate VISTA! they should have stuck to XP with service pack 3 and just enhanced it ;) just my 2 cents ~~~