Acer likes Linux for laptops

Yahoo and Microsoft used the press to negotiate for several months regarding a potential merger. Now it appears Acer and Microsoft are having a public spat. Or, if they aren't yet, Acer's comments Wednesday will likely start one.

In an interview with VNUNet.com, Acer Vice President of Marketing Gianpiero Morbello said his Taiwanese PC maker has big plans to develop the market for Linux, not only on its low-cost ultraportable, but on the company's laptops as well.

The Acer Aspire One is just the beginning of Acer's foray into the Linux world, according to a company exec.

(Credit: Acer)

The reason is because of the cost and operation of Microsoft's operating system over open-source Linux.

"We have shifted towards Linux because of Microsoft," said Morbello. "Microsoft has a lot of power and it is going to be difficult, but we will be working hard to develop the Linux market."

Acer officially unveiled its entry into the low-cost mini-laptop market, the Aspire One, on Tuesday. It will come in both Linux and Windows XP flavors.

It makes sense to try to cut as much cost as possible out of building a device like the Aspire One, which will start at $379. The attraction to such a device is mainly price, and expectations of a full set of features can be relatively low. Plus, as Acer points out, Linux has a quicker boot time and can extend the battery life of tiny Netbooks like the Aspire One.

But will mainstream PC shoppers go for Linux when they're used to buying a Windows notebook? It's unclear if Acer, currently the No. 2 notebook seller in the world, will be foisting Linux on reluctant consumers or just looking harder for places and markets that have yet to fully embrace Windows.

[oxtail01]

Simply, Acer wants more money in their pockets instead of giving it to Microsoft. It's a very short-sided view since the sales volume for Linux won't come close to the ones with MS in them.

[markofvero]

No, I'd argue it's a very long-sided view. Sure, they can make more money in the short term by focusing on Windows sales, but the Linux market is growing, and they would be doing themselves a disservice not to establish themselves as a Linux leader in order to stay competitive against the likes of Asus in these new segments.

[dj214]

Microsoft has been muscling notebook and pc makers alike for years. Kudos to Acer for pushing back.

[john55440]

For consumers, Windows-preinstalled is a nominal hidden cost. In addition, Windows has a bigger/better library of available applications, etc. Besides, Desktop Linux is too geeky and inconvenient for mainstream users.

[Lee Z H 92]

I would disagree with this. The fact that Linux is made by hyper-active enthusiasts, rather than paid, bored laborers does not make it geeky. There are many things in Linux which makes it easier than Windows.

For example: Windows still uses an installation process that is still similar to MS-DOS times. In Linux, just open up Synaptics, select any one software out of the 20 thousand listed, and done, installed.

Why? Because Linux innovates.

Windows, no matter how hard they try is still using a graphical system similar to Windows 95. Linux, has Gnome, and KDE, with constant improvements in its ease of use. I can switch applications with a mouse gesture, click free. Try getting that in Windows.

Because Linux innovates.

Windows dump codes from previous versions and rename it. Heard a security bug that came from Windows 3.1 that was found in Vista? No surprise. Linux works in little steps, tackling each and every problem, adding new features, optimising speed. And that is a minor version release.

Because Linux innovates.

Want to change the start menu button image? In Windows, you need to modify the registry. In Linux, just right click, choose preferences, pick the new one and done.

Would you like to rephrase your comment now?

[AndrewTheArt]

oxtail01, you're absolutely right. Opening up your product to a more diverse user base is indeed shortsighted. *Who* in their right mind would try to serve the interests of all potential consumers? Those people at Acer better stop ordering Linux laptops and generate more money. [/SARCASM!!!!]

[Vegaman_Dan]

Acer customers are already used to not getting any support from the company that only offers a one year warranty and no service centers- you have to send your laptop to them for repair, pay a diagnostic fee and shipping both ways for your 'warranty' service. I really don't see having them choose Linux will change things there. No support on the hardware, no support on the OS.

Shouldn't really affect things that much.

[gnomerules]

For desktop users who just basically want internet, email, and a word processor, then Linux, such as Ubuntu is the top OS out there. I taught my grandmother how to use Ubuntu in about 5 minutes. Can't beat a free OS that runs the basic applications flawlessly. I can't say that about any MS OS.
Firefox runs better than IE. Evolution is easier to learn than Outlook. OpenOffice is easier to learn than Office 2008. While MS is making things harder for the end user, Linux is making things unthinkably easy.
Linux is also great for the geek that likes to customize everything. If you haven't tried Linux in the past year, you've been missing out. I hated Linux a few years ago, but now I can't live without it.

[gnomerules]

That should read Office 2007, not 2008 on my last post. I'm not sure If I can edit my comment or not.

[dragonbite]

For the longest time, people have bought computers. The choice was either Windows or Mac. Now that major vendors are selling with Linux installed people will at least "hear" of Linux in a positive way. Even if some people go "I' keep hearing about this Linux and I see it being sold but what is it?" then they'll go look on the internet and hopefully find some truth about it and some may switch.

At this stage, it's about letting people know about an alternative, that there *IS* a choice which then puts more money in MS's pockets because ( 1 ) they can install a free operating system and ( 2 ) if they sell enough them MS will have to drop their cost for Windows to compete with Linux. Either way it's a gutsy move by Acer that can pay off big (or not)!

[julesthejackal]

Linux has come a long way in just a few years. Using all three operating systems myself, I do prefer Linux over Windows and Mac. Its not as "geeky" as it used to be and programs installations is very easy now due to great package managers like Synaptics. When the users see how easy Linux is to use and how rock solid secure it is, they will never go back to Windows. (unless its for gaming).

[nostriluu]

Good for Acer for resisting MS Gavage (Vista).

The fact is modern Linux is more similar to XP than XP is to Vista. By design: it's what most people are used to and want. What most people are really looking for is a low cost web browsing, email reading, basic office document editing appliance. Vista is for "Windows enthusiasts." Ha ha ha.

[thedreaming]

"Windows Enthusiasts". I like the sound of that. That actually makes sense. Why would people use an os that doesn't really do anything new and just looks pretty? They are enthusiasts! 8-)

[clearThumbtack]

This is awesome, actually. Exactly what I'm looking for. Linux is perfect for lightweight computers like this (and heavyweight computers too), and I think we are going to see more and more Linux entering mainstream computing.

[dwr50]

Acer is talking out of both sides of it's mouth. If they only offered Linux i'd give them creds.

Acer Aspire 5315-2153, $348 Walmart Special,Mandriva Linux 2008.1 Spring Edition. The fist Linux distro where everything worked, on this laptop, the first time !

[dev1in]

"For consumers, Windows-preinstalled is a nominal hidden cost. In addition, Windows has a bigger/better library of available applications, etc. Besides, Desktop Linux is too geeky and inconvenient for mainstream users."

Usual scared Microsoft fanboy comment....
The pre-installed cost of Windows won't be hidden anymore once it's sitting side-by-side with the equivalent Linux systems. Have you seen the library of software available for the average Linux system? Not only are they in the tens of thousands but they are FREE you moron. Also, you can legally distribute the operating system unlike your precious Windows, Linux is DRM free, way more secure than Windows, and linux doesn't have WGA/OGA constantly checking up on you to see if your copy is legal.....

[benjaminstraight]

Go Acer. Gettin' competitive.