Just over a week after a Chinese web site posted some hands-on impressions of a pre-release version of Acer’s upcoming netbook loaded with the Google Android operating system, Gizmodo is reporting that Acer’s Android netbook will be available to the general public by November.
The laptop will likely retail for around $300 to $350, which is about what Acer charges for its current 10 inch netbooks. The reason is because while Google Android is available to Acer and other computer makers without a licensing fee, Windows isn’t. And this computer is going to dual boot Android and Windows. Acer wasn’t ready to take the risk of launching an Android-only netbook that may not appeal to consumers.
The move kind of makes me wonder what the point of installing Android at all is… especially considering it’s an operating system designed for cellphones. Google’s Chrome Operating System which is designed for netbooks is expected to be available early next year.
It is interesting to see Android running on very low cost smartbook before Chrome Os !
Reason based on license fees? Does not seem that way, today.
Ah, but next month (post Win-7 release) – it might, iff (not a typo) –
Then the license fee structure might also change – for instance:
Manufacturer: We will be shipping a dual-boot machine;
MS: If you include our oldest product, we will pay *you* $xyz
I.E: Win-XP may become the bloatware addon to non-windows machines.
Just to put (keep?) the MS product name in front of buyers.
Much smarter move than letting manufacturers start shipping dual-boot
machines with the choice of Linux or BSD. (or some non-MS product).
Really that is weird, a OS which is made for cell phones, now trying to install them on netbooks. But, we will wait and see what will happen:)