Netbooks and Ubuntu
11 September, 2008The new generation ultra thin laptops or ‘netbooks’ (by Acer, Asus and Dell) are not only very light (less than 1 kg) but they all have Ubuntu as their pre-installed operating system. Where Microsoft once ruled the world for years and Apple was a star standing on the side, Linux is entering the market at fast speed. Linux is no longer just for geeks but also for the professional netbook user, for the businessman, traveler or student. They all want something portable that’s light and easy to use. Besides that, these new generation laptops are affordable with a average price less than $ 400,-. Windows XP is also too heavy for these small gadgets and Ubuntu get also to be adjusted more easily. Does this mean that the days of Microsoft are over? Are these the days of the multi user developed software now? I don’t think so, Microsoft doesn’t give up its guns that easy and they just announced this summer they extend some Windows XP licenses until 2010. Apple did launch a spectacular and beautiful Macbook Air, but it’s too expensive for the average user. It’s a nice development though, this wave of netbooks and I’ll watch it closely. I like it that Linux gets its share of the market and it’s no longer a shame to fall in love with a netbook with perl skin too.
(also posted on masters of media blog)
Hi Hannah,
just changed from ISP to XS4ALL. This gives me a netbook from Asus working with their customized Linux. I’ll throw Ubuntu over it to make it scream…
So nice to have a tiny little wonderful and white Linux netbook to write with anywhere I like.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the thing…
And yes, I’m a ‘Maccie’ but I do love this Linux thing.
Love,
Alice
Oh,
and yes, I do think the days of Microsoft hegemony are over. Their Windows environment is end of life and they know it. Theier own new development is going in the direction of a micro-kernel based OS that self expands the more functionality the user desires. This only works with almost permanent internet connection. Although it might very well be so that people do get permanent internet connection it will also mean that the cost of such an expandable OS will rise due to ISP costs. So the more you use your computer, the more it’ll cost you. But also the easier it gets to get improved functionality and new releases of software modules.
But, but, but… will end users accept this. I doubt it very much. Will MS be able to make this stable? I also doubt that very much.
For the time being I guess the Unix based world (MacOSX and Linux) will prevail. So much functionality on a proper and solid OS design for almost nothing. Hard to resist for most users. Who would want to exchange that for an almost empty computer that self expands and rids you of your control over the machine.
I suppose people will not like being overridden by technology controlling the way thay work and entertain. So at this stage I think MS Development is taking a false turn. I may be wrong on this, but still…
Alice
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