Now comes the Netbook Google.

Now it's official: Asus Netbook plans with the Google Android operating system. In a few months should give first device. An announcement that the far-reaching consequences might be.

 

Hanover - Rumors about such a project swashes through the network for months, now it's official: The computer manufacturer Asus is working on a device with the Google Android operating system. Currently, the use of cell phones to date operating system tailored to future models of the Netbook EEEPC Series tested, confirmed Asus-Europe boss Eric Chen of the Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa at the Cebit computer fair in Hanover. Still, the project in the experimental stage, said Chen. First results will be according to Chen in one to two months.

That it is possible, the Android system on a Netbook to get, it was months before been demonstrated. Already on 1 January, two employees of the news page
Venture Beat 'on their successful efforts reported on an Android EEEPC 1000h to install. Shortly before the reported Google Developer Dima Zavin, he had the system for a 701 EEEPC adjusted.

With prices from 200 to 600 euro are small and lightweight Netbook currently the only significantly growing segment in the PC market. The market researcher Gartner forecast for this year sales jump of 11.7 to 21 million units. At the same time become the overall PC market with a decline in sales from 11.9 percent to 257 million computers registered the highest drop its history.

Asus had the now booming Netbook market for about one and a half years with the introduction of the first EEEPC founded. The success of the relatively cheap equipment, said to the AP's so that many consumer mini-notebooks as second or third unit growth, while desktop PCs on average only once every two to three years would be exchanged.

"Vista is designed for mobile use too large"

The effects of Android operating system for Netbook should be drastically. So far, the devices are either with the free Linux operating system or Microsoft Windows XP shipped. For many models, buyers have the choice of operating system. For the Windows versions, however, most extras in the field from 30 to 50 euros due. In addition, Windows Netbook usually worse equipped than their Linux counterparts.

Microsoft has included in its licensing terms for the long-outdated Windows XP a limit of one gigabyte of RAM and 160 gigabyte hard disk defined. Only once, probably at the end of 2009, the new Windows 7 comes on the market, should those restrictions disappear. While the current Windows Vista due to its high standards are not compatible with Netbook has been repeatedly demonstrated that Windows 7 runs on Netbook - Microsoft at the Cebit show, inter alia, a device Acer, on the Windows 7 is installed.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has also announced that it is a Windows-7-version for notebooks will be small. From this software, Chen expects that a further upturn in the market. He said Vista is "for mobile applications are often simply too extensive."

The Netbook for mobile

If, however, Asus Android-based Netbook on the market, the cards could be the new mix. Since Android is built on Linux, it is subject to no restrictions on what the hardware is concerned. In addition, Android is already well prepared to mobile communications. This would be perfect for Netbook with built-in wireless card suitable. This new category of UMTS Netbook is still relatively young and running especially with mobile operators open door.

T-Mobile has about two Netbook with built-in UMTS card offer, from a euro - including mobile data contract - are to have. Data from firms circles is that this offer a great success, the devices are selling faster than the shelves can be refilled.

A friendly and nice UMTS Netbook with good hardware, integrated wireless card and Android operating system would be an almost secure success. And not only for the manufacturer and a potential partner from the mobile industry. Also Google should such projects favorably watch. Finally, Google Android in the deep-rooted system. Thus, each new Android-Netbook users automatically have a Google user.