By Android Phones dominate news and talk about Google’s Android Mobile OS but we’ve seen the prospect of an Android Netbook gaining particular interest. That interest could stand to skyrocket – the Wall Street Journal is reporting that HP is testing Android Netbooks and is considering replacing Microsoft Windows with Android for at least a portion of their product line:
HP is currently testing Android — a free, open-source operating system — for a possible netbook, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the matter. The company has not decided whether to bring such a product to market, the report said.
Microsoft Vista and XP are a bit too bulky to favorably run on Netbooks although Microsoft is said to be making a stripped down version of Windows 7 for use on the compact, mobile laptops. But Android has an obvious appeal for use on Netbooks and with 2009 shipments expected to reach between 20 and 30 million, you have to wonder how much of those could potentially be running Android. We’re almost in the 2nd Quarter and an Android Netbook launch isn’t immenent, but the open mobile platform could become a tough Netbook contender.
This is great news for Android fans. The more manufacturers looking at Android for a diverse set of solutions the better. We’re still eagerly awaiting more Android phones on the market but the holiday season could be great time for companies to introduce Android Netbooks for mass consumption. And I promise you, I’ll certainly be doing some of the consuming.
[Via Reuters]
What do you think MS will pay HP to not release Android netbooks? =)