Acer Android/WinXP Netbook Coming Next Month

• Rob Jackson
• 15 years ago

It still seems a little wonky that Acer’s Android Netbook isn’t really an Android Netbook – it boots Windows XP as well. The company is doing this to marginalize the risk of launching a netbook with an OS that is unproven on this type of hardware. Unfortunately, they are passing the costs of that safety net onto consumers:

Since Acer still needs to pay licensing fees for Windows XP on the netbook, the product is unlikely to be priced lower than XP-only models.

That definitely lessens the benefit of utilizing an open and free operating system, doesn’t it? Either way, DigiTimes is reporting that the Acer Android/XP is likely to launch next month:

Acer is expected to launch its previously announced dual-OS netbook, with both Windows XP and Android, in August 2009, while Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics both set to benefit from the orders, according to a Chinese-language Apple Daily report.

ASUS and MSI are also working on Android Netbooks but they aren’t likely to be available in 2009. And considering the birth of Chrome OS, I’m wondering if they might re-prioritize.