Linux Netbooks Are A Disruptive Force for Everyone
Playing the part of an industry spoiler for this week's Macworld, Microsoft is accusing Apple products of having an "Apple Tax." Of course, being that Windows market share is taking a dive, it's not an unexpected reaction. After all, not too long ago, Bill Gates was predicting that hardware would become nearly free, and he had some words left over to address the open-source community:
free software can do some good stuff, but not the really good stuff.
So, what's happened to the computing world since Bill made his guesses ? The most popular platforms for industry growth are Apple MacBooks and Netbooks with either open-source Linux or the older Windows XP. In the Fall, Microsoft noted their earnings were affected by Netbooks running Linux. Now days, Windows is being squeezed between a premium product line and a premium operating-system value.
In fact, Netbooks with Linux are probably a problem for Apple and even Linux manufacturers. Sooner or later, Apple is going to need to come to earth. And, even Linux stalwarts have been whip lashed by the uptake in Netbooks. MadTux, an on-line retailer for pre-loaded Linux systems, is closing shop. Linux is no longer esoteric, and has even become a commodity.
For instance, many users of Dell's Mini 9 Netbook, have noted that Ubuntu works well for them; "great computer, best computer I've ever owned," and "Ubuntu offers tons of software to keep you busy, full function computer to take anywhere." Almost everyone expects this trend for using Linux on low-cost Netbooks to steamroll forward.
Today, H-P has produced a Netbook that can run an amazing 8 hours on battery life. Consumers can select their operating system of choice: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Novell SuSE. Even more amazing is the annoucment by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc that it's aiming at a $200 Linux Netbook.
As far as I can tell, Linux Netbooks are going to be a pervasive presence. I'm not sure if their popularity is going to flatten out in the manner of tablet laptops, or if they will have iPhone cachet. I just know that anyone with a Netbook is going to be wondering why anybody else in their right mind would be paying a Microsoft Tax.


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