:Netbooks, MIDs, Whatever--It's About Lower Cost Linux
Netbooks, MIDs, Whatever--It's About Lower Cost Linux Jun 9, 2008, 21 :30 UTC (0 Talkback[s]) (3688 reads) (Other stories by Jay Lyman)
"Mobile Internet devices (MIDs) have been the focus of much work and talk from chip giant Intel, which says its Atom processor will fit nicely into these smaller devices. In a recent interview with the AP, Intel chief Paul Otellini says MIDs favor Linux. I've written previously about the opportunities for Linux in the growing device category ranging from these MIDs to 'subnotebooks,' 'UMPCs,' 'netbooks,' or whatever other name we analysts come up with next week. No one can be sure what form factor (or name) would best carry Linux to a significant portion of the mainstream PC market, but I agree whole-heartedly with Otellini's view that the driver here is cost. Linux is serving not only as the OS for end users, but it is increasingly the choice and focus of OEMs and ISVs. Consider Linux player Wind River’s recent partnership with Intel to produce a Moblin-based Linux specifically for Intel’s Atom and MIDs..."
