Monday, May 11, 2009

Dell Planning Android Based Netbooks

Rumorsville is abounding with the news of Dell readying an ultra-portable laptop, (commonly known as a Netbook) that will run Google's Android OS, instead of Windows XP or Linux.

The current rumors arose from a recent press release by BSquare, a software firm. The release mentioned about a "system to use certain Adobe software on Dell netbooks running Google's Android platform". Interesting! Because, currently there is no Dell notebook running on the
Android platform!

There were further twists to the tale when BSquare announced that it was an error on their part to publish the press release. Further, Dell spokesperson Andrew Bowins too confirmed the release was erroneous without going into the details of what exactly the erroneous part was. He neither confirmed nor denied if we would be seeing Android based netbooks in the near future.

Originally developed for smartphones, Android is fast becoming the OS of choice for low cost notebooks. Being open source, it offers a cheaper alternative to users who no longer need to be dependent on Microsoft's software or Intel's processors for their computing needs. Additionally, Android will do well with cheaper ARM-based processors. Netbooks, as most people might be aware are low cost, smaller versions of notebooks. Back in April, there were reports about Dell's arch-rival HP too being interested in Android.

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