Everex is planning to release a home-oriented, touchscreen version of its CloudBook low-cost notebook that may be helped by Apple's upcoming iPhone as a reference point, Everex marketing director Paul Kim says in a new interview with LAPTOP. While a version of the system known as the DevBook is already due for hobbyists this spring, a version for home users is currently projected to arrive in the summer. To help develop applications for the new interface to the Linux-based gOS software at the heart of the computer, Everex is not ruling out using the iPhone's software developer kit (SDK) as an assist, Kim suggests,

"We are looking at a ton of different options, he says in response to a question about using the iPhone SDK. "But lots of applications could be ported over to different devices."

Kim also explains that some of the existing design elements in gOS are based on the Mac OS in an attempt to break away from both Windows and more conventional Linux distributions such as Ubuntu. The application dock and visual effects are designed so that users will "really take notice," he adds. The computer maker is also considering a major expansion of the CloudBook line as a whole, which should include larger screens (potentially up to 22 inches), multiple color schemes, and newer technology such as WiMAX mobile Internet access or a solid-state drive once the capacity and longevity of flash memory are acceptable.

Everex is believed to be rolling out the expansions in part as a response to ASUS' Eee PC, which jumpstarted the market for budget Linux PCs through its small size and sub-$400 price.