Kogan plans Linux-based netbook by end of March
updated 05:10 pm EST, Tue February 24, 2009
Kogan netbook coming
Australia's Kogan is set to launch a 10-inch netbook running on an open-source Linux operating system, according to a Monday report that includes an interview with company founder Ruslan Kogan. Like others in the category, the netbook will reportedly sport an Intel Atom CPU and a 160GB hard drive but will drop the usual Windows XP in favor of its free, open-source alternative. Exactly which Linux kernel will be used is still being decided, however. Users will be able to upgrade the netbook's 1GB of RAM to 2GB.
As for battery life, Kogan is considering offering a six-cell battery, though that will add to the weight and cost of the system. A four-cell battery will likely be the standard source of power, though nothing's been set in stone.
Pricing is believed to be in the equivalent range of $340 if the dollar holds, Kogan said, and pre-orders will start in about two weeks, with the computers arriving by the end of March. He is eying China for production of the netbook, with 10,000 unit-per-day production very likely.
Kogan also makes LCD TVs, and allegedly plans to build OLED TVs within two or three months. As well, the company is due to bring a 2.0-compatible Blu-ray player with region-free abilities. Whether or not these will surface isn't clear, however, as the company recently postponed its Android phone after unexpectedly announcing a design change following concerns over Android's published expectations for display resolution.
