Acer's Android netbooks to still carry Windows
updated 08:35 am EDT, Fri June 5, 2009
Acer Android NBs w Windows
Acer's just-revealed plans to build Android netbooks won't actually replace Windows, company chief JT Wang revealed on Friday. The executive said that these systems will instead dual-boot both Android and Windows. While disappointing to those who had expected the move to be a return to Linux-only systems, Wang maintained that the market for Android is too uncertain to rely only on that platform.
He added that Android-only systems were possible but would depend on whether or not cellular carriers embrace the platform.
The approach means upcoming Android netbooks from Acer are unlikely to provide a cost advantage over Windows-only equivalents, as Acer will still have to license Windows even for users who only use the new, free OS. Advocates have also argued for Android- or otherwise Linux-exclusive netbooks as they require significantly less hardware for similar speed, which would further let PC builders lower the price compared to Windows versions.
