Microsoft in the SEC filing for its annual report has removed Linux as a competitor on the desktop. While discussing what it has to compete with in operating systems, the Windows developer has scratched out Linux altogether and has relegated it to a factor only in niches like embedded and servers. Only Apple and Google are left in the category, Wes Miller noted in finding the difference.
Microsoft has extended its agreement with SUSE to work on continued interoperability between Windows and Linux. The initial arrangement began almost five years ago, and the new deal will continue until the start of 2016. Microsoft will invest $100 million in new SUSE Linux Enterprise certificates for customers receiving Linux support from SUSE.
HP is now shipping the Mini 5103 pro netbook, which was just introduced last week in Europe. The 10.1-inch netbook can be had with a display resolution of 1024x600 or 1366x768, and capacitive multitouch layer can be added to the latter as well. Processing is handled by one of two Atoms; a 1.66GHz N455 or the newer, 1.83GHz N475, either paired with integrated GMA 3150 graphics. There is also 2GB of DDR3 RAM onboard, its key difference from the earlier Mini 5102.
HP brought a classmate PC to Computex that is not unlike the similar Intel CTL Classmate PC. Engadget brought photos and a video of the HP device, which has a 10.1-inch screen, is made of plastic, and has a built-in carrying handle. The preloaded OS is SuSE Linux 11 while an unspecified Intel Atom CPU powers it.
Human interface solutions developer Synaptics Inc. on Monday announced it has made its Synaptics Gesture Suite available for Linux-based devices. This move brings multi-touch support to the open source operating system for the first time. Synaptics currently offers its multi-touch interface in Windows-based TouchPad devices.
VIA this week introduced its M’SERV S2100 mini server meant for home and small business users. Powered by VIA's own 1.6GHz Nano CPU, the server has the capacity to hold two 3.5-inch SATA II hard drives with up to 4TB of space. There is an integrated CF card slot from which users can boot the S2100, two gigabit Ethernet ports, three USB 2.0 ports and a VGA output. VIA says the server can perform network video recording and virtual server applications thanks to its VT virtualization support, among others.
Mobile software developer Bsquare has potentially spoiled Dell's release plans by saying it was porting Adobe's Flash Lite animation plugin for Dell netbooks running Google's Android platform. The company specifically references the Inspiron Mini 9 and suggests that the 8.9-inch portable is the likely main target for the OS. Whether Flash Lite would appear in-browser, or when Bsquare expects the port to ship on a production netbook, isn't mentioned.
The thin 10.2-inch Acer Aspire One netbook spotted just two days ago has been highlighted yet again by German site NetbookNews, this time with specs and more images. Unlike previously believed, however, the new, thinner (just under one inch) netbook will not have a solid state drive, but a traditional hard disk with a 160GB capacity.
HP today quietly signaled availability of the Mini 2140 on its site and has confirmed the specifications of the netbook in the process. The stock $499 entry model is now known to be a relatively high-end offering with 1GB of memory, a 160GB 5,400RPM hard drive, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Windows XP Home. More advanced ready-model models add Vista Home Basic or Business, as much as 2GB of memory and a 7,200RPM disk.
HP in its pre-CES run-up introduced its first major update to its Mini 2100 netbook. The Mini 2140 replaces the Mini-Note 2133 and abandons VIA's C7-M processor in favor of a 1.6GHz Intel Atom that HP claims should extend its battery life and cool it down compared to the hot-running older model. It also switches from the original 8.9-inch screen to a 10-inch model and now has the pick of both the original, extra-sharp 1366x768 display to a lesser 1024x576 panel which is both lower-priced and less demanding on the graphics chipset.
HP on Thursday broke new ground for itself by introducing its first-ever Linux desktop aimed at small offices and schools. The HP Compaq dc5850 now has the option of SUSE Linux preinstalled rather than having to choose FreeDOS and install the open-source software afterwards. It also comes preloaded with multiple similarly open-source apps such as OpenOffice as well as its web browser, e-mail and IM suites; schools also get access to about 40 educational games and learning tools.
HP is aggressively discounting its Mini-Note PCs in what may be an attempt to clear stock for upgrades, a new promo would suggest. The VIA-based netbook, which officially launched at $499, is now selling for as little as $399 in its basic configuration of a 1GHz C7-M, 512MB of memory, and a 4GB flash drive pre-loaded with SuSE Linux; other discounts are more dramatic and range up to a $779 model (normally $1,064) with a 1.6GHz chip, 2GB of memory, a 120GB hard drive and Windows Vista Business.
VIA this morning continued a string of announcements for its computer platforms with the launch of Mini-ITX 2.0, its latest platform for mini desktop PCs. The spec for mainboards is designed to allow small (6.7in square), quiet systems using processors such as VIA's own Nano but is unique in mandating a full-speed, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 slot; the requirement gives all systems room for a fast video card, virtually guaranteeing support for DirectX 10 and OpenGL 2 in games and other apps that demand advanced 3D; an integrated DirectX 9-class chipset is also present as a fallback.
Slightly ahead of a formal release, HP has revealed the Mini-Note, one of the few Western attempts at entering the field for micro notebooks. The previously leaked system aims to improve the formula started by the Eee PC by offering a genuinely comfortable keyboard: despite having just an 8.9-inch screen, the Mini-Note's keyboard is just 8 percent smaller than that of a full-sized notebook. The design is also more upscale than counterparts from ASUS or Everex and is built out of aluminum with a spill-resistant key layout.
