Netbook OS Market & Linux

[HEADRAT]

Hi,

So I've just read a report that shows that 90% of the Netbook market is XP!

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=14782

also the report goes on to state:-

Carphone Warehouse in the UK stopped carrying Linux-based netbooks in many of its stores after seeing return rates as high as 20%.


"When they [Linux netbook buyers] realize their Linux-based netbook PC doesn't deliver that same quality of experience, they get frustrated and take it back."

I guess support for a Linux based OS might have also been a struggle for Carephone Warehouse.

Surely this is really one in the eye for Linux, we always be told how far it's come and how user friendly it now is but Netbook users don't seem convinced.

So what's the problem, are people now so hooked on Windows that they can't get their fix or anything else, or is it still that Linux really isn't ready "consumer" ready at the low end of the market, maybe support is another issue.

Obviously MS wanted to phase XP out but it's find a final niche in the Netbook Market, time to milk that last few drops out the cash cow before Windows 7 comes out.

Thoughts?

HEADRAT

 

[HEADRAT]

Mostly, yes.

If that's the case were on earth does this leave Linux, in the long grass forever, if there is no real commercial case for Linux and consumers don't seem to want it what on earth is the point of all these distros?

If Linux is only going to be a "play thing" for the gifted few I don't really see the point! The Netbook would seem to me to be the perfect place for Linux to shine, the fact that it hasn't leaves me wondering in Linux is now nothing more than a "nerds (I use the term with affection, I count myself a nerd) wet dream".

HEADRAT

 

[HEADRAT]

So if Linux differentiator is no longer price and ease of use/functionality is being met by XP why Linux?

ARM could be interesting but the differences would have to be significant, the fact that they will be unable to run Windows could be a nail in the coffin straight out of the gates (no pun intended).

Windows 7 seems to be getting some decent press for a change, surely brining out a Netbook that can only run Linux could be a huge mistake!

Do we have any more reliable figures floating around?

HEADRAT

 

[HEADRAT]

Interesting and informative posts guys

Windows 7 seems to be getting some decent press for a change, surely brining out a Netbook that can only run Linux could be a huge mistake!

What do people think about ARM Netbooks not being able to run Windows, a winner because of improved battery life etc or a fatal flaw?