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Big-Screen Acer Aspire One Netbook to Arrive in Linux Version

Lately there has been a lot of talk about how Linux netbooks--which had come on strong out of the gate, especially on Asus' big-selling Eee PCs--have been steadily giving up ground to Windows XP-based netbooks. Adding fuel to the fire, Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, now out in beta, is already being tested on netbooks and is predicted by some to become the netbook operating system of choice. That's why it's good news on the Linux front to see Acer planning a Linux version of its new Aspire One netbook, which features a comfortable 10-inch display.

The Acer Aspire One netbooks have become very popular with buyers due to the healthy sizes of their keyboards and displays. However, many people in the Linux community took it as a snub that Acer was going with an XP-only strategy with them, especially since first-generation Aspire One systems came with the Linpus Linux distribution.

Now, Acer officials have told ZDNet U.K. that the 10-inch display Aspire Ones "will be available with XP or Linux, and HDD or SSD." (The SSD will have a capacity of 16GB according to ZDNet U.K.) They also confirm that the Linux distribution will continue to be Linpus. The machines are to launch in mid-February and sell for $425. Netbooks remain hugely popular, and the Linux versions should help keep Linux and open source applications reaching new users.

• linux
• Acer
• Aspire One
• Linpus

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