HP mulls Android for Netbooks

MAKER of expensive printer ink, HP is thinking of sticking Google's Android operating system under the bonnet of its low-cost netbooks.

Satjiv Chahil, a vice president of HP's PC division, has confirmed that the company was studying the Google smart phone software. It could run on ARM chips rather than Intel Atoms.

A Google spokeswoman said Android was designed to be used in small gadgets like phones and bigger devices like the mini-laptops. "We look forward to seeing what contributions are made and how an open platform spurs innovation," she said.

Android is free - in contrast to Windows. Google hopes to justify its development effort by driving more Web use from mobile devices.

Most Netbooks currently run Windows XP and, according to Microsoft, those that run Linux are soon sent back to the shops.

Brad Brooks, a corporate vice president, for Windows consumer product marketing told the Wall Street Journal, "With a Linux machine, it's a crapshoot each and every time. "

Asustek Computer has already said it is considering using Android in a Netbook. µ

L'Inq
Wall St Journal