Acer’s previously-reported Android netbook will apparently be shipping next month as a dual-boot XP/Android system.
According to DigiTimes:
“Acer is expected to launch its previously announced dual-OS netbook, with both Windows XP and Android, in August 2009, while Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics both set to benefit from the orders, according to a Chinese-language Apple Daily report.”
Acer had been heard to say that the dual-boot setup is the safest route for the time being since Android is still in its infancy. So the cost savings that’d normally come about from a non-Windows machine won’t be realized in this initial go-around since Acer will still have to pay the XP licensing fee.
Still no word on pricing although this August launch, if true, comes sooner than “the end of the year,” as previously reported.
[via DigiTimes]
I agree with Acer…it’s not ready to be a primary OS, least yet. Good move, Acer.
Why are they paying for XP? Last I heard MS had stopped supporting it. If ACER can get it from MS why aren’t they putting it on all their PC’s. It would be funny to see how many vista machines would sell if the option for one with XP was there.
The beauty is that you would have both. If you want/need to use Windows, you can. Otherwise, Android offers you the benefits of fast boot & runtime, super long battery life, touch-optimized UI, location-based services, cell phone calls, SMS/MMS, multi-media playback, and access to all the other cool apps in the Android Market.