Intel & Dell debut new OS Moblin to rival Windows (Updated)
Dell is about launching commercially its first Netbook Mini 10v that is powered by Moblin [via Engadget]
In 2008 Intel shown its Moblin OS for the first time using a variance of Linux called Fedora along with a set of Gnome-compatible mobile components. The OS was just for MID and some embedded devices.
The company Tuesday unveiled a new version of Moblin that has emerged as a darkhorse alternative to Microsoft’s Windows in the hot market for netbooks. Moblin v2.0, designed for Intel Atom chip, comes with a distinctive interface called M-zone that’s designed to help users with basic tasks such play digital media, use the Internet, etc..
The move explains the reality that Netbook makers and Intel as Atom chip provider realize netbook business is extremely low margin, they have to rely on large volume to make up the profit. During the first part of 2009, there were reports of that netbook sales momentum has lost steam. Eliminate a cost component, in this case Microsoft OS license would make sense.
In the other hand, Linux netbooks exist today, but trailing behind Windows/XP counterpart, mainly due to user familiarity with the interface. Intel Moblin v2.0 and its M-zone interface have to overcome this dilemma.
[Via WSJ]
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