The Netbook market is one of the fastest growing IT segments. All of these lightweight connected devices will push cloud computing use as these devices are developed for the always connected market segment. The cel carriers are all scrambling to bundle 3G services with these devices as well.
The latest news is Larry Ellison discussing Netbooks coming from Oracle/Sun.
Ellison Mulls Foray Into Netbook Market
By BEN WORTHEN
Oracle Corp. Chief Executive Larry Ellison floated the idea that the software company might target mobile devices after its planned acquisition of Sun Microsystems Inc., including the small, low-priced computers called netbooks.
The possible focus on the netbook market was touched on in passing during a brief appearance by Mr. Ellison at Sun's annual JavaOne conference in San Francisco Tuesday. Netbooks are the fastest growing part of the personal computer business at the moment.
Associated Press
un Chairman Scott McNealy, left, and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison at the JavaOne conference in San Francisco on Tuesday. Mr. Ellison floated the idea of targeting netbook computers after Oracle buys Sun.
"I don't see why some of those devices shouldn't come from Sun-Oracle," Mr. Ellison said.
Acer announced Q3 availability of an Google Android laptop. Part of the differentiator is the energy efficiency from the ARM chip.
"Google really does have the brand name and the financial resources to be able to be a rival to Microsoft," said Warren East, chief executive officer of chip designer ARM Holdings. "The whole Linux community is a bit fragmented when you compare it with Microsoft."
ARM, based in Cambridge, England, is a potential beneficiary of Android's success because Microsoft's Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 don't run on ARM-based computers.
"Microsoft going forward may have to work on an ARM-based solution," said Daiwa's Huang. "If Microsoft doesn't want to see Google Android get into the PC market, they will have to support ARM; otherwise, ARM will go perfectly with Android."
Qualcomm and Freescale Semiconductor, which make chips based on ARM's technology, said they expect to release products this year for netbooks that run Google's operating system.
Google's cachet will help get the computers into retailers such as Best Buy or France's Fnac electronics chain, said Henri Richard, chief sales and marketing officer for Freescale.
"It's important to be able to convince Fnac or Best Buy to put a product on their shelf, and that's where I think Android is going to be more helpful," Richard said in an interview.