Though Linux was a late starter as far as netbooks market is concerned, it is slowly gaining market share and is set to displace Windows from the perch in 4 years’ time. According to Jeff Orr, Senior Analyst with ABI, (Allied Business Intelligence, Inc.) Linux will drive 32% of netbooks sales this year. At the rate at which Linux is increasing its share, by 2013 it will become #1 in netbooks market.
Microsoft has projected only 7% market share for Linux this year but there are few takers for it. Linux Netbooks are becoming popular in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The growth of Netbooks market in developing countries is adding fuel to the fire. An article in Computerworld by Eric Lai quoted Orr as saying that Americans should not believe it is Windows everywhere simply because they are using it. Less familiarity with Windows is making consumers outside U.S. boldly go for Linux.
However, the release Windows 7 and its rising popularity could change the market dynamics. Also reducing the price of Windows XP, Windows CE or Windows Mobile could arrest the growth of Linux according to Orr.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Linux a late starter!
The whole Netbook market was defined by the Asus EeePC – originally a Linux only device until Microsoft was pretty much forced to give XP away to compete.
The only reason you dont see more Linux machines in the retail channel is Microsofts arm twisting – like shoving Windows 7 out on machines which really cant cope with it still. Even a slimmed down Vista version in 1G of memory – please!
If you have a windows netbook all is not lost – try the new Ubuntu Karmic Koala Netbook remix. Really designed for small screen use but also full Linux with more software than the mind can comfortably concieve.
Just boot it from USB dude!