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VIA Open Platform Mini-Notebook Serves up Linux

Posted by timothy on from the cognitive-dissonance-alert dept.

Vigile writes "VIA is attempting to outdo the ASUS Eee PC with its new OpenBook platform reference design that not only offers up extra features but also supports many more operating system choices as well. The exterior design is pretty damn sexy and is built around (of course) VIA's own CPU and chipset products and can be equipped with WiMAX and/or 3G networking like HSDPA or W-CDMA. What is really impressive is that the device can run versions of Windows Vista or XP, Ubuntu, Suse or gOS." Update: 05/27 13:30 GMT by T : alphadogg adds a bit more information on the "open" part of "Open Platform," writing "The CAD (computer-assisted design) files for the OpenBook reference design can be downloaded for free and made available to anyone under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 license. The terms of this license allow the CAD files to be freely copied, shared and modified."

3 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. what an irony... by holywarrior21c · · Score: 5, Insightful

    that today we have another articles in the FP about why we should buy computer preloaded with linux. I am just glad that another company is bringing up linux computer preloaded which is a great challenge to windows and i think that is just stupid idea to think that preloaded OS as tax. just as apple's computers run OS X like a charm, a manufacturer should design a computer for linux as well. that is exactly what we needed. i rather have companies design computers for linux, not windows. I bet it is easier to wipe it out and try other distro. this is good news! another remarking event that shaped year of linux.

    1. Re:what an irony... by jedidiah · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Most folks just want a few basic features and not too much bother.

      This "Windows" thing isn't even on their radar.

      The age of "it's gotta be DOS compatable man" is over. The
      whole thing is running on inertia and vendor lock now.

      That's why Apple is chipping away at Windows marketshare.
      For many people, the computer might as well be an appliance
      with the OS and all applications burned into a big ROM.

      --
      A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
  2. Re:Up to 3 hours???? by deathguppie · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The fact is that a lot of us are tired of lugging around a laptop. If the screen and features on my smart phone were capable I would just use that.

    The reality is that my $400 eeepc is almost perfect for my needs. I'd be willing to say perfect if the screen was a little bigger. (the next model will have this)

    The fact is, a lot of people aren't using their laptop as a desktop at work. We just want to be able to have an easy mobile system that we can use when we need to access other systems or to carry data to and from remote locations.

    That being the case, I find 3 hours more than enough. I usually keep the power adapter in my bag and pull the end out and plug it in while I'm sitting at my desk. I've never run out of power when I needed it.

    I have a laptop as well, but its been sitting on the shelf at home now for a few months, and my shoulder is very thankful for it.

    --
    once more into the breach