In addition to putting Linux on its sub-notebook, the Aspire One, Acer is set to start pushing Linux on regular notebooks later this year.
Acer already sells Linux on media center PCs, but the trend should continue in Linux’s favour, according to Gianpiero Morbello, vice president of marketing and brand at Acer.
“We have shifted towards Linux because of Microsoft,” he told VNUnet. “Microsoft has a lot of power and it is going to be difficult, but we will be working hard to develop the Linux market.”
Acer sees two killer apps with Linux on computers: operation and cost. Its flavour of Linux will boot in 15 seconds compared to minutes for Windows, and the open source operating system can extend battery life from five to seven hours.
“Microsoft’s operating system typically costs around £50 per unit,” said David Drummond, UK managing director at Acer, to VNUnet. “On a £1,000 PC that is peanuts, but on a £200 computer it is a major issue.”