Asustek Retracts, Puts Qualcomm Android Eee PC on Ice
June 1 Qualcomm presented its new superflat Eee PC with Snapdragon chipset and Xandros or Android to the public. But the enthusiasm waned shortly thereafter.
The Eee PC wasn't yet market ready, said Jonathan Tsang, vice chairman of Asutek, at the sidelines of a press conference at Computex Teipei, according to an ComputerWorld. Tsang added, "For the time being this project is not a priority because our engineering resources are limited."
This might be believable under circumstances, but it gets better: Asustek chairman Jonney Shih himself apologized at the press conference that the Android notebook was even displayed at Qualcomm's booth, as Gizmodo reports. "I think this is a company decision so far [that] we would not like to show this device."
It begs the question, to whom is he apologizing? Perhaps to the vice president of their OEM Microsoft, Steven Guggenheim, who stood with him onstage, or to Intel's vice president Sean Maloney? Both were there to strengthen further collaboration with Asustek. But, at least for Microsoft, a Linux netbook in the works has not been high on its list.
As presented, the Qualcomm Eee PC not only looks fantastic, but would come at a markedly better price than the Intel model from Windows, the Eee PC chip is fanless and it plays back 720p videos flawlessly. Microsoft naturally wouldn't want a competitor to ruin its Christmas season and most likely pulled the emergency brake. Acer Inc. should be happy with that, according to Reuters: the world's number three PC brand has already announced an Android netbook for the third quarter of 2009.
Issue 256/2022
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Ubuntu Budgie Sets its Sights on Gamers
The upcoming release of Ubuntu Budgie includes a few nifty features that should make the lives of gamers a bit easier.
-
Linux Mint Edge Is Ready for the Newest Hardware
With the release of Linux Mint 20.03 comes a new version geared for newer hardware.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Now Available
That latest release of Linux Mint is now available for general use and offers a polished, but less Mint-y theme.
-
Linux is Getting an Exciting New Firmware Feature
Intel is bringing a new driver to the 5.17 kernel that will make it possible to update firmware without a reboot.
-
Elementary OS 6.1 Has Been Released
The .1 version of the sixth iteration of elementary OS (named Odin) is now available for download and takes the distribution to new heights of refinement.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Beta is Now Available
The developers of Linux Mint have made the beta of their latest release available for download and installation.
-
EndeavorOS 21.4 Has Arrived
Arch-based EndeavorOS 21.4 is finally available for download with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
NixOS 21.11 Now Available for Download
NixOS “Porcupine” has been made available for installation and includes numerous improvements.
-
KDE Plasma Developers Introduce a GNOME-Like Overview
A new overview effect makes it easier for users to interact with both Plasma Activities and Virtual Desktops.
-
Rocky Linux 8.5 Now Available with Secure Boot Support
The latest iteration of CentOS alternative, Rocky Linux has arrived and includes numerous updates as well as support for Secure Boot.