Now, we did wonder if Tesco's spec is a garbled reference not to a netbook but to an upcoming Dell MID. But the spec also mentions 1GB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, "Ubunto Linux" (sic), dimensions extending to 30 x 30 x 17cm and a weight of 1.2kg, all of which are rather large for an MID.
George Weiss, the vice president of Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner Inc., said that there is probably "a whole lot more Linux [in use] than people realize" because so much is downloaded for free that is not counted in server shipments. Although the survey did not break down Linux use by organization size, Weiss speculated that Linux may be used in 80% of large enterprises, with lesser percentages in smaller businesses.
With its complete hardware detection, out of the box support and all in one stop control center and no major bugs, this release is going to be another success story for Mandriva.
LyngBox Media is shipping a Linux-powered set-top box (STB) designed for European satellite TV enthusiasts. The IP-ready LyngBox combines an HDTV receiver/recorder, dual DVB-S2/DVB-T tuners, and a 160GB hard drive, and offers daily updates to LyngSat Network's worldwide satellite programming guide, says the Swedish company.
On the Linux platform, there are still some issues with software that haven’t been compiled for 64-bit. However, they are closed source applications so getting them to work for 64-bit is up to the software company. Adobe has not yet released a 64-bit version of their venerable Flash plugin, however its been said on one of Adobe’s blogs that Flash 10 may be released 64-bit. Another package is a 64-bit version of Sun’s Java interpreter. 64-bit Java is available for Windows and (surprise) Solaris, but not for Linux. It’s unsure if Sun is not offering 64-bit Linux binaries because of its Solaris operating system.
The Linux Foundation, in concert with several well-known industry names (hint: they start with letters like I and G), has hired a key contributor to the Linux kernel development community, the system administrator for kernel.org. It’s an important position. kernel.org is crucial to the Linux kernel’s collaborative development environment. It is the actual physical space — in cyberspace — where kernel developers get their work done. Without it, nothing happens.
Looks like the Tesco thing is just a cheap small laptop rather than an actual sub-notebook, though obviously that's a bit relative.
Shame; I got to play with an Eee901 just yesterday for the first time and was extremely impressed with the default install and interface: it's not trying to compete with standard laptops, and what it says it can do in theory it does extremely well in practice. I could see a number of people buying these things as additional devices.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-09-13 09:57:05
I'm still trying to figure out what the Tesco thing is about. There are many rumours, but no confirmed reports. This would not be the first time Tesco dabbles in GNU/Linux (with success even):
TESCO DIGITAL will soon be launched in the UK. The partly DRM-free music download concern will now offer 1.6 million Ipod-friendly MP3 files alongside the current roster 1.7-million Windows-hamstringed tunes.
AlexH
2008-09-13 11:44:29
Well, Tesco's whole business model is buying things in large bulk and selling them cheaply, but they've been selling computers in store for a while now: mostly no-brand imported machines. A few have been GNU/Linux, most haven't.
I think what interests them most is the price point, which is what I don't really understand about the Dell: €£299 is cheap, but you can pick up a laptop at that price in their stores already. 12" is small, but not that small.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-09-13 14:18:21
Maplin sells small sub-notebooks for just €£169. That model runs GNU/Linux, but its does not say so.
The 'Linux' Foundation devotes only about 2% of its budget to Linux (skeleton crew). It invests a lot more money in the Ponzi scheme of Microsoft and Scam Altman.
Comments
AlexH
2008-09-13 09:52:44
Shame; I got to play with an Eee901 just yesterday for the first time and was extremely impressed with the default install and interface: it's not trying to compete with standard laptops, and what it says it can do in theory it does extremely well in practice. I could see a number of people buying these things as additional devices.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-09-13 09:57:05
Tesco sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed - Linux on the up?
Tesco breaks free of WMA chains
AlexH
2008-09-13 11:44:29
I think what interests them most is the price point, which is what I don't really understand about the Dell: €£299 is cheap, but you can pick up a laptop at that price in their stores already. 12" is small, but not that small.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-09-13 14:18:21