Android Netbooks

Google’s first operating system for mobile phones, Android, has been making headlines for a long while now, for all the new features and open source ability it offers. The OS has also made its way into netbooks and small laptops already.

The Skytone Alpha 680 Tablet Netbook was one of the first netbooks to feature the Android OS. Since the touchscreen ability of this OS is expected to be better than that of existing operating systems, it is quite obvious that Alpha 680 has a touch sensitive display. This 7” screen presents a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. The monitor can also be rotated around and folded over to be used as a tablet. The other specifications of this netbook however seem a little disappointing. It has a 533MHz ARM processor, 128MB RAM expandable up to 256MB, a 1GB flash memory storage with extension up to 4GB. WiFi, wired Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity are offered for networking. Being 3G capable, high rates of internet access can be achieved as well. 2 USB ports and an SD card slot are present in this Android netbook too. However, Skytone being a Chinese manufacturer, released this netbook only in their homeland. If they do plan a UK release, Alpha 680 tablet might be priced at about £160.

Recently, there was a buzz about MSI partnering with Google to release a new Android netbook. However, there has been no confirmed information about this yet. There have been rumours about a Dell Android netbook as well. Another rumour looming is that Asus has a netbook sporting the OS up its sleeves. We can only wait and watch out if these netbooks really do materialise.

Android offers almost all features that the existing operating systems do. What sets it apart from them is its open source facility. Applications can be written by anyone, who know Java programming, and deploy them on the device running the OS. There is an online applications catalog, called the Android Market, which stores such applications from different vendors, which serve different purposes. One can directly download such applications on their gadgets running Android OS, and install them. Both freeware as well as paid applications are present in this Market.

The multi-touch ability is also presented by Google’s OS. However, this feature is currently disabled. Perhaps because Apple still holds the patent for the same.

Microsoft Windows OS definitely has some really tough competition now. Almost 95% of the notebooks and laptops in the market use this operating system. And here comes Google with the Android operating system, almost pulling the carpet beneath Microsoft Windows’ feet. Well, you don’t think Microsoft is going to sit quiet. Right? We’re suspecting the think tanks of Microsoft have been burning out the midnight oil.