The figures released by analyst firm ABI Research temper indeed the recognition that much can be done. Indeed, the 35 million netbooks to be sold is likely this year (2009), it is expected that 11 million are equipped with a Linux distribution. If the figure may seem impressive, the percentage is just as 32%.
A question of field of vision
How to explain such a large proportion of Linux knowing that Microsoft had largely thundered that Windows accounted for 96% of netbooks? Firstly, this figure was valid in the United States. Now, with Europe, this country is clearly a leading vendor of netbooks running Windows. Secondly, the figure was based solely on sales for the month of February. The complex, reported to the world situation, begins to explain the difference.
The heart of the explanation lies in fact in other countries, particularly in Asia. In this geographical area, Windows has less sway. Jeff Orr, an analyst at ABI, said that less control is associated with less confidence, leading to an easy opening to other solutions.
A very tight turn for Microsoft
And even when the truth was closer to the figure posted up by Microsoft, the developments will be particularly tight a turn for the Redmond company. Several factors combine to force the company to take many precautions. Windows 7, even if he receives many positive reviews, is viewed with suspicion by the manufacturers of netbooks due to license more expensive than Windows XP, since Microsoft had literally broken the price of the latter . Then, the ARM processor has a great future in these small machines. All in one, two changes will occur.
Dangerous crossroads that Microsoft will have to be careful in how Windows 7 arrives on netbooks. Even if the firm is fighting against the idea that the Starter Edition is made for netbooks and must use the Home Premium, the license fee directs manufacturers to what is least expensive. In addition, Microsoft has many Windows running on ARM processors, such as CE and Mobile versions, but system adapted to these netbooks, the publisher does not.
The firm can not announce that it is impossible, the Zune HD is a Windows CE running on Tegra chip based on ARM architecture. But it has nothing to offer now for this market will grow, as the performance per watt seems interesting. Only now, the world of netbooks is not necessarily interesting to everyone: the competition is fierce and margins low. Microsoft may launch Windows adapted, but the publisher could just as easily lose interest in these small machines and turn to the ultra-portable and, more generally, for example using mobile processors from Intel UCLV.