Acer Marries Windows XP with Android on New Aspire One Netbook

Acer has announced today the debut of a new version of its successful Aspire One D250 netbook, which will provide customers with a choice for a dual-boot portable computer system, featuring the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, alongside the Android OS, typically found on the latest generation of smartphones. The move, according to the world's second largest notebook PC vendor, would provide Aspire One users with the means to get on the Internet faster, also taking advantage of the range of productivity and entertainment applications that are available in the new netbook PC.

“The Android operating system and the Aspire One netbook is an ideal combination for end users that require a highly mobile device for data consumption,” said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product management for Acer America. “The unique dual-boot OS on the new Aspire One ensures users fast connections, the familiarity of Windows, and the added convenience of open source mobile platforms and applications.”

As far as technical specifications go, the updated Aspire ON D250 is pretty much the same as the previous model, featuring an Intel Atom N280 processor, clocked at 1.66GHz and paired with the integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset. The system runs on a 10.1-inch WSVGA CrystalBrite LED-backlit display and comes with 1GB of DDR2 memory and a 160GB, 5400RPM SATA hard drive. Additional features include the wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, integrated webcam and stereo speakers, multi-gesture touchpad, three USB 2.0 ports and a 6-cell battery pack.

The netbook is available in four colors, including Ruby Red, Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White and can be purchased via Acer's authorized resellers and major retailers nationwide, for prices starting at US$349.99. The new system will be featured with both Windows XP OS but also with the well-appreciated Google Android smartphone OS.