HP, the world's leading computer system maker, is reportedly considering using Google's Android on some of its upcoming netbook models, in an effort to provide its customers with alternatives to Microsoft's famous Windows XP and Vista operating systems. If such machines become available, netbooks, the world's fastest-growing PC segment, could become the new front in a battle between the Redmond, Washington-based software giant and the world's leading search engine company.

 

According to a recent article on the online version of “The Wall Street Journal,” Palo Alto, California-based HP is working on a potential new Android netbook. The PC vendor has already had its programmers test Android as an alternative operating system that could power one of the company's upcoming netbooks. Unfortunately, at this time, HP hasn't decided whether the project has the necessary potential to come to market. “We want to assess the capability Android may have for the computer and communications industries, and so we are studying it,” said Satjiv Chahil, a vice president of the giant manufacturer's PC division, for WSJ.

 

HP isn't the only company that is considering Android for one of its future netbooks. ASUS, the leading pioneer of this PC segment, has also revealed its plans for an upcoming Android-based Eee PC. In addition to ASUS, Dell, one of the world's leading manufacturers of computer systems, is reportedly testing Android for a number of devices, including mobile phones and Mobile Internet Devices or MIDs.

 

The reason why all these major PC makers are considering Android as a potential OS for their netbook models is that Windows-based netbooks are somewhat pricier than their respective Linux counterparts. PC makers are trying to maximize their profits, especially since netbooks are selling for around $500, a significant price reduction by comparison with fully fledged systems.