Hype, Blurb and Rumours about Linux Laptops

Werner Heuser writes “In May 2003 there were
big rumours
about HP laptops pre-equipped with
Linux offered in Thailand.
Thailand’s Information and
Communications Technology Ministry earlier stated that HP would market
Linux notebooks in Thailand starting at $450. The notice proved
premature. Alex Gruzen, senior vice president and general
manager of the mobile computing group at HP said at
ZDNET:
“We had a team ready to install their version of Linux, but
in the end we just didn’t close it, […] the deal was never
finalised.”

So as stated in the
TuxMobil: Linux on Laptops Manufacturer Report Card
(discussed at
SlashDot)
manufacturer support for Linux laptops is still poor. Also support for
parts and accessories is lacking. For example: though the new Centrino(TM)
technology by Intel becomes
very popular among Linux users,
Intel has not yet announced Linux support for the WLAN part of Centrino.”