Digital Home Thoughts: Windows Expands Dominance To Netbooks

"On the eve of the Computex, the largest computer exhibition in Asia and the second largest in the world, we got word that PC World, the largest electronics retailer in the UK, is de-assorting (i.e., getting rid of) all of the Linux small notebook PCs in their stores and going all-Windows. It’s pretty big news from across the pond that they’re making this move, but what’s even more important is the “why” behind the decision."

When ASUS first released the EEE PC, it was host to Linux. It helped keep the cost of the PC down and allowed for very low specifications. However, as more netbooks were released into the market, manufacturers were finding that Linux based netbooks were facing higher return rates. It seems that consumers were rejecting the feel and behaviour of Linux in favour of their comfortable home of Windows. This trend has grown so strong it appears that PC World has announced it is removing Linux based notebook PC and Windows based netbooks own the US market. Does this mean that Linux has lost its chance to warm the hearts of the average consumer? I am doubtful this is the last we have seen of Linux in the mainstream and Linux does have considerable penetration in other markets, but it does show just how strong the momentum is behind Windows. Consumers want to save money, but not at the expense of what they're used to.