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Where is all the Linux news from CES?
Last year CES practically seemed like some sort of Linux show. It seemed like every company had their own netbook – based on Linux, of course. At the time, the Asus Eee PC was just fairly new and people were just realizing its success. In short: it was an exciting time for Linux. This year is not like that.
We have only just ended the first day of CES 2009, but already potentially interesting press conferences like Asus’s have passed without so much as a mention of Linux. A search for “linux” in the CES section of CNet reveals only a few results:
- Palm’s new Linux-based operating system
- A NAS device based on Linux
- A NEC pro monitor that will eventually have a Linux config utility
- Two Linux-based pre-OS quick boot systems
Although I happen to think the NAS device looks pretty cool, the only real significant announcement here is Palm’s new Linux-based operating system. Even then, we will have to wait and see how important that turns out to be.
Last year saw the hype of Linux netbooks, but this year Windows 7 and its lack of novelty ate that up. I am sure we will still see the scattering of random devices running Linux, but as far as netbooks go, all I can say is “congratulations Microsoft.” I mean that seriously. While I am sure that not all will agree, it looks to me like Microsoft has played a fair game, made their product better, and caught up.
It’s temporary, though. Such a huge advantage as Linux had over Windows Vista couldn’t last and it didn’t. Windows has familiarity, compatibility, and leverage with OEMs, while Linux has its price tag, customizability, and security. This may be as close to an even playing ground between Windows and Linux as we have ever seen. Linux had a brief advantage, Microsoft took a step in the right direction, and now its a tie. May the best operating system win.
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Actually the OS does matter if it isn’t apparent.
Look at what happened to MSI — people think that Halo is gonna install on it, but it wont. Why? Well its a POS broke whatever — returned!
They need to know its not a MS laden malware magnet, and the work they do can be done on the unit without hassle.
So in this sense — its very important. Especially for peeps that need email, web, and ACT! or some goofball vertical market app. Pissing people off is not good marketing or PR
I was at CES as well, and the big players weren’t announcing much Linux stuff, save for Netgear. However, the real jewels of CES wasn’t in the big players, but rather the small guys. I found a ton of great small name vendors who had some great Linux powered stuff.
Also, since CES goes to the “general public”, 98% of the people in that category couldn’t give a rat’s behind what OS or IOS is running their stuff. All they care is that it works, is easy to use, and does everything they want. Other than that, they don’t care about anything else. So a lack of any mention of Linux is completely without surprise. Only when they market to us will something like that be mentioned.
i think you woke up on the wrong side of the bed :0
linux is better and has more users/followers than ever before.
each year only one side has it harder and harder from the competition and that’s msft…
it’s not a free ride for them anymore
“it looks to me like Microsoft has played a fair game, made their product better, and caught up.”
I’m not sure “caught up” is quite accurate, at least until Windows 7 ships.