Our Choice of Operating System
Submitted by Ewan on Wed, 27/01/2010 - 16:16
It’s been interesting to see the reaction to the PsiXpda around the internet, and many of you are commenting on the choice of the Operating System that we currently ship with the machine, namely Windows XP.
One of the interesting debates going on around computers in both the netbook and pocket computer form factor is that there is no clear choice of an OS that does everything for every consumer. The options come down to either a version of Linux or a version of Microsoft Windows.
Let’s address the Linux question first of all. The specs of the PsiXpda (Intel Z510, 1GB Ram) can easily accommodate the latest versions of Ubuntu – in fact we have a number of test units running Ubuntu right now. It’s also relatively easy (if you know what you are doing) to install Ubuntu yourself by booting your PsiXpda from a USB key.
But Linux is not for everyone, and while it has some major benefits, and most distributions come with your PIM software and Office based applications, the majority of people we’ve spoken to want something that is familiar to them and (in many cases) familiar to their IT department. Having Linux is nice, but if you need to run some bespoke software to talk to your corporate database, the chances are you will need to be running Windows.
Which leaves the choice as being one of Windows XP or Windows 7. Again, we’ve got Windows 7 running on test machines here, but we don’t think that driver support is quite ready yet, plus the current licensing cost of the versions of Windows 7 that aren’t the netbook/starter edition are quite high and would impact on our retail cost.
So that leaves one choice. Windows XP. It’s dependable and there is a lot of software out there for the device. it works out of the box, and is familiar to most people. Most of all Windows XP provides you a lot of options for third party software, including web browser, VPN clients, banking software or whatever you and your company already run on your desktops. Plus your IT department’s favourite security package!
Comments
#1 Windows XP on the Psixpda
I already have an Asus Eee running on Linux. Its big advantage is that its screens are designed to fit the size available. The psixpda does not run a modified Windows, able to adjust sizing to the screen.
Has anyone managed to improve the Windows setup?
Bob
#2 Maemo?
I wonder if it would be possible to license and install Maemo on the device?
Maemo is a linux variant used by the Nokia Internet Tablets & N900 mobile phone.
#3 From a practical point of
From a practical point of view, Maemo and the Nxxx series from Nokia all run ARM chips, and our current machine is based around the Intel Atom range, so straight out the box it would be a huge headache to cross compile, and of course you would loose binary compatibility.
#4 What percentage using Linux would make it profitable
My OS of choice for many years has been Linux. Although I would love a PDA to replace my old Psion 5mx, I wouldn't buy one with an OS from a company that persists in doing all it can to kill competition.
I believe there are many similar minded folk as myself. As Linux is running on the PsiXpda, it seems that any units sold with Linux would help your hardware sales.
#5 Chris, it's a valid
Chris, it's a valid viewpoint, and one we are aware of that is out there, but what we can;t do, as a very small company, is rush out a Linux distro without doing all we can to make it easy on new Linux users.
#6 Is an unsupported Linux setup guide or distro available?
I suppose that as a small company with a cutting edge and daring product. you have dedicated employees willing to blog and reach out.
Since you mention "we have a number of machines running various distros", would any of you be willing to post a blog or forum entry explaining what officially unsupported features of the hardware are currently working under Linux, and maybe some form of installation guide?
Another option might be to make a deal with a few Linux gurus (not me!) who might be happy to prepare and publish installation instructions in exchange for a complimentary device? I expect that this would result in word of mouth and I am pretty confident that you would sell at least one machine for each one you give away, if you target the right people.
I suspect that many Linux aficionados would be happy to do some of the work for you and for free if you set things up so that they have access to test machines, or at least the necessary hardware information to write device drivers.
I for one would place an order on the spot if I was convinced that it has an acceptable set of features running a non-MS OS. I would not mind if it is officially supported or not, as long as there is credible 3rd party evidence that most hardware features do work.
Do not underestimate the goodwill and power of a large number of people rooting for the little guy trying something new. You're already a niche product anyway, why don't you try to also appeal to the niche community of open source users, when all it takes is sharing unofficial, unsupported information?
Also... I can't imagine that many ex-Psion users are willingly and happily running Windows. Come on, give them a choice!
#7 Zorg, Thanks for the comment,
Zorg,
Thanks for the comment, and before launch we were aware of the choices of Linux OS, and we have a number of machines running various distros. At the moment and as a small company we have to be careful what we support in a machien we release - even a limited support still requires some support (and for us to do engineering work on the software).
We have no deal in place with Microsoft that requires us to avoid non-Microsoft offerings.
We're not indifferent, but we have to decide where and when to use our resources. Linux is on our list and we will be addressing it as soon as is practical.
#8 I reached this site from a
I reached this site from a Linux new products site. This post was a disappointment. As a Linux user, I don't mind installing, modifying, patching, and so on. What I do mind is to pay money to destroy Linux. If I buy a computer on which the Windows tax is levied, part of my purchase price is devoted to wiping out Linux. It doesn't make much sense for me as a consumer. Some firms offer a bare system or a Linux system for which they advertise limited support. Those I can live with, although I am sure that your Microsoft rep will offer you a better deal if you avoid any non-Microsoft offerings.
You, like many firms, assume that Linux users are indifferent to your behind-the-scenes business dealings but, just as consumers are awakening to the Green practices (or lack thereof) in business, they are increasingly concerned about other business practices that may not be immediately obvious.
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