PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
HP has pulled all of its upcoming Linux-based netbooks in the UK, saying that an XP-only approach "better addresses the market and consumer needs".
Its Mini 1000 netbook had been due to start shipping later this month. But speaking to ZDNet, the vendor confirmed that it had pulled all versions except for the premium Vivienne Tam edition, which is only available with XP.
The vendor’s other netbook models, the Compaq Mini 700 and the Mini 2140 also are only available with Windows. Only its original netbook, the Mini 2133, is available with Linux installed, but that model is now over a year old and it is unclear how long HP will continue shipping it to the channel.
Speaking to ZDNet, HP confirmed that it had taken the decision to drop Linux "a month ago", and that the XP-only approach "better addresses the market and consumer needs".
HP’s decision to drop the device comes just months after Carphone Warehouse revealed it would not be stocking further Linux-based netbooks after it saw a high percentage of customers returns.
The retailer put that down to lack of customer awareness of the difference between the open source operating system and Windows.
