H-P Powers Up Its Linux Notebook

After taking the wraps off a Linux-based desktop computer this spring, Hewlett-Packard(HPQ Quote) became the first big computer maker to debut a notebook computer with open-source software preinstalled. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based outfit rolled out the offering Tuesday at the LinuxWorld conference in San Francisco.

The announcement shows how far PC makers will go to score business in a hyper-competitive market. Even H-P acknowledges that Linux remains a mere blip in the PC software arena, accounting for an estimated 3% of the desktop market and until now, none of the notebook market.

"PC manufacturers are somewhat desperate for any opportunity to hook another piece of the market," said Meta Group Vice President Steve Kleynhans, who called H-P's offering "somewhat of a trial balloon." ...