Why Don’t Linux-based Netbooks Have the Same H/W as Windows Ones?

android-logo1Our friends over at Ostatic have posed a good question, one I’ve thought about in the past. They are looking at the feasibility of Android-based netbooks, something we’ve covered here, and give a good case for open source netbooks. The problem they point out is that such netbooks, often running some flavor of Linux, usually have lesser hardware components than Windows-based netbooks.

Of course, there’s that other sticking point. Windows and Linux netbooks are not created equal. Windows models (whether needed or not) tend to have more RAM factory-installed, and often, larger hard drives (some ASUS EeePC models are exceptions to the hard drive rule). Windows XP might require the heftier specs to run as well as the less beefy Linux counterparts — but there’s certainly the feeling that purchasing a Linux machine means missing out on the heftier hardware. Both versions of a given netbook might fit the bill, but as someone who prefers Linux, I’d think twice about shelling out a lesser amount of cash when an extra $50 to $75 could get me a machine with better system specs — operating system be damned. I’ll install Netbook Remix myself, then.

This is a very valid observation, usually when an OEM offers both a Linux-based and a Windows-based netbook model the price differential is usually not that great. This is often over-shadowed by the lesser hardware components in the Linux models that make them less of a deal.  Consumers looking for a good deal will often go with the slightly more expensive Windows model to get much better memory, hard drive, etc.  What’s up with that?

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