Ubuntu Netbook Remix - OS For Small Form Factor Notebooks

Canonical announced that it will be demonstrating a reworked desktop image of Ubuntu built specifically for a new category of portable Internet-centric devices – netbooks, at Computex 2008, called Netbook Remix. These affordable, power-efficient, small screen devices, based on the ground breaking low-power micro-architecture of the Intel Atom™ processor, and Ubuntu allow consumers to enjoy email, instant messaging, Internet surfing and on-line access to photos, videos or music with an affordable, reliable device.

netbookremixic8 Ubuntu Netbook Remix - OS For Small Form Factor Notebooks

This launcher covers the desktop and provides access to applications and files from a small screen.

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There’s a single GNOME panel at the top of the screen. It uses a modified window switcher to save space, and also acts as controls for maximized windows.

“Our goal is to deliver a superb user experience while making it simple and cost-effective for device manufacturers to be able to bring their devices to the consumer marketplace,” explained Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu. “Ubuntu has in a very short period transformed the perception of the Linux desktop experience. Many more people will experience Linux for the first time through these devices so working with Canonical, using our UI and leveraging software from the Moblin project is the best way to ensure the netbook experience is a success.”

Ubuntu Netbook Remix is built to provide a superb user experience leveraging Ubuntu’s reputation for delivering operating systems that ‘just work’ in the desktop environment. The remix is based on the standard Ubuntu Desktop Edition but with a launcher that allows users to get on-line more quickly and have faster access to their favourite applications. Ubuntu Netbook Remix will enable device manufacturers to get to market rapidly with a compelling software solution on netbooks, as they have a standard user interface (UI) that is built on a widely used operating system underpinned by a globally recognised brand. Canonical is also working with ISVs to ensure that popular desktop applications are certified on Ubuntu, and will run on the Ubuntu Netbook Remix.

Canonical is already working with a number of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver the software into the market on devices later in 2008.

The Launchpad page for Netbook Remix has quite a bit of information about the project. From there, you are sent to the package list for Ubuntu Remix. If you are an owner of Asus Eee PC, you can already install and use the Netbook Remix on them.

So will Dell’s latest mini notebook be using this OS. And how about openSUSE community also coming up with a project to develop OS for new class of mini-notebook/netbooks, UMPC and MIDs?