HP to launch Linux-based notebook

Wed., Aug. 4, 2004

Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a sign the Linux operating system may be gaining traction beyond servers and other back-room systems, Hewlett-Packard Co. said Tuesday it will be the first major PC maker to ship a business notebook computer pre-installed with the open-source software.

The HP Compaq nx5000 will feature Novell Inc.’s SuSE Linux and support a CD burner, a DVD and media player, wireless connectivity and the OpenOffice software suite. It will start at an estimated street price of about $1,140 — about $60 less than the basic model outfitted with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows XP Professional operating system.

Though Linux is a viable alternative to Windows in servers and workstations, its adoption on desktop and notebook PCs has been slowed by a dearth of popular programs and software drivers that control peripherals.

In the nx5000, HP has brought together the drivers required for the notebook to manage power, control printers and other devices, said Martin Fink, HP’s vice president for Linux.

“All of those parts of this notebook have been turned on, work completely and are fully supported,” he said.

But HP is not alone. Rival Sun Microsystems Inc. sells a Linux-based software called the Java Desktop System, and computer manufacturer Tadpole Computer Inc. offers notebooks with it.

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HP to launch Linux-based notebook

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