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Analysis: Foleo - a sign that mobile Linux can endanger Microsoft mobility efforts ? May 30, 2007 [General] | By Edward J. R. After Internet Tablet from Nokia - without keyboard but with touch screen, now also Palm is releasing a Linux powered mobile device for e-mail, Internet browsing and other applications. Both these Linux mobile devices - from Nokia and Palm - don't have any cellular connectivity but rather rely on Wi-Fi and a connection over Bluetooth with mobile phones. Direct competition of these Linux devices, from the Microsoft point of view, are phone-less PDA's powered by Windows Mobile and Windows Vista powered UMPC's (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer). Will Foleo endanger phone-less Windows Mobile devices and UMPC device? Firstly let's take a look at video presentation about Foleo (Flash-enabled browser may be required): Clearly in comparison with UMPC devices that are powered by Windows Vista - a full desktop operating system - Foleo is much inferior because it can only run limited Linux applications. However Foleo is priced around 500 USD what is usually 2-3 times less than UMPC and low-end notebooks! Also UMPC devices - at least currently - don't offer full-size keyboards, what again points out that Foleo has some advantages. In comparison with phone-less Windows Mobile devices - i.e. PDA's - Foleo compares almost one to one and the advantages are rather in hardware (full size keyboard in Foleo) than in software. Conclusion: while Foleo has no chances yet to undermine market share of Windows Mobile phones (after all it also works perfectly with all Windows Mobile phones), it indeed is in position to endanger phone-less Windows Mobile devices and UMPC's. That what is needed to compete with Foleo on side of Microsoft mobility are cheap (around 500 USD or less) devices with full-size (QWERTY) keyboard powered by Windows Vista. While many UMPC mini-PC's already have impressive specifications, they still don't offer full size QWERTY keyboard and high usability and concentrate rather on touch screen user interface.  Post your comment (free registration is required to post, but if you register you can edit your posts later) [ 8 Comments ]
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