The vast majority of netbooks sold these days are based on Microsoft Windows XP operating system (OS) and many system makers are eagerly anticipating the release of Windows 7 later this year. However, large computer makers are experimenting with other operating systems as well: for example, Dell has installed Google Android on its latest Mini 10v.

According to Doug Anson, one of Dell’s software experts and strategists, custom Android build installed onto the Inspiron Mini 10v worked “nicely”. Nevertheless, Dell does not claim that it would actually release a commercial netbook running Android operating system.

“This is an edition of the Android that is ported onto the Mini 10v. It is nice, small and snappy operating environment. I have to point out that we do not have any announced product plans with the Android environment running on a netbook, but we decided to show that it is possible to port [Android] onto Mini 10v. In fact, it runs fairly nicely,” said Doug Anson in a video published by Dell.

Besides Android-based Dell Inspiron Mini 10v, Dell also showcased Mini 10v models running Dell’s custom Ubuntu Linux with updated interface as well as Ubuntu Netbook Remix environment.

“The utility of these Mini 10v’s is quite nice and it makes porting different operating systems quite simple. The updated Synoptics touchpad and Intel graphics [in the Intel 945 GSE chipset] that we use are widely supported by myriad operating systems available today. That makes [the Inspiron Mini 10v] a very nice development notebook, or netbook, to port operating systems and play with operating environments,” added Mr. Anson.

Dell Mini 10v netbook is the most cost-efficient mobile computer in Dell’s lineup – it costs just $299 and is hardly aimed at someone looking for high-quality display or long battery life. The Mini 10v is based on Intel Atom N270 (1.60GHz) central processing unit, Intel 945-series chipset with built-in graphics core and is equipped with 10.1” screen with 1024x576 resolution. The system comes with 120GB hard drive, 1GB of DDR2 memory, 802.11g Wi-Fi adapter, 3-cell battery as well as Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3.

Tags: Dell, Android, Google