The partners all want a light, free OS that is user friendly and fully loaded(the OS not the machine) for the masses so they can build in more profit for the netbooks which don’t earn them much profit at all. Spending 18 dollars on an OS is not helping them(XP cost, which I think MS should simply give 7 starter away if this is the case).
IMO I think you will see less powerful netbooks in the future if ChromeOS takes off with smaller storage space, maybe less ports, less ram etc.
Remember, ATT had 100% of the market prior to divestiture. They lost 30% of the market OVERNIGHT.
There are so many people that HATE microsoft they will switch literally overnight. Especially if they can get a decent OS that is free.
Google has the money and the market they can work with.
If they can get 5% of the market, that would be HUGE—especially in the netbook market that is only going to be bigger. I bought my last notebook two years ago, and it is used mostly for web use and file transfer when I am on the road. This could easily be handled by a netbook.
Toss in the ability to watch an mp4 movie on it, and I would be all set.
Just my two cent, average joe Macbook user, opinion.