Last week I wrote about two different projections claiming that Linux will recapture 50% of the netbook market, either in three years or by next year. Compelling MIPS and ARM based systems are the reason.

When it launched the netbook phenomenon a couple of years ago, the most noticeable thing about the Asus EEE PC, apart from its size, was that it typically ran Linux. Suddenly everyone was predicting the demise of Windows and the rise of Linux.

That shiny new netbook is light and portable, plays music and movies, and cost less than an iPhone (with service). Problem is: you might be ready to chuck it off a bridge. The answer to the netbook dilemma is: find an alternative operating system.

Scoffers have been dismissing the Linux netbook, but I've been saying all along that the Linux netbook was alive and well and that Google would make its desktop Linux move with Android this year. But, I sure didn't see everyone this side of Microsoft jumping in the Linux netbook pool for the summer. Well, you know what? That's exactly what they're doing.

Back in March I wrote a glowing review of my Sylvania g Netbook Meso, calling it "a Linux netbook done right." Last month everything changed.

The Windows share of the US netbook market is a staggering 96 percent. That's up from less than 10 percent of US unit sales during the first half of 2008 when the words netbook and Linux pretty much ran together. Now it seems that the netbook revolution is leaving Linux behind. Is Linux a Dead Man Walking?

Why do Microsoft and vendors like ASUS continue to push the line that Microsoft Windows is the ultimate operating system for the diminutive ultraportable netbook market?

Eager to add Penguin-power to your pint-sized portable? New releases of Mandriva and KDE Desktop are being optimised for a better netbook experience.

Back in May I wrote an article titled Linux To Regain 50% Netbook Market Share after such predictions were made by Stephen Lim of Linpus Technologies and ABI Research. ABI Research published some new data last month and the results may surprise you.