We knew netbook makers were already checking out Android, so I suppose it is logical that it would extend to all portable devices. Apparently, Sony will be producing some future Walkman portable music players built on Android, Google's open-source, Linux-based phone OS.

I have been working with the Plug Computer for a while now and have first hand experience with the diminutive size of the current crop of nano Linux machines. The latest Compulab Fit-PC2 offering carries on that fine tradition of micro-miniaturization.

Around the Eee PC boom, the idea of a special quick-boot OS for checking email and surfing the web arose, largely thanks to a company called Device VM (better known as Splashtop). Though it's a cool idea that has just started to take off, it's not clear how long it will last.

The Ubuntu Developer Summit, currently running in Barcelona, is reported to have three sessions dealing with Google's Android operating system, fuelling speculation over what Karmic Koala, Ubuntu 9.10, will offer in the way of Android compatibility.

After a year-and-a-half's worth of work, Intel hacker Sarah Sharp announced that Linux will be the first operating system supporting USB 3.0.

As promised, Palm's Linux-based smartphone went on sale Saturday, available exclusively for Sprint networks, says eWEEK. Early reviews have been favorable, although analysts worry about the lack of software and the ability of Sprint to effectively market the Palm Pre.

A few growing pains aside, a Linux deployment in a Santa Rosa, CA elementary school district is maturing robustly, letting teachers and students stand apart from their previous dependence on Microsoft Windows while they try on new open software attitudes.

The first Android-running phone, the G1, attracted a fair amount of attention, but didn't really make it as a mainstream phone. Over and over again, though, people said it was the hardware, not the software, that made them dislike the phone.