Hardware
ARM
The specifications and features of netbooks continue to evolve (for example with the introduction of 12-inch screens and ARM processors).
MIPS
Some Ultra-Low Cost Netbooks feature a MIPS CPU.
Intel
One report at the end of 2008 suggested the typical netbook featured a 3-lb (1.4 kg) weight, a 9-inch (23 cm) screen, wireless Internet connectivity, Linux or Windows XP, an Intel chip, and a cost of less than US$400
Software
Linux
As of January 2009, customised Linux distributions are estimated to ship on about 10% of netbooks, making it the second most popular operating system after Windows. As Linux systems normally install software from an Internet software repository, they do not need an optical drive to install software. However, early netbooks like the EEE PC failed to use this benefit by disabling access to the full range of available Linux software
Android
Google's Linux-based Android operating system, designed for mobile telephone handsets, has been demonstrated on an Asus Eee PC and its kernel contains policies for mobile internet devices including the original Asus Eee PC 701. Asus has allocated engineers to develop an Android-based netbook. Freescale have also announced plans for a low-cost ARM-based netbook design, running Android
Mac OS X
Mac OS X has been demonstrated running on various netbooks as a result of the OSx86 project, although this may be in violation of the operating system's End User License Agreement. Apple has complained to sites hosting information on how to install OS X onto non-Apple hardware (including Wired and YouTube) who have redacted and removed content in response. Although Apple has previously taken legal action regarding such installations (see Psystar), a February 2009 federal court ruling may result in the eventual removal of this restriction.
Windows
As of January 2009, over 90% of netbooks are estimated to ship with Windows XP. Microsoft claim that they "will have high market share on netbooks" at around $35 in licenses per device. Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows XP for ultra-low cost personal computers from June 2008 until June 2010, possibly to keep netbooks from gaining market share at the expense of desktops and "value" laptops and to avoid increased use of Linux installations on netbooks. Microsoft is also testing and has demonstrated a 'Starter' edition of Windows 7 for this class of devices which is limited to three running applications.
Windows CE has also been used in netbook applications, due to its reduced feature design, that keeps with the design philosophy of netbooks.
Microsoft will only allow XP to be installed by the manufacturer on netbooks with no more than 1 GB of RAM, requiring Windows Vista otherwise. It is permissible for a user to purchase and install a copy of Windows XP although the older operating system may not support newer hardware, and could be difficult or impossible to install
