HP not to provide Linux netbooks in UK

HP decided against introducing the Mini 1000 with Mobile Internet Experience in UK and EMEA.

Not for UK?

 HP has decided not to introduce the Mini 1000 Mobile internet (Mi) series in UK, and for that matter in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). The netbook, which was launched in October, was planned to go on sale in all versions this month. In fact, British customers cannot buy any version of the Mini 1000 other than the designer, premium-priced Vivienne Tam edition. That version, which comes only with Windows XP, is already on sale for about £450. This is not the case with the US market where one of the three available versions will, indeed, be running Linux. As an HP spokesperson reportedly told IT Pro,” The company has assessed the current EMEA market and believes that the Compaq 700 and HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition better address the market and consumer needs. As a result the HP Mini 1000 with Mobile Internet Experience will not be introduced in EMEA.”

If the business users so desire, they can still buy the Linux powered HP 2133 Mini-Note – but they will have to be content with its Via C7 processor.

It’s been speculated as well that the new HP Mini 2140 will also come without any Linux option, and a business user can buy HP's business-oriented Mini 2140 with only a choice between XP and Vista.