Last week’s Google Chrome OS announcement doesn’t seem to be impacting prior plans for Android netbooks. DigiTimes indicates that Acer is still planning to launch a dual-boot netbook that offers both Microsoft Windows XP and Google Android. I don’t envision any cost difference between an XP / Android netbook and an XP-only device- the cost of a Windows XP license has to be paid in both cases. So there’s no benefit in terms of cost, but there is a value-add in having another operating system for those that want it. Or is there?

I’m not sure I understand why Acer is continuing to pursue the Android angle. It will offer them some hands on time to integrate a Google operating system with their hardware. But Android is ideally suited for ARM-based devices, and Google has made it clear that Chrome OS is their future for netbooks. Heck, Acer is even one of the hardware vendors that have already signed on for Chrome OS.

Because, you know, Chrome OS will only be available in the second half of next year.

So why shouldn't Acer stick to its (admittedly, rather weird) plan for the dual-boot netbook? To wait at least a year before it can use Chrome OS?

Hell, then perhaps Acer should consider not releasing any new netbooks until Chrome OS comes out.

Come on.