Linux Foundation Predicts All Netbooks Are Free By 2010

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation, says some interesting things are in store for netbooks in the future if mobile internet providers follow his advice and give away netbooks for free.

Why? Providers can profit through multi-year subscriptions and application stores. By passing out netbooks like candy and depending on the fact that users will want to spice up their computing with applications and bonus features, the business plan could work.

Zemlin made a confident prediction that some vendors with stakes in Microsoft won’t be too happy about:

“In less than a year, I predict that the new cost of a netbook will be zero.”

Naturally, Linux fits into the formula by acting as a software cost cutter. Netbooks could be a whole new ball game if Zemlin has his way, but it depends on consumers dealing with monthly subscriptions. Will it be worth it in the long run?

Via TheInquirer.