Works With U

I sometimes worry that Ubuntu Mobile will forever live in the shadow of Apple’s iPhone and Google Android. But Ubuntu is beginning to make the move onto Internet devices. Here’s a quick video demo of the Wibrain UMPC running Ubuntu Linux.

The Wibrain UMPC , which can also run Windows, is positioned as a mobile communicator for consumers and businesses–particularly vertical market applications like hotel management and logistics.

The Ubuntu Live conference doesn’t kick off until July 21, but The VAR Guy is already booking his flight to the Portland, Oregon-based event. Here are five key trends our guest blogger expects to track at the event.

For as long as I can remember, Linux was “marketed” and pushed towards the younger crowd—the computer-savvy, self-described “geeky” community that had no problem getting Linux to work on their system. But now, even my boss is running Ubuntu. Here’s our story.

I broke down and purchased the Asus Eee PC (above left) from a retail superstore today. At $299 for the older 2GB model, it seemed like a steal. And compared to my MacBook Pro (above right), the Eee PC is super small. Here are some initial thoughts about the Eee PC, including the most important one of all: The Eee PC shatters the myth that consumers can’t use Linux.

We launched Works With U on May 2, 2008. In less than 24 hours, I’ve been flooded with a range of email filled with questions, feedback and even some constructive criticism from Ubuntu users in North America, Europe, Australia and other regions. And we’re listening to our early readers.

Welcome to Works With U, from the folks at Nine Lives Media Inc. We’re set to document the rise of Ubuntu Linux in academia, business and consumer settings. We’ll show readers how to unlock the full power of Ubuntu in their organizations. And we’ll help millions of readers understand that Ubuntu is a true platform — mobile, desktop, server — for the modern age. Here’s some background about this site, and what we hope to achieve.

If you’re a leader or voice in the Ubuntu community, we’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you about our podcasts. The Works With U podcasts, featuring the top voices from the Ubuntu movement, will debut in June.

With the release of Hardy Heron only 5 days away, Canonical has announced the Hardy Heron 8.04 Long Term Release Candidate. Long term releases are releases that Canonical will support for three years on the desktop, and five years on servers.

One of the great services that Canonical offers with Ubuntu is shipping free installation disks to anyone who requests them. With 8.04 “Hardy Heron” going into final release, they have started accepting pre-orders for CD’s at Shipit. If it’s difficult for you to do large downloads, or you’re just someone who would appreciate a shiny pressed CD of Ubuntu, head over and put in your request!

Contrary to recent rumors, Dell has no plans to introduce Ubuntu pre-loads on its servers, according to The VAR Guy, our sister Web site. Details here.