Jolicloud Intros Linux Netbook

Jolibook Netbook

Operating system developer Jolicloud is floating into the hardware development world with the upcoming release of a netbook, the Jolibook, that will run Jolicloud, its Linux software.

Later this month, the company plans to take the wraps off the Jolibook, which will operate on Jolicloud 1.1, CEO Tariq Krim told TechCrunch. The HTML 5-based device also will include Chromium, Spotify, VLC, Skype, and will be powered-up by a dual-core Intel Atom N550, the report said. In addition, the netbook is expected to feature a 250-GB hard drive, VGA port, three USB sockets, an Ethernet port, and will be capable of playing high-definition ready video content.

Krim posted photographs of the soon-to-debut netbooks on Twitter and Flickr. In the picture, the hardware case features colorful, cartoon-like graphics.

"Jolicloud is all about the experience, the elegance, and the performance, providing the best possible user interface with an efficient operating system. This is why we have developed our own front end leveraging HTML5 technologies on top of the Chromium browser," said Jolicloud, about its OS.

The vendor will, of course, be vying for mindshare and dollars in a market crowded with Windows 7 powered netbooks. Recently, for example, Acer took the wraps off new models and Apple has been winning market share. Jolicloud has not yet disclosed pricing or committed to a screen size, although the Jolibook could feature a 10.1-inch screen, reports said. Tablet PCs also are competing for consumer and business' mobile computing dollars.

Jolicloud, which was founded more than two years ago, raised $4.2 million in July 2009. Atomico Ventures and Mangrove Capital Partners have backed the company.