Currently Android and Windows are probably the two best known OSes for tablets, netbooks, and other portable devices (well, there’s the iPhone too, but that’s only one vendor). But there is an upcoming darling in the industry called MeeGo and they are an alternative to the Big 3 and offers an interesting platform for portable computers and small devices. What makes MeeGo different from the rest is that it is an open source project and supported by some big names: Intel, Nokia, Electronic Arts, Acer, Asus, and BMW. (Yes, *that* BMW).

During Intel’s keynote at Computex today, Intel revealed that Acer will be releasing products based on MeeGo, making it the first major notebook OEM I know of to offer the open source platform.

According to the Intel press release, Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci states:

“Acer will be ready with MeeGo-based mobile devices,” said Lanci. “MeeGo’s open software platform will present our customers with another choice of a friendly, easy-to-use operating system. We are pleased to collaborate with Intel in our continuous drive to provide effortless technologies that empower people at work, home – anytime, anywhere.”

No word on when such devices will come to the market, but this Christmas is looking to be a very interesting time frame with a bunch of new slates, handhelds, and related software from Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, Apple, and Google.

Engadget also had a chance to get hands-on with an alpha build of a MeeGo Intel tablet based off the Moorestown platform. It looks very impressive.


Read the complete Intel press release here.

Computex: Intel outs Acer's Affair with MeeGo - Mobile 2