The Android operating system, officially, does not run on x86 CPUs such as the Atom, but some hackers and have gotten the operating system to do so.

By contrast, Android already runs on that began shipping last year.

The ARM processor, used in more than 10 billion mobile phones to date, uses less electricity and costs even less than the Atom processor.

Ian Drew, senior vice president of U.K.-based ARM Holdings, the developer of the ARM chip technology, told Computerworld last week that he "expects to see six to 10 ARM netbooks this year starting in Q3."

All will be running the Linux operating system or a Linux derivative such as Android, boast 8-12 hour battery life and cost about US$200, Drew said.