Asus Adopts Instant-On Linux Chip For Motherboards

John Dvorak on Asus’ new ROM boot feature:

The most interesting story the media is downplaying is the ASUS announcement that it will have a ROM boot chip on all its motherboards, which will boot Linux instantly on start-up. When you flick the switch the machine is instantly on. (It’s about time.) Of course, you will have to press another button for the machine to load Windows.

An instant on Linux chip with a decent web browser and the normal compliment of plugins means many people will go days or weeks without ever booting the hard drive.  In addition to the instant-on convenience, battery life should be improved as well.  And as Dvorak mentions, it will increase the public’s comfort level with Linux.

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