No explanation for the PC giant’s decision was given, according to Stephen Vaughan-Nichols. Presumably, after years of shouldering the unwanted burden of supporting Microsoft operating systems, the vendor was loathe to increase the burden on its support staff further.

Australian users will not be offered versions of Lenovo’s new IdeaPad netbooks with a Linux OS or an 8.9-inch screen, at least not initially.Models slated for Australia will have Windows XP and 10.2-inch screens.