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At the core of this effort is a customised Ubuntu Mobile Edition (UME) Launcher, which will replace the familiar desktop and provide a simplified icon-based interface, similar to that seen on the Eee PC.

Dubbed "Netbook Remix", Canonical says the operating system is being developed with the restrictions of the platform in mind, including battery life, power and smaller screen size. As part of this, Ubuntu claims to be working with Intel through its Moblin initiative to optimise Remix for use on Atom processors.

Read our review of the Atom processor here.

The technology is being demonstrated at Computex, and Canonical claims we can expect to see the software appearing on devices later in 2008.

The porting of Ubuntu to low-cost laptops is part follows news that Canonical is working with ARM to developing a version of Ubuntu for Nokia's Internet Tablet devices and similar devices.