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The WSJ's Justin Scheck and Nick Wingfield yesterday broke the news that HP and other PC makers are considering using Google's Linux-based Android OS to run netbooks.

"HP, the largest maker of PCs and a major Windows partner, has programmers testing Android for a potential netbook, said people briefed on the matter, though they said the company hasn't decided yet whether to move ahead with the project," Scheck and Wingfield write.

"HP's use of Android would be a major boost for the Google-developed OS that's used today in mobile phones," notes InformationWeek's Antone Gonsalves. "Because Android is open source, any company can download the software at no charge and use it without permission from Google."

"Lightweight netbooks are one of the few bright spots in the stagnant PC market," writes BusinessWeek's Aaron Ricadela. "Consumers snapped up nearly 5 million of the machines in the fourth quarter, accounting for about 7% of notebook sales, according to IDC. Netbook sales in 2009 are expected to reach 20 million units."

More here from Computerworld ... more here from PC World ... more here from VNUnet ... more here from CNET ... and more here from Fast Company.