Paris, France-based startup Jolicloud launched its first Jolicloud 1.1 operating system-based netbook in the U.K. Called Jolibook, the company is partnering with computer manufacturers around the world to create many different flavors of its netbook. The first manufacturer to produce Jolibook netbooks for the U.K. is Vye.

Jolicloud has also named its Ubuntu-based Linux operating system Jolicloud. Jolicloud OS 1.0 was released in July, and version 1.1 this month. It's small, sturdy and comes with a removable 6 cell 4400 mAh battery, which lasts for seven hours with a single charge. It can be used offline or in the cloud to give best of both the worlds, said Jolicloud. Plus, it is fully optimized to run HTML5, Flash and streaming video, for a faster, more beautiful Web browsing experience, said the maker

Even though it only weighs 1.35 kg and is small in size, it is powerful little computer. It uses the new dual-core 1.5 GHz Intel Atom N550 processor with 250 GB hard drive and 1 GB memory. And offers three USB ports and 10.1-inch touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution. According to Jolicloud, Jolibook can play streaming HD video from Netflix, YouTube and Boxee. Plus, it boots up in mere seconds. Additionally, the netbook’s wireless communications are optimized to help user find Wifi networks and Bluetooth devices quicker than ever, according to the manufacturer. The price tag is about $446.

More than 750 apps from the built-in Jolicloud App Center -- games, office tools, music and video players and more -- all installed and updated in just one click. Plus you can see what apps your friends are using in the Jolicloud Stream. Best of all, all of your apps are always up-to-date, Jolicloud said.

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Rooney, “This venture into hardware, even if only in partnership, is a brave move for a small start-up. They are not the first company to try to break the Microsoft/Apple hegemony, but they are one of the first to tie their approach so firmly to the cloud and app model.”

Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf