Since 2007, Phoenix Technologies as offered a fast boot option which incorporates a Linux OS, along with a Firefox browser, to get users on the Internet quickly. No longer does a user have to wait for Windows to boot up before accessing the Internet. Though this technology sounds great, Phoenix has a pay option that requires a yearly subscription to use their fast boot system.

According to a recent article the systems works like this:

Two editions are offered for download from the HyperSpace Web site. A Hybrid version, priced at US$59.95 per year, allows users to toggle back and forth between Windows and the HyperSpace OS. The Dual version, priced at $39.95 per year, allows only one OS to run at a time.

The Hybrid version is for standard laptops and uses the VT virtualization technology built into some Intel processors, such as the Core 2 Duo. It was shown at CES running on a Lenovo Thinkpad. The Dual version is for netbooks based on Intel’s Atom processor, which does not have the virtualization technology, and was shown on Lenovo’s IdeaPad netbook.

HyperSpace can’t access files or applications in Windows. If a user gets an e-mail with a Word attachment while using HyperSpace, they have to go back to Windows to launch Word and view the attachment. With the Dual version, this means restarting the laptop in Windows mode.

But HyperSpace can still help overcome the frustrating experience of waiting for Windows to start up and shut down. Phoenix plans to release new applications for HyperSpace in the second quarter that will be included in the subscription price, such as programs for playing DVDs and MP3 music files.

It also hopes to cut deals with PC vendors to get the software preinstalled on laptops. But it says its goal is to complement Windows, not replace it.

Though I would like a faster booting computer and fast access to the Internet, I am not sure I would be willing to pay a yearly subsciption fee for this luxury.

What about you?

Comments welcome.

Source.