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An Android-based netbook now seems a near certainty. Asustek’s Samson Hu, who heads the Eee PC business, had told Bloomberg that the company has begun work on an Android-based netbook, but did not promise a commercial version. But Asus isn’t the only one allured by the distinctive price advantage offered by Google’s Android OS. HP has confirmed that it, too, is deliberating upon the use of Android netbooks as an alternative to Windows in netbooks.

Following Asustek’s lead, HP has deputed a team of engineers to the task of developing an Android-based solution for netbooks, but hasn’t still committed itself to a commercial product. “We want to assess the capability it will have for the computing and communications industry,” HP’s spokesperson Marlene Somsak said.

Though Asus and HP are only testing waters, Android-based netbooks may become a reality in the near future – perhaps as early as next year. All said, challenging Windows’ ascendancy in the netbook segment won’t be easy for Android.