The Moblin project was launched by Intel in 2007 with the goal of building a Linux-based platform for small form-factor mobile devices. Although the underlying technology is compelling and exhibits considerable potential, Intel's surprising degree of ambivalence on fundamental issues like hardware compatibility and open drivers could threaten Moblin's relevance.

One of the clearest examples of Intel's declining commitment is the company's cavalier disregard for concerns about the status of the Linux drivers for its GMA500 integrated graphics component. The GMA500, which is also known as Poulsbo, is shipped in popular netbooks like the Acer Aspire One and certain Dell Mini models. Unlike Intel's other integrated graphics solutions, Poulsbo is partly based on Imagination Technologies's PowerVR and is only marginally supported on Linux. The Poulsbo drivers are a complete disaster and are almost impossible for Linux vendors to support.