Microsoft may be too busy focusing on coming up angles for its “I am a PC” commercials, but that hasn’t stopped Google from trying to gain marketshare in Microsoft’s own backyard. In a move that could build momentum for Android in the netbook market, Acer has announced that it will finally release netbooks that will ship with Google Android. Microsoft has been trying to get into Google’s territory for years now, and it’s about time Google returned the favor. But unlike Microsoft, Google offers its OS for free. As much as Microsoft would love to compete with Google, it can’t compete with free.

Let’s not forget that Microsoft Windows is one powerful operating system. It’s certainly more capable than Google Android at this point. But the limits that MS is putting on the starter OS software that you get on new netbooks makes Android a good, free alternative to consider. Since Android’s for free, you can expect Androidbooks to be cheaper than their Windows counterparts.

Perhaps more manufacturers will now consider adopting open source software on their machines. Linux is a very good alternative to Windows on netbooks, but not many companies have adopted it so far. The latest move by Acer may encourage netbook makers to offer Linux-flavored netbooks to the market as well. So Microsoft will not get an easy pass in this market anytime soon.

One has to wonder how Android netbooks affect Apple’s plans to introduce its own netbooks to the market. You can expect Apple netbooks to be super expensive, and while you get a premium netbook from Apple, it could be hard to justify for every day folks to pay a whole lot of money for a mini laptop. At least Apple has a way to differentiate its potential netbook from Android netbooks. But Microsoft will have to take Android’s blows head on!