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ABI Research is projecting that in 2009 Linux will represent 32 percent of netbook sales, far higher than the seven percent figure claimed by Microsoft, says a report. ABI estimates that Linux will overtake Windows on netbooks by 2013, largely due to sales in less-developed countries.

In its most recent report based on its UMDs (Ultra-mobile Devices) study, which covers netbooks, MIDs, and UMPCs, ABI Research says that almost 35 million netbooks will be shipped by manufacturers in 2009. ABI did not publicly break out sales by specific segment or operating system, but a ComputerWorld story by Eric Lai quotes ABI analyst Jeff Orr as saying that the study shows that 32 percent (about 11 million netbooks) of this year’s netbook shipments will be used with a Linux-based operating system. Since Apple has yet to release a netbook, the remaining 68 percent belongs to Microsoft Windows, projects ABI.

As Lai points out, despite the two to one edge for Windows, this is a far cry from the 96 percent advantage Microsoft claimed to have enjoyed in April. Microsoft has now updated its projection by telling Lai that “over 93 percent of worldwide small notebook PCs run Windows today.” This would suggest that even Microsoft agrees that Linux netbook sales have rebounded, at least slightly.

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According to the story, Orr says that while Windows enjoys a higher percentage of U.S. sales, the picture is different overseas. “Just because you live in the United States, don’t assume that everything is on Windows,” Orr was quoted as saying. Non-U.S. consumers have less experience with Windows, and therefore don’t have to overcome the fear of switching to something new, Orr was said to have told Lai. According to ABI, the largest share of netbook sales belongs to the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.