Actually, the new release for android is quite stable and should run on a Notebook or Netbook without any compatibility issues, since its designed to support Intel processors like the Atom processors. That's cos the new version is designed specifically for tablets, which are almost similar to notebooks in terms of build.
You can definitely install Android on a Laptop, though I don't know about a Desktop since they have different hardware specs and may not be supported, and this is definitely not recommended. Do bear in mind that when you do run android on your laptop there will still be some issues, such as that you cannot save downloaded apps, as they disappear upon rebooting the system. Surfing the net however is pretty slick and smooth.
To install android on your notebook, do the following :-
[you'll need a USB drive with atleast 256MB of free space, or a blank CD]
1. Go to [ "http://go.chip.in/nlotp" ] and save the file "android-x86-1.6-r2.iso" listed under Stable Release Section.
2. Go to [ http://go.chip.in/lndnf ] and save the Windows version of UNetbootin.
3. Run the UNetbootin application and plug in your USB drive. Select the "Diskimage" option and browse to and load the ISO file of the android OS. Next, set the type to "USB Drive" and select the USB drive you plugged in from the drop-down menu. Click OK and your live bootable USB drive is ready. Additionally, you can also burn the ISO to a CD, and use the CD to boot. If you prefer doing this, skip the next step (4).
4. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS, which can be done by pressing the DEL key or F10 key (depends from system to system - it shows up at the bottom of your screen while booting). Here you have to change your boot-order. Set your flash drive as the booting device.
5. On booting, select the "Run Android x86 without installation" option. It'll take a few moments for it to load up - when it does, you're running Android on your netbook/notebook!
[this involves running the OS without installation, you can still install it, though it isn't recommended and may give you problems. Why not wait till a stable, official build is out?]
Hope that helps! :)