ASUS has announced that they will begin selling an Eee PC that comes preinstalled with Windows XP instead of the default Xandros based Linux distribution. A Windows XP based Eee PC currently sells in Japan, but not in the United States.
According to this Reuters article, the Windows based Eee PC will cost (or start at?) approximately $400. ASUS expects that the Windows based devices will make up about 60% of sales as well.
{ 67 comments }
I’m not happy.
Why Windows XP, especially for a soon-to-be discontinued OS?
Probably because Vista is a memory and power consuming monster
HD space plus GMA900 graphics. Lets face it 8gb is not a lot of space especially for Vista with an install of 15+gb. There is already a lawsuit over the GMA900 issue and I doubt the EEEPC is going to get the X3100 needed to have a Vista ready sticker.
Why XP and not others?
As an Eee user and a financial analyst, I see two folds:
1. From the technical standpoint, this move is appropriate as Windows XP has been proven to run reasonably well on the EEE, even with 512MB of memory. Like most Windows XP that come reloaded in retail computers, the one the comes preinstalled will probably be slightly different from the retail version, modified slightly to cut licensing expense and to suit the standard features of the EEE.
2. In a comerece standpoint, the income contribution from Windows XP has already cover all its research expenses and capital expenditures. Moreover, the asset value related to the XP product lines has already been greatly amortized in the past few years already. As such, Microsoft will find it extremely affordable and profitable to sell the XP in large volumes at a much discounted price. Asus will also find the discounted price on XP very appealing.
Windows or Linux..both are alright in my opinion.
Don’t see the point of getting a windows version when the linux version of this machine is so user-friendly in the easy mode. Installing a nLite version of XP wont cost u that much money either.
Users tend to have the perception of Linux ‘unfriendly’ or ‘difficult to learn’ because they are not used to using Linux.
XP is ok for the eee if it is installed via nLite and cut down to the basics. It seems to work surprisingly well on the eee. It’s a pity though that this little jewel gets away from its initial target which was to be an extremely cheap, open sourced portable machine.
Why not pay $450 and get a full laptop? what’s the point in getting asus if its to be compared in terms of pricing to all other laptops on the market?
BTW, it’s so good to have you back Mr. Author
Windows users complain about everything, first computers that don’t have windows on it, THEN its going to be that they can’t install any of their software because they don’t want to pay extra money for an external cdrom drive. Then they are going to blame linux for it.
A little prespective: I’m writing this on a Compaq Presario circa 1999. It has a 400MHz AMD K6-2 cpu, 192MB max RAM, 6GB HDD, 8MB ATI Rage graphics (1024×768). . . and it runs Windows XP Home SP2 *just fine*! Use Firefox 2, AVG anti-v., stream net-radio, blogging, home finances, play 2D games like Bejeweled, Peggle, SimCity, killer Transcendence (thanks George!), watch YouTube, USB key (at 1.1 speeds), WiFi PC-card broadband, even a CD-ROM! So, performance is all relative – I think the WinXP Eee will run more than fast enough.
Michael
Sounds like the same machine my wife has, although I put a larger hard drive in it for her. Runs XP just fine but a little slow. Only problem is Windows Media does not support the DVD reader so I am trying to find a decoder that will work with it. I have a Presario 900 with 512K that came with XP and has been running it just fine, so there is no reason the Eee can’t do the same for those who have to have Windows. However, my observation is that, for most people (myself included), the Eee has everything necessary for what the machine was designed for and runs right out of the box, is reasonably priced (hope Asus keeps that in mind) and, most of all, is light and a lot easier to carry than all those 15 inch wide screen notebooks that do everything a desktop does. I’m just waiting for the 900 to come out so I don’t have to put a magnifying sheet over the screen.
I have seen the Eeepc with XP logo sticker being sold today for the 4G version. I did not really look at it in detail, but it looks like it has around 400MB left after the basic Window XP install. It just does not look that attractive compare to the default Linux where you already have Office installed, skype, and IM program all installed already.
Hmm.
Might be acceptable if they crowbar Splashtop on there at the very least.
I’m not sure that the removal of Xandros entirely is a good idea, but I can certainly see the appeal of an EEE with XP installed by default.
I also think that the burgeoning UMPC market may yet make MS rethink discontinuing XP.
I wish the eee had a cd/dvd drive.
Then I might deem it worth it to purchase.
So is this version of the eeepc the 2 gig or 4 gig? How is it going to be priced the same as the version with Xandros? Don’t they have to pay for XP licenses? And I thought the XP was coming with 1 gig of memory, it doesn’t make sense to sell it for the same price.
Anyone know if any *useful* software will be installed by default? Like office? Or will you have to shell out several hundred to get that loaded?
I’m going to wait until those $200-$250 devices with 7″ screens running the Atom processor & Poulsborough (?) chipset come out like Intel is saying.
Asus is making a killing off the 701 right now and it seems they’re more than content to ratchet up the prices. I just want something basic and reliable running Linux with reasonable specs that won’t burn my legs during use.
Competition is a good thing, I can’t wait until it really starts to happen.
I was set on buying one of these machines, but with Windows XP installed… not a chance. I’ll stick with the EEE 4g. Hopefully another manufacture will rise to the challenge and produce a machine with a bigger screen and running LINUX.
i use WINDOWS XP sp3 NLite and they run fantastic on my 4g model….they took about 560 MB of space so i have enough storage left for apps and with CPU at 750 MHz(eeectl software) its just perfect..yea
Asus still has the lead with the EEE PC, but has set a trend with their competitors. I’m all in favour of a simple affordable lightweigh computer for basic email, webbrowsing, IM, workprocessing & spreadsheeting. Let’s see the competition come out & drive the prices down even further.
I’m COMPLETELY happy with using my EEE PC as an ultraportable laptop when I just need the basics. I’m looking forward to seeing the new models with larger screens as the only drawback at this point is the small 7″ screen (9″ or 10″ would be ideal) and the small keyboard (slightly larger for touchtyping please!).
I’d be happy with dual boot (Linux & XP). I loved the Linux interface that came with the EEE PC. But I have 2 programs I need that only work in Windows, so I installed XP. Now it’s nice to know a version of XP has been tailored for the EEE PC. It’s not about which OS is better, it’s all about the applications the end user needs. For most users linux with open office & firefox is enough. but i’m using the exact same programs in windows too!
i will only buy linux. I’ve already payed my M$ tax.
I just bought my EEE PC — I am so in love with it, I think it’s the best invention since coffee. I was scared of the Linux operating system at first, but in five minutes I had found my way around most of the basic tasks, set up a wireless connection, updated all my software and it was so easy! I asked the guys in the store where I bought my Asus if I could install windows on it and they gave me the great advice of “wait and see” if I could navigate Linux first. I’m glad I did — it’s so easy!
I cannot believe how awesome this computer is. I can’t believe it. It fits in my handbag!
Knowing that they will have other versions without just Windows, I will still hold off.
I believe one version was shown that was a 12gb with Xandros. I would go for that.
I think some people are forgetting that Xandros is not free. Also that Asus are not supporting Xandros properly (at all?). And of course there is no support from Xandros. At least with XP, you can get timely (sort of) security updates at least and are able to install the latest security patched versions of Firefox for example. It’s a pity cos the task based Xandros interface wasn’t too bad at all, but maybe the icons could have been a bit smaller etc.. It’s a great pity Asus didn’t commission some other Linux distributor to produce a (supported) distribution specifically for the EEE. Of course, Asus is in business like everybody else to make money, so they probably don’t give a toss anyway as long as they can shift EEEs.
Asus has already started selling EeePC 4G with Windows XP Home in Russia. Asus has kept the price around $400USD, but the models come with a lesser capacity battery 4400 mAh that is usually provided with the Surf models, although the ones sold in Russia are not Surf (they have a webcam and hatch for accessing the RAM for upgrade).
@dvdivx
What issue and what lawsuit exactly do you mean? I am curious to know.
XP? What a joke – about 10 of these EPC will be sold before XP goes obsolete from MS?
Given the continuous shortage of 8G EPC there is NO REASON to believe more than 10 of these will be produced anytime in 2008.
ASSUS saying the EPC XP versions will outsell the existing versions is completely ignorant – brought to you by the same people that provide one accessory (a/c adapter for 10% system cost) rather than the “advertised” line of accessories.
Do we need to CONSTANTLY remind people all the “marketing” speak about non-existent products from ASSUS is a waste of time?
Boring, I’m looking elsewhere all the time. I’ve learned here that “Lenovo outlet” has some good deals, and now I recommend them for anyone looking for a “like new” $550 laptop.
I’m just curious, is there any way to attract the attention of ASUS? Most companies don’t care about the public opinion, though er, I don’t know. Xandros is not free obviously enough, but it’s a push in a right direction for Linux.
Should there be a sort of petition embracing the Linux-way instead of the Microsoft tie down? I mean, all honesty I’m slightly upset by this matter. I’m poorly encouraged to actually install other “maintained” OSes because frankly, this is depressing.
The reason why I bought the Eee PC was because it was faster than the competitors and more important, a Linux Distro ‘was’ the main OS. Fuck, where is my receipt?
Windows XP is the best OS from the Microsoft Stable. Vista sucks and requires a very high hardware configuration to run smoothly. I dont understand when people say Windows XP is outdated????
I have been using Windows XP Prof on my 128MB RAM Laptop with a Celeron Processor and runs smoothly. I have Vista Home Basic running on another laptop with 512 MB RAM and Centrino processor and it runs like a lame donkey.
Windows XP should run great on the Eee 4G. The only problem would be if they install too many unneeded components which will hardly have any space left for other applications or data.
Asus Eee PC 8G is the highest and most expensive model. … According to previous report, Asus Eee PC Will be Available at Best Buy
High quality replacement Asus Eee PC 8G
(1G RAM) Laptop Batteries . This 11.1V, Li-ion Asus Eee PC 8G(1G RAM) Laptop Batteries from Notebook-battery.us is rated at
2200mAh capacity and is 100% compatible with the original equipment.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/eee-pc-to-get-intels-diamondville-hard-drives-and-fashion-forward-style
I’ve researched the issue. Er, seems like a boo, boo.
“ASUS has announced that they will begin selling an Eee PC that comes preinstalled with Windows XP instead of the default Xandros based Linux distribution.”
From LaptopMag.Com, they stated, “We will stick with both and we will continue to work with Xandros for the Linux operating system.”
You confused me. =\
Not only in Japan. Now EEE PC with XP home selling in Russia. ~ 411US$ 9999RuR
Interesting move by Micro$oft. Seeing the success of the Eee in linux format, decides to get into the act, just in case most people find out that linux is a viable alternative operating system. I was looking forward to the 900 but not if it only comes in XP.
hi,
does anyone know if the $400 is in AUSD or USD?
thanks
Asus will NOT abandon Xandros on the Eee PC. Some models will come with Windows XP pre-installed, some with Xandros pre-installed. That will be true also for the Eee PC 900. Asus CEO Jerry Shen is very explicit about that in his interview. There has never been a statement that *the* Eee PC will come with Windows XP pre-installed, only that Asus will sell *a* Eee PC with Windows XP pre-installed.
Hm, the wording of the News Release by Asus could indeed give the wrong impression that the Eee PC will by sold with XP pre-installed only, but from all the other information it is clear that that will not be so.
I think “Ausboffin” is right. The Eee PC appears to be very popular and Microsoft may fear that many will discover that they can do without Windows very well. So they offer XP for the Eee PC for little in return (praise the “Microsoft Windows XP Experience” and the “The Windows Live Style”).
Just recieved mine. “Designed for Windows XP” sticker logo looks funny on Linux device.
Stacey: yeah, I’ve been looking around for a good price on a slimline external cdrom (possibly dvd/cdrw) that I can just velcro to the lid and remove when needed, or something like that.
I’m surprised to see this ‘news’ on various sites. I allready have an xp-pre-installed 4G for a few weeks now.
Burzin: MS is no longer going to support or sell XP. That is why people say its outdated.
I thought about installing XP and even bought a new slimline external dvd burner to do the job, When I actually thought about what I needed from the EEE, I realised that it did everything I wanted in a super compact machine, and I don’t need the agravation of Windows, If you said OS X then I may be interested lol
I’m no MS fan, but WinXP is not as bloated as people think. Compared to most popular Linux distros, XP is a feather. I have an Eee 4G. I played with the default OS for a day or so, but it was too basic for me. I tried different flavors of Linux OSes before installing WinXP.
Just for comparison, I’ll use Ubuntu. After the initial install, there was less than 1GB free on the 4GB SSD. I uninstalled what it would let me through it’s add/remove programs interface and was only able to slim it down to around 2GB. There were lots of programs I will never use that it would not let me uninstall due to dependency issues with other components that I did need.
Now on to XP. I used an OEM WinXP SP2 disk, and did NOT modify it with nLite. The initial install was only 750MB. After installing all critical Windows updates, IE7 and WMP11 it was up to over 1GB. Then I removed all the leftover files from the updates, since I knew I would not be uninstalling them, uninstalled some unneeded Windows Components from the Add/Remove programs, and it was back down to around 800MB.
That said, I already had an extra unused WinXP lying around, so it was no extra money out of my pocket. I would not have spent the extra money on a WinXP disk/license when the default Xandros OS can handle all my basic internet needs, or I could live with a full distro like Ubuntu for my more advanced needs.
I’m not new to Linux, I’ve been using it since the mid 90′s. I worked for several ISP’s setting up cheap Linux solutions to replace their more expensive Solaris and Windows servers. I wired several old businesses with Ethernet, set up Linux machines to handle DHCP, NAT and firewall. Linux is a great low cost solution in the server market. For a desktop OS it has come a long way, but even after all of these years, it still has a long way to go. I used Linux at home for a while, but eventually just got tired of the “maintenance” it requires.
Jim,
I do believe that one should use the OS that they are comfortable with or that does what one wants. All this carping back and forth between those advocating their pet OS does not help. I am waiting for the Eee 900 and will probably leave the default Xandros on for a while just because it will do everything I anticipate needing right out of the box. However, I use XP on my desktop so may whind up changing eventually. With all I have heard about it, I am not too enthusiastic about Vista. XP works for what I need.
That said, your experience with XP is interesting and reminds me of the old days of DOS when it was easy to remove what was not needed. What were the “unneeded Windows Components” that you uninstalled? Also, with XP on your Eee, what are you using as antivirus and firewall?
(Edit: I’m putting my ending up here because it’s more important.
( In the end, like Bob said, you use what makes you comfortable, not what
( others tell you is *far superior* or *worst thing every made*. It’s like cars,
( One might drive a beat up old Volkswagen Beetle because they are comfortable with it
( and it’s what they like driving, where someone else might drive a Mercedes because that
( is what they are comfortable with. Makes no difference really, it still gets the job done,
( Just depends on how comfortable and happy you want to be doing it. People will have
( always their opinions about whatever you do
( — End Major Life Lesson
( — P.S. Use Linux!!
First off, I’m loving this “removed unneeded windows components”, because I just removed Outlook Express on a client’s machine because it was taking over the sending of emails from Word even though the computer knew to send through Outlook 2000. The fun part is trying to send again and the uninstalled Outlook Express popping up to make sure the email gets sen..oh wait it still can’t send emails anyway! FAIL
Windows XP is not bloated, it’s just ugly and doesn’t work how I want it to. The whole virus and spyware and all that just puts the final nails in the coffin.
Linux is awesome on the server more then the desktop because, “even after all these years”, they just recently started *really* working on the Desktop usability. All in all, Linux is *VERY* usable on the desktop and can do most things rather easily.
“Why not pay $450 and get a full laptop?”
Because I’m bloody sick of carrying around a full laptop. That’s why.
Try to bear in mind the integration here: price, performance, size. If you drop any one of these three, it doesn’t make sense. Keep them all together, and there are a lot of people who find it to be just exactly the thing.
You know, the cheapest I’ve seen a “full laptop” for is around $550 for a Dell Inspiron.
Where can I find this $450 ‘full’ laptop?
Ronald:
Just look at Staples ads. They have a really cheap laptop most weeks. Usually an Acer. Wal-Mart also has one or two “full laptops” fairly cheap as well.
M$ Windows will make eee pc expensive – because the cost of the XP software and because of the memory needed to run well XP.
Remember that the first option of eee PC with Linux, is with 256MB RAM and with 2GB flash – and to this new hardware for XP version, there is 1GB RAM, 4 X times more and 8GB Flash, 4 X times more!! As we can see, Linux is much more efficient!! and we consumers win using Linux.
Also XP is very old software, last update SP2 from 2004, while Linux is very fresh, and with better visual and updated drivers for bluetooth, wireless, etc.
Bob: “I do believe that one should use the OS that they are comfortable with or that does what one wants.All this carping back and forth between those advocating their pet OS does not help.”
I did not intend to imply that one should use one OS or the other. I just read the replies from “Linux people” ranting about how XP is so bloated, but when compared to the most popular Linux distros, XP comes out lighter. Then there are the “Windows people” who say Linux is too hard to use. Linux isn’t necessarily harder to use, it’s just different than what most people are used to.
Bob: “What were the “unneeded Windows Components” that you uninstalled? Also, with XP on your Eee, what are you using as antivirus and firewall?”
The components I removed were all removed by using Windows’ built in Add/Remove Programs in the control panel. I removed the games (except solitaire), MS Paint, Wallpaper, MSN Explorer and MSN Messenger to name a few. I don’t like those programs that forcefully remove things from Windows, the few MB you save aren’t worth the trouble it may cause later on. For anti-virus, I use AVG, and for firewall, I use Comodo Firewall Pro.
Billy Beck: “Because I’m bloody sick of carrying around a full laptop. That’s why.”
You took the words right out of my mouth. Before I bought the Eee, I was using a 5 year old HP. It was a 14″er non widescreen. I was too big and heavy to carry around, and when I took it on trips, it stayed in the hotel. I pretty much only used it for internet and email anyway, but also I would dump pics from my camera and occasionally watch a DVD.
I decided I wanted a smaller, lighter notebook and began the search. I shopped for over 6 months when I went ahead and bought a Dell M1330. With it’s 13.3″ widescreen footprint, it was barely smaller than my old notebook, but at 4lbs it was much lighter. Even though it was lighter, I realized that at its size I still wouldn’t want to carry that around with me, so I sent it back.
I bought the Eee when I got my refund and couldn’t be happier. A couple of weeks ago I went out of town for a week. I have an 8GB SDHC card and a 4GB USB drive. I coped some recorded TV shows from my Windows MCE machine to them. I watched some TV on the plane, and at the airport during my 3 hour layover. When I got to my destination I actually carried the Eee with me a few times when I left the hotel. One night I had it with me at a restaurant which happened to have free wifi access. It was so nice not to have to lug a full size notebook through airport security and on the plane.
It’s not as fast as the notebook it replaced, but it does everything I need it to do and it’s much easier to carry around. I can always buy an external DVD drive if I want to play DVD’s on it, and I already have an external 120GB USB drive to use if I need a place to dump pics from my camera.
I would liked to have waited for the 900 series, but I knew I had this trip coming up, so I got the 4G. I might have another trip coming up in May, so I’m glad I got it when I did. I probably will “upgrade” when the new ones come out though.
Jim,
Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you were one of those rabid “one OS and no other” types. I’ve been reading the ranters also. What I was interested in was your experience with XP which I have been using with no problem on about a 5-6 year old Compaq that I lug around everyday. Like you, I want something light that will handle internet, e-mail and some note taking (the Eee also looks pretty spiffy). The only reason I’m waiting for the 900 is because it will be easier on my middle aged eyes. If its good enough, I might not need my reading glasses to see it. Anyway, thanks for the tips on what you took off, I have a copy of XP on an old hard drive from another laptop that died for other reasons so I could put that in a USB transfer case and use it that way.
@ all of the the “Why not pay $450, $500, $600 and get a real laptop” comments
…uh where exactly are you finding all of those sub 12″ laptops for for UNDER $1100??? PLEASE provide a webite link! PLEASE!
O.K , now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, Windows on the eee is NOT a bad idea. Until you can hook up your electronics and downolad apps on Linux without getting a headache, most users just do not want to be bothered. Key word “user” not hacker or techie.
Mac OS X on the 3e is something to fantasize about but it’s just a dream.
Many sub 500 and good ones sub 550 are easy to find – “like new”.
From Lenovo Outlet
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/LenovoOutlet/Notebook/
From IBM
http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=2576396&storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1
Etc, etc, ad-nausium.
Oh wait, you said sub 12″ because you want a screen that is hard to read. Then why would you be looking for an inexpensive “real” laptop alternative to the EPC. Does this sound like the acting of an ASSUS fanboy?
@Forbin
Sorry the admin will not let me post links to the sites you request. I tried to post two.
They are easy enough to find on your own – if you want to? Look for (1) IBM refurbished, and (2) Lenovo outlet. Good lappies from 12″ up for under $500, and some really good ones with XP Pro for between $500 and $550. Enjoy!
Again, sorry the admin will not let me post the links here.
If someone didn’t mention it already: Microsoft has (unofficially) confirmed they will be releasing a SP3 for XP sometime this spring… should bring Windows more or less up to date.
Bob – glad to hear I’m not the only one still using the older tech
Comments on this entry are closed.