Hands-On With the Windows XP-Based Asus Eee PC

MojoKid writes "Though the Asus Eee PC Windows XP variant isn't due out until sometime in April, HotHardware was able to get their hands on a full retail bundle before they hit store shelves in the US. The standard assortment of accoutrements is included in the bundle, along with a couple of notable upgrades. Asus took the initiative to provide an additional 4GB SD card from Adata, a healthy storage expansion for the system. In addition, an Asus-branded optical mouse was thrown in for good measure. Microsoft's Windows Live messenger, photo gallery and email suite are pre-installed on the the machine for collaborative and social networking capability, in addition to Microsoft Works for word processing, spreadsheets, and calendar functionality."

Comments

Asus 8 GB Eee PC

[backpackcomputing]

I'm not sure I'd run out and get the XP version with only a 4 GB SSD just yet (albeit with an additional 4 GB card). The 8 GB is available now (see http://backpackcomputing.com/ for the link). Also, a version with an 8.9 inch screen, but the same overall form factor should be out in a few months.

The 9" LCD version comes out this Summer

[SpudB0y]

I'm going to wait for the bigger screen. http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/hands-on-with-the-9-inch-eee-pc/

Re:Windows XP?

[Nimey]

OEMs won't sell it starting on 1 July; system builders can get it until the end of January, but they'll have to order XP copies in bundles of 50.

That's assuming Microsoft doesn't change its mind or give Asus a sweetheart deal for the Eee.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[shellbeach]

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these, and put Linux on it. As I understand it, the next gen Eee (with larger screen and larger touchpad -- see, for example, this article) will come in linux and Windows flavours, but the big difference is that the linux one comes with a larger flash drive (12Gb vs 8Gb) for the same price (since Asus doesn't need to pay Microsoft).

Microsoft is never going to win this one, and I think they know it ...

$399? ya.. ok..

[deathguppie]

I just bought one of the linux base ones from newegg, and I looked around a bit. The midrange 4 gig model sells for about $350, and the 4 gig model with the webcam and a better battery goes for $399, with linux.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=eee+pc&x=0&y=0

Now they are trying to say that they are going to sell a windows based version bundled with a bunch of other stuff for only $399?

The only way I see that happening is if Microsoft pays them to do it. If they are selling a smaller bundle with a free operating system for the same price. I call shenanigans.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[eebra82]

As I understand it, the next gen Eee (with larger screen and larger touchpad -- see, for example, this article [dailytech.com]) will come in linux and Windows flavours, but the big difference is that the linux one comes with a larger flash drive (12Gb vs 8Gb) for the same price (since Asus doesn't need to pay Microsoft). Microsoft is never going to win this one, and I think they know it .. And you say this because you are the average PC buyer? You know, Linux geek, Slashdot reader.. Sounds like just about anyone, right?

My friend runs an online store and 90% of his sales are laptops. It's not a small business since he's selling hundreds of lappies every month, so his facts are interesting. According to him, the Windows-equipped $499 laptops outsell the Linux-equipped $399 laptops 5 to 1.

I don't think the average Eee buyer is going to care much for specifications as much as they care for the whole concept, which is why I think you are wrong.

It's always been XP in Japan

[kylehase]

FYI, In Japan, XP is the only flavor of Eee PC. Not sure about other countries.