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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."
News like this has to be a real slap in the face to Microsoft with the tireless Vista promotion, when XP is still big news.
... but I guarantee you that Hell, Gates, Ballmer & Co. is still laughing all the way to the bank.
A slap in the face to the marketing and software development departments, perhaps
The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
Considering how popular these little machines seem to become, Microsoft surely has plans. I would think something like this:
*Freshen up XP a bit with some new theme and some gadgets.
*Give it a new flashy name.
*Then practically give it away to the manufacturers of these machines.
Rather that, then to let linux machines get a foothold in the consumer market.