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

For those without adblock, patience...

[Naughty Bob]

Aaaand the good link.

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these, and put Linux on it.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[_merlin]

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these, and put Linux on it.

You can't wait to pay for an XP license that you won't use, when you can buy an eeePC with Linux pre-installed? Talk about Microsoft lover!

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Naughty Bob]

Hey! Come back with my funny!

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 ...

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Heembo]

You *PAY* for XP licenses? Crikey!

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.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[molarmass192]

According to him, the Windows-equipped $499 laptops outsell the Linux-equipped $399 laptops 5 to 1.
That's really amazing considering the XP equipped EEE doesn't go on sale until next month. Oh wait, that's right, you're off topic. Anyhow, I don't doubt you that the Win laptops outsell the Lin laptops. Fact is, most people have no idea what Lin is. On that note, if 20% of his sales are Lin, that's pretty amazing. Combine that with the fact that 20% of the laptop market are Macs, that means that the Win laptop market is in the 60-70% range. I've always said that I'd like to see a 3 way market, Win / Lin / Mac, with none having a share > 50%. The key to avoiding lock in is to have platform diversity. That way everybody wins, except MS that is.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Talkischeap]

According to your friend, "the Windows-equipped $499 laptops outsell the Linux-equipped $399 laptops 5 to 1."

Your friend is coming from the Microsoft centric world, so of course he's going to say that.

But look at whats really happening here.

One out of five laptops that your friend sells now have LINUX on them instead of the Windows operating system.

So it looks to me that Windows is losing market share in this sub group of portable computing.

And for the life of me... I can not understand why anybody would need Windows on an Eee PC, it works just fine out of the box with LINUX.

Five folks that I know have purchased an Eee PC since seeing mine, and all of them were diehard windows users who have adapted quite easily to the Eee PC's "easy" LINUX operating system.

Of course... on mine I've already installed 2 gigs of ram, and enabled the advanced desktop, and BERYL.

Loads of fun, and no Windows involved.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Virtual_Raider]

I would need XP because it's an ultraportable that out of the box could run all my work applications, connect to my work's outlook, and I'd be able to move around more easily to troubleshoot stuff using company-standardized software. I get to use most of my existing windows programs (as far as it's possible because the processor) some of them I've paid-for because I liked them enough. So it really depends on what does any individual user intending to do with it.

Imagine a non-tech person wants to browse the web, use it as an ebook of sorts to read RSS feeds (which your average user can do with TOO much trouble), watch youtube and just haul it around the house more like an electronic magazine than a computer. S/he would probably pick something that already knows how to use so all they need to figure out is how to hook it to the net and get going. While not insurmountable, the Linux learning curve would be slightly higher for this type of users and they make up for a larger market than the computer-savvy.

Heck, I might even get the XP version just because of what I said above and then dual boot or run DSL on it :D

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Talkischeap]

"Imagine a non-tech person wants to browse the web, use it as an ebook of sorts to read RSS feeds (which your average user can do with TOO much trouble), watch youtube and just haul it around the house more like an electronic magazine than a computer. S/he would probably pick something that already knows how to use so all they need to figure out is how to hook it to the net and get going."

I don't need to imagine it, everyone that I know that has purchased an Eee PC, is using it just like you say, and none of them are tech oriented, and they have had no problem figuring it out on their own without Windows.

One of my non tech buddies connected to his home wireless router and uses his Eee PC all over the house, and at night he goes to wireless access cafe's and writes magazine articles, and sends email with it.

Thats funny... all my friends are looking for your "Linux learning curve" while happily using their Eee PC's, totally ignorant that they are missing a peak computing experience but not using Windows

And you hardly seem like an average user.

And I also call BS on the RSS feed thing, most regular users haven't a clue.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[shellbeach]

This is going to cost me some karma but... this just proves what every reader here refuses to believe: people just WON'T use Linux. It doesn't matter if it's free, if it has "everything you need" (no games or yahoo/windows live messenger -- gaim/pidgin don't count because it's NOT THE SAME god damn it), or the supposed deal-breaker: preinstallation. Slashdotters here seem to think that if you preinstall Linux, people WILL use it, and I very well know that it doesn't happen. People here in my country buy PCs with Linux (most retailers don't sell Windows except in high end brand-name machines. value machines come with a completely useless "FreeDOS preinstalled") and the same day they call the techie neighbor to install a pirated copy of windows. Sorry, but that's the way it is. And it leads us to another point: of those "1 in 5 $399 laptops", probably 9 out of 10 will have a pirated windows installed more sooner than later. See, I believed the same thing before the Eee came along. No windows, couldn't run windows (without some tinkering), nobody cared. It's a different market, where people don't need Windows for the things they want to do on the Eee.

I thought the Eee would be a flop too. But it hasn't been, and I think that represents a major shift in people's thinking. But then, if you think about it, people are becoming a lot more used to dealing with different OSes -- their phone probably runs Symbian, their mate's laptop might run MacOS, and they just keep hearing about this linux thing. And the other interesting thing is that something that's non-Windows is inherently cooler.

The world isn't Windows-only anymore, and nobody minds one bit.

Re:For those without adblock, patience...

[Zencyde]

The unfortunate part of this review is that they don't seem to do actual tests on specs themselves. They reported that the Eee PC has a processor clocked at 900 Mhz. This is a lie. The Eee PC does have a 900 Mhz Process; but, the FSB has been clocked down to 70 Mhz. This puts the processor at 630 Mhz. The system has been specially configured to misreport the clock speed. This is well known on the forums at "www.eeeuser.com". Also, the wireless connectivity is poor. The system also misreports percentages. This is most easily tested using Linux. Often the Eee PC reports 100% while other distributions will report about 70% or so. It's rather unfortunate that Asus took this step. Personally, I love my Eee PC. Though, it could really sue some modding. Also, it's troublesome that Asus was so deceitful with their tactics. The original wasn't even completely open-source. A lot of the ACPI had to be implemented through trial and error and some reverse engineering. I think there are still one or two features left to implement on even the most well-developed distributions for it. Though, I'm too lazy to go double-check this. : ) Also the original kernel was compiled to not allow more than 1 gig of RAM to be seen. This is easily fixed with a recompile. Again, it's rather unfortunate that Asus prefers to view this as an appliance rather than a laptop.

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.

Windows XP?

[Dice Fivefold]

I thought that Microsoft was withdrawing Windows XP from the market in a couple of months. Are they still going to offer it on these low-end machines?

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:Windows XP?

[webmaster404]

Well, seeing how both Windows Mobile and CE aren't as well known and would put the EEE as more of an "internet tablet" then a real computer, and how there is no way to get Vista on those things to run well without increasing the price by 100% or more, I don't see any other choice of how MS can get Windows on those things and there is no way MS is going to want to let Linux trample all over the low-end market.

Re:Windows XP?

[Dice Fivefold]

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.

Re:Windows XP?

[jmoriarty]

I thought that Microsoft was withdrawing Windows XP from the market in a couple of months I was debating whether or not to blow a few karma points just to make a joke about this OS being released as Windows XPeee, but fortunately I'm too mature for that sort of nonsense.

Nearly.

XP

[Slimee]

I love how XP computers are still making headlines in their releases...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.

Re:XP

[ScrewMaster]

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.

A slap in the face to the marketing and software development departments, perhaps ... but I guarantee you that Hell, Gates, Ballmer & Co. is still laughing all the way to the bank.

Re:Hands on ?

[Naughty Bob]

I guess if you drag your knuckles....

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/

Hmm.

[Dzimas]

The price has crept up to within $100 of a "standard" basic notebook. The only thing this little machine has going for it is size - 800 x 480 is utterly useless because you spend too much time dealing with cartoonishly huge windows. I run into this kind of trouble every time I visit my parent's house and attempt to use their machine set to 800 x 600 - it's bloody unproductive. I'd gladly reconsider the eee when they release the upcoming version with a 1024 x not-quite-enough screen, but I fear the price will be at least $399 for a semi-usable configuration.

Re:Hmm.

[MoonBuggy]

I never quite understand the comments along the lines of "The only thing this little machine has going for it is size" - isn't that exactly what it needs to have going for it? I'm waiting for the 8.9 screen myself, but as long as the price is not too much more than $600 it's a fair deal in my opinion. The fact that the first iteration was unbelievably cheap (I seem to recall hearing that it was designed for kids, although I may be mistaken) might've done them a disservice; I'm just happy that there now exists an ultraportable that doesn't cost thousands - the fact that it has the small size and is the same price as other laptops (rather than floating around in the clouds with the Vaios and Lifebooks) is perfect for me. I'm glad that there is finally an option to trade off some speed and get an tiny, lightweight machine for "standard basic notebook" money.

Re:Hmm.

[mobby_6kl]

I think the main issue here is that Asus shifted its target market with the more expensive EEE. With the 7" low-end models, the EEE was the cheapest laptop, so if you had only $250 to spend, it was the only (new) option. The small size was just a bonus*. However, once the price approaches $500 or so, it has to compete with all the cheapo 14" laptops*. Whether one choses smaller size over performance and features depends, of course, on individual needs.

*- at least for some people who are looking for just a laptop, not specifically an ultraportable.

Re:Hmm.

[Talkischeap]

"But I would argue that 90% of the people who bought this machine would have been better served by buying a $399 Acer 14" notebook during a sale at Best Buy.

Argue away, but everyone that I know with an Eee PC already had a laptop, and wanted a small computer instead of a 5 to 7 pound brick to haul around.

Everyone of us is over 50 and we have no problem with the so called "tiny" screen.

Many young people today seem to think that bigger is better, when it's clearly not.

Re:slashdot users

[calebt3]

Why would I want to hear the opinions of some junior college loser who works at best buy? We don't either. Go away.

$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.

PowerPoint presentation machine? VGA port?

[jschen]

At least according to the specs on newegg.com this thing has VGA out. If one can squeeze PowerPoint onto the thing, it would make the ultimate PowerPoint presentation machine. A mere two pounds, ultra-small, and more than capable of giving PowerPoint presentations that aren't overly loaded with multimedia.

Can anyone verify the presence of a VGA port? eeepc.asus.com doesn't specify, though it may be because every other page on its website is down at the moment.

Let's talk about price

[feranick]

The WinXP version will retail for 399USD. This includes the SD card and an extra mouse. As far as I know the retail price for the 4G linux version is 399USD. So I am struggling to understand the economy here, provided that the Linux is (supposedly) free. Is actually MS paying to get XP in these things? Or is Xandros license actually more expensive than WinXP license? Please, help me to understand...

Re:Let's talk about price

[feranick]

The cost of supporting Xandros is zero. ASUS basically outsourced the support to community-based forums (such as http://www.eeeuser.com/). How much cheaper can you go?

Norton

[flyingfsck]

They should have added Norton security and then compared its speed against the Linux version...

Re:Norton

[amirulbahr]

They did. They're just waiting for that machine to finish booting before they benchmark.

Re:It couldn't have been designed just for kids

[Provocateur]

a blond woman with large breasts using it at the beach

Eeeaaasy there, tiger. You only think she's well endowed only because the EEE is really small, it makes everything big by comparison.

Re:All resources

[Kris_J]

You're completely wrong. XP on an EeePC runs great, and that's on one that's been converted using a normal old XP disc and the included Asus CD. Presented some stuff with it using IE and Portable OpenOffice just last week.

Re:All resources

[kernowyon]

What planet do you live on? Both my wife and I have the EeePC 701 (the 4GB version with the webcam built in) and we love them. Hers is pretty much as sold, with a bit of tweaking to the menus, mine runs Kubuntu 7.10. These machines, despite their low spec on paper (900MHz processor throttled back to 602MHz, 512MB ram etc) run as well as any of my other laptops when using them for what they were designed for - e.g email, surfing the web, basic word processing etc. I even play some games on mine - Wesnoth, OpenArena etc. Plenty of folk have already installed Windows XP on theirs - usually cutting down the install with something like nLite to get it to fit sensibly on the 4GB drive. Not my thing - I don't run Windows at all, but they all seem happy enough with the performance. As a Linux user, I am a little disappointed that Asus have gone down the Windows road, but I can't really blame them - they want to make the EeePC as popular as possible. I will be sticking with my Linux install and, when the specs of the machines have been upped sufficiently, I will treat myself to another!

Re:Good, I hope they don't sell well.

[lars_boegild_thomsen]

> The full featured Xandros OS fits in about 200MB. It includes open
> office, flash, firefox, Google mail and chat links,
> Skype and other software that can use the webcam and a reasonable
> media player.

I am not sure from where you got that figure. The standard Eee PC 4G Surf comes with the built-in 4G flash disk partitioned into two partitions (no there's four actually but only those two are part of the Linux installation) - one slightly above 2GB and one slightly below 2GB. The first is used entirely for Linux system and the other is layered on top of that using unionfs. ALL changes by user - EVEN system updates take place on the second partition. The original more than 2 GB partition is almost full - so I reckon the standard Xandros with all you mention is around 2G roughly.

Considering the amount of software - including LOTS is not directly available in simple mode (for example konqueror, kontact, kmail etc.) that is still very impressive.

It's always been XP in Japan

[kylehase]

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

I'm tired of hearing this

[tknd]

The price has crept up to within $100 of a "standard" basic notebook.

I'm tired of hearing this. The price is on target because it is not a basic notebook. It is an ultra portable device at an affordable price point compared to other ultra portable devices (read ultra portable does not necessarily mean laptop). People buying the eee don't care that the resolution is low, that the device can't play crysis, or that they can get a bigger brick at the same price. All they care about is: is it portable and does it allow me to do email, internet (yes people think browsing web pages == 'internet'), read documents, and run my little apps (IM, youtube, and mp3s).

Until the eee pc came out, every computer manufacturer failed at getting the requirements right for a laptop. It just so happened that asus got it right and that the tech needed (SSDs, CPU speed increases, ram capacity increases) was cheap enough.

However, I still give the OLPC/XO most of the credit for helping to create the market. If all of the news and media coverage of the OLPC never came to be, Asus and others may never have attempted such a device.

Fundamental difference....

[jotaeleemeese]

They have to compete, since obviously Asus has no problems releasing Linux only.

I am sure other PC manufacturers are watching, and may try to market properly speced and functioning Linux offering even if only to get out of idiotic exclusivity agreements with MS (which they should not have signed in the first place).

Ladies and gents, maybe this time the year for Linux in the desktop has really arrived, thanks to a company that saw the bleeding obvious: the differential in price between Linux and Windows. This year of economic downturn will concentrate the minds of a lot of people that will wonder why they should keep paying for more expensive, buggier, standards shy software.