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Microsoft Decides To Take On Linux On Low-Cost PCs

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-they-can dept.

e5rebel writes "Microsoft is launching a program to promote the use of its Windows OS in ultra low-cost PCs. It is an effort to stop Linux dominating this market but Microsoft is insisting on limiting the hardware specs of these devices."

2 of 349 comments (clear)

  1. Re:But are these devices that useful? by symbolset · · Score: 5, Informative

    Can someone convince me that these devices are [very] useful to the point of replacing the notebook?

    The point isn't really to replace the notebook. They'll do that too, though. A modern laptop is ridiculously overpowered for the purpose of running a well designed OS and office application. The idea is to make it cheap enough to not freak out about breaking it, to provide enough power to do your stuff but not so much that you have to be chained to a wall wart to accomplish anything that takes more than two hours.

    Can I for example, load OpenOffice.org on the Eee PC?

    Yes. And it runs just fine. And with Compiz the visual effects are flashier than Aero if you want them to be. And it will play HD video just fine. And it's got all the wireless features you would expect. And on and on. The screen and keyboard are a little small. The next generation may be better in this regard.

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  2. Re:So... by martyros · · Score: 5, Informative
    You know what's funny, is that just today I took a mandatory online training course on anti-trust regulations, just like everyone in my company does. It was funny reading the article, because like at least 3 or 4 things were specifically mentioned:
    • Predatory pricing to prevent a new entrant into a market by a company with market dominance
    • Limitations on what resellers can do with the product purchased (only on low-end PCs)
    • Arbitrary discounts to some distributors over others
    • Agreements between different members of the supply chain to limit customer choice
    If the EU is at all consistent with the policies explained in my training today, MS should be forced to either sell low-cost XP to everyone, regardless of the hardware, or not sell XP at all. Who do I write in the EU to get an injunction?
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