Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Asus To Phase Out Sub-10" Eee PCs

Posted by Soulskill on from the taking-the-sub-out-of-subnotebook dept.

jeevesbond writes "The Register reports that Asus president Jerry Shen has revealed his company will be phasing out all sub-10" Eee PCs. According to Shen, the 'standard' netbook next year will be a 10" model with a hard drive running XP. Shen also said XP is outselling GNU/Linux on netbooks by a ratio of 7:3. This is somewhat contrary to news from the UK earlier in the year that GNU/Linux units were out of stock while XP machines sat unsold. Are Brits more open-minded than the rest of the world when it comes to choosing an OS?"

36 of 497 comments (clear)

  1. Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by pembo13 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So I'll be going with the netbook with the most features when I am purchasing.

    --
    "Thanks for all the money you paid to us. We've used it to buy off ISO among other things" -Microsoft
    1. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by pembo13 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Thus is the power of Microsoft... the invisible power over the minds of its users.

      --
      "Thanks for all the money you paid to us. We've used it to buy off ISO among other things" -Microsoft
    2. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by Nursie · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yeah, it's really weird. The whole net book thing was appealing to me because of the tiny form factor. The 8.9 is perfectly useable as a travel machine. Any bigger and you may as well buy a standard notebook.

      Not least because you can get one with better specs for not much more cash. The size is a major selling point.

    3. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by westlake · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Why would you get rid of the smallest model and the most efficient OS? This smells of a backdoor M$ deal.

      .

      It could never be because the screen is too small, the keyboard is too small, and the Linux OS is unfamiliar and unwanted.

      I installed the linux client for her. Point is, her first impulse was to return it rather than attempt the learning curve.

      Of course it was.

      Most of us don't have an all-knowing geek to call on for free, on-site, support. The Google search that returns 15,000 hits is of little help to the novice.

    4. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by Si-UCP · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Thus is the power of Microsoft... the invisible power over the minds of its users.

      The "invisible power over the minds of its users" to expect things, like connecting to a VPN, to, you know, work out of the box?

    5. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by Jorophose · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Xubuntu is a joke of a lightweight distro. It's Ubuntu with Xfce and Gnome. (yes, effectively both)

      What you needed is something like a Debian install designed for it (think LXDE) or something like Ubuntu-lite. I think PCLinuxOS has an LXDE-based edition.

    6. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by jlarocco · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Don't take this the wrong way, but if you can't get Linux to run on a legacy PC, it's almost certainly a lack of effort on your part.

      People seem to get confused by the fact that it's technically possible (and IMO relatively easy) to strip down Linux and make it run on old crap hardware. They seem to get the idea that Linux distros are aiming for that old crap hardware, so Linux will run on them out of the box. That's not true, and with few exceptions all of the popular distros are aiming for the relatively new PC market. So yes, you CAN strip them down to run on a given machine, but it's not likely to work well out of the box. You're going to have to do a little work. There are distros where the base install is meant for old hardware, but Xubuntu isn't one of them.

      Trying to run Ubuntu or Xubuntu on an ancient crap machine is like trying to run the latest greatest version of Vista on it. I'm sure you can do it, but you'll need to spend some time tweaking things. The advantage of using Linux for old machines is that Linux makes that tweaking easy and offers more tuning knobs than Windows.

      --
      Maybe not
    7. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by jlarocco · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You're right, I'm sure if I poured a few hundred hours into it, I could become extremely comfortable in Linux. However, I just wasn't (and am not) willing to attempt the learning curve, not when it's this steep.

      Then what the hell is your point? Here's a clue: Linux isn't Windows. It's never going to be Windows. If you don't want to learn something new, stick with Windows and stop whining.

      Your entire complaint basically boils down to, "I don't know Linux, and I don't want to, but now I know it's not Windows." Good fucking job! I just always figured Linux and Windows were exactly the same, but now, thanks to your incredible insight, I'm aware that Linux and Windows are in fact different! Wow!

      --
      Maybe not
    8. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by timeOday · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Unless I'm misreading the article, Asus will continue to sell Linux netbooks - it's just the smaller screens that are disappearing. I can't believe people consider a 70/30 split in favor of XP to be a disaster for Linux, I think 30% is a pretty huge share for Linux! Heck, if Linux captured 30% of the general market, most hardware would have to support Linux and I'd call it "mission accomplished."

    9. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by theLOUDroom · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Most of us don't have an all-knowing geek to call on for free, on-site, support. The Google search that returns 15,000 hits is of little help to the novice.

      Just like plumbing, cars or even Windows PCs, most people pay someone else to fix their problems.
      This is not a flaw of Linux, this is that way to world works. Microsoft certainly doesn't provide free, on-site support either.

      You're making an argument based on a difference that doesn't really exist.

      --
      Life is too short to proofread.
    10. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by pembo13 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      VPNs don't always "work out of the box" on Windows, schools generally provide installers.

      --
      "Thanks for all the money you paid to us. We've used it to buy off ISO among other things" -Microsoft
    11. Re:Well "Works With Linux" is a feature to me by k8to · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Uh, Windows doesn't come with the VPN client either.

      --
      -josh
  2. Or... by wren337 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ... did they overship Linux pcs by a ratio of 6:4?

  3. Linux on Netbooks by ArkiMage · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How many people buy the XP models and subsequently install Ubuntu or some other Linux distro though? For reasons of better RAM or Drive or battery option availability in the XP bundled version of the machine.

    1. Re:Linux on Netbooks by sakdoctor · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You have to be a complete tool to buy the XP model and then install linux. In a few of their models you get a worse spec machine for paying the windows tax. 8GB less solid state storage.

      It's a shame they are phasing out the sub 10" models though. I feel the 8.9 was the sweet spot for netbooks because it's small as possible, but has a "modern" screen resolution without which websites are too cramped these days.

    2. Re:Linux on Netbooks by Idbar · · Score: 1, Insightful

      That's what kept me far from the linux based netbooks. The hard drive capacities are larger. Besides, I don't know if I want to install linux later, but I might need windows, and I know linux is free. So why shouldn't I get more HDD and a license if the prices are fairly similar?

      Moreover, I stopped by Circuit City for example and watched that the linux version of the Aspired one makes it look like a toy. You can play there in front of a $300 laptop, and does a representative comes at you to ask you anything? No. You must go specifically looking for it. A regular buyer won't buy Linux just because. Particularly, when marketing dictates what they should buy: "Uhm.. everyone is buying Macs, perhaps they `just work`". To that, add the fact that people that is window shopping, sees a tiny little laptop and the will think that's not appropriate for them.

      People need to realize their processing needs as much as power requirements when buying cars. Sorry for the analogy, but people would by a Mac because of the processing requirements, as much as they could by a ford mustang for it's engine power, even when they don't need either.

    3. Re:Linux on Netbooks by kandresen · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think a large part of the reason for windows outselling Linux is not that people prefer windows but the combinations made with windows often being prefered over the combinations with Linux.

      I have been looking for some sub-notebooks for some time, and must say that even though I am 100% for linux, mostly all the offerings I like come with Windows pre-installed. Further, most offerings with Linux preinstalled are systems you cannot really run Windows on at all; example; most of the Linux setups I see only come with SSD drives, no HD. Windows cannot really run well with SSD disks, so you loose options to switch later. I would myself have liked more hybrid options with Linux pre-installed.

      I am not so sure this is the fault of Asus. I think it is highly likely the stores I see where I live that either have made 'bad' decisions, or found they can earn more money by selling the versions coming with Windows.

      That I am inclined to buy a sub-notebook that comes with Windows installed is simply due to the choices available to me in my area. The machine I now run too came with Windows but has been running Linux since day one, I never even finished the windows setup.

      Asus will do a major mistake if they start believing that sales of Windows with the machine indicate they are used with Windows rather than Linux - they are not. I am currently inclined to buy Asus version of the sub notebook due to the major advantage of not needing proprietary drivers with the machines under Linux.

    4. Re:Linux on Netbooks by westlake · · Score: 4, Insightful
      How many people buy the XP models and subsequently install Ubuntu or some other Linux distro though?

      .

      Not enough to make a difference.

      Never enough to make a difference.

      The OEM system install has been the gold standard in the home and SOHO markets for thirty years.

      You have a warranty.

      You have a service contract.

      If anything goes wrong, it is someone else's problem.

      The geek thinks like a hobbyist. Everyone else is simply out buying a small appliance - and no more interested in installing an OS than in building a bread machine from a kit of parts.

  4. news not contrary by Khashishi · · Score: 4, Insightful
    The news that XP models outsell GNU/Linux models 7:3 is not contrary to the news that GNU/Linux models are out of stock, if the ratio of XP models to GNU/Linux models stocked is greater than 7:3.

    Who'da thunk the ratio would be so close?

    1. Re:news not contrary by ToasterMonkey · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Lets be real here, all a ratio better than 1/10 Linux to Windows says is the devices are attractive to geeks. That's cute and all - give Asus a cookie, but it doesn't speak for consumer acceptance of Linux.

  5. Good idea by HalAtWork · · Score: 4, Insightful

    And since only a few percentage of computers ship with high-end graphics cards, we should just eliminate them altogether. Makes sense now that we're living in the twilight zone. 30% of your userbase asks for something? Who cares!

    --
    Twinstiq, game news
  6. Vote "It works". by Ostracus · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "Are Brits more open-minded than the rest of the world when it comes to choosing an OS?"

    Here's a novel thought. Some may prefer a Microsoft OS. Bringing up "but they're closed minded because they didn't pick what I wanted them to pick" just makes your side look bad.

    --
    Shai Schticks:"You don't make peace with friends, you make peace with enemies"
  7. Contrary to what? by ToasterMonkey · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Contrary, huh? Out of stock could mean the supply was low. Who in their right mind would _overestimate_ sales of Linux clients?
    Sitting on shelves could mean they shipped more than enough. Without knowing how much of each shipped, WTF is the point? Guaranteed, they shipped assloads more with XP than Linux. We just throw supply out the window and pretend demand for Linux is uber high here??

    Look, Linux needs to take off on its own merits, not with silly twisted theories on Slashdot where things are cheerier than they really are. Linux & OSS are going to start getting some black eyes if you all keep pretending it's something it's not.

  8. 30% is not bad market share at all by FranTaylor · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Considering that Linux has just about zero advertising, and that people who choose it are embarking on something new and different to them. No, 30% is not bad at all. It will only go up as Linux gets tweaked to run better on this kind of hardware.

    1. Re:30% is not bad market share at all by thetoadwarrior · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It's much higher than what than on the desktop market. In fact it's larger than Mac & Linux combined on desktops so I would call it a success. The only reason it's not larger is companies wussed out and started offering XP. However, as far as I can remember the EEE wasn't exactly unpopular before XP came out on it.

      I think it's a case of companies not wanting to pay for support (with XP they probably go to MS for help) and they lack confidence to keep at it.

      What do people do with netbooks that really need Windows? Gaming is pretty much out of the question and let's face it the system is too small to be a main system so how many apps do you really need on it and that can't be found on Linux?

  9. It's as expected by Kupfernigk · · Score: 1, Insightful
    The smaller screen really has no advantages at all - any cost saving is more than outweighed by those missing 224 pixels across - so why have more skus than you need? And the XP thing is obvious. My phone software will not run on Linux. My Palm desktop won't run under Linux. I could probably get my mobile internet modem to work under Linux - but why bother, especially as any problems won't be supported. Why do I want my netbook? Because it works when I travel.

    Sadly, the truth is that when it comes to an appliance like a netbook, I fundamentally do not care what OS it runs so long as the performance is adequate and all the applications I actually need run on it. Thunderbird? Check. Firefox? Check. OOo 3? Check. Java 6? Check. The fact is, FOSS has in a real sense shot Linux in the foot by running so well on XP/Server 2003. While XP is available, this will continue. Vista, now...that would be a different matter. If I was limited to Vista, I wouldn't want to try to run on a single Atom CPU.

    --
    From scarped cliff or quarried stone she cries "A thousand types are gone, I care for nothing, no not one."
  10. So no more small PCs? by Microlith · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I thought half the draw of the Eee PC wasn't just the price but the size. Why are they going closer and closer to the size of regular laptops and away from the 8" size?

    If they had released a 7" model without the huge bezel around the scree I might have picked one up. Looks like I'll be looking to one of their competitors.

    1. Re:So no more small PCs? by ignavus · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Sadly, it is like cars.

      A manufacturer brings out a small car. Next year, they increase the engine from 1200cc or 1300c to 1500cc. And they switch from 2-door or 3-door to 4-door or 5 door. And so on.

      In a few years, they have to bring out a *new* smaller model, as their "small" model is now too big.

      It is all because people want a "small" model that has "added bigness".

      Come to think of it, the same thing happens with programming languages. We start with a simple, easy-to-use scripting language. Then people say, "But we need this or that feature that more sophisticated languages have". Before you know it, the simple easy-to-use language has grown into yet another complex, high-powered language which only a full time professional can use.

      So someone invents a new simple-to-use language....

      --
      I am anarch of all I survey.
  11. Glad I bought an Acer Aspire One then by Reed+Solomon · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Aside from the Linpus OS, at least Acer doesn't easily roll over and die when it comes to Microsoft. Honestly, these companies have a chance to compete in the same place Apple is, but they're choosing to play it safe with Microsoft rather than create an environment that would be far superior for them. Yes, its partially the fault of poorly trained salespeople, and poorly targetted and marketed products. So fix that. /typed on an aspire one running linux.

  12. Re:Angst at the Laptop Makers by Doctor_Jest · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No, they don't "prefer"... they are "used to". Big difference.

    The problem is one of familiarity. XP sells because it is what most people remember how to use and think that anything that _isn't_ XP is somehow going to take 300 years to figure out.

    And trust me when I say.. your love of XP while working on Linux is not the rule... In spite of the "everyone I know loves XP" anecdote (which I'm sure is the response to the statement.)

    --
    It's the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
  13. Uhhh, I thought geeks were supposed to be smart... by Immostlyharmless · · Score: 2, Insightful

    How difficult can these things (Linux vs of EEE?)really be to find...




    If you can get them at WALMART????

    That being said, most people want something they can buy, take home and install their 9.99 bargain bin version of sudoku and a some goofy card making software on. Linux just doesn't work for the majority of people out there. Sorry, it doesn't. What the heck is the point of having a mini netbook, if the wireless adapter won't work? Or it *might* work, assuming you are using this version of this distro OR if you feel like editing registry files and installing wtfwrapper.

    Not to mention, at this point in time. *most* people know at least or or two people who have been using windows for some time and can do some type of techinical support for them if they get into trouble. "Hey Sam, my printer isn't working...". How many average schmucks know someone who is a linux power user? Which means the only source of support they have is user forums and the IRC channel, and if you have no wireless adapter.....


    Yeah.....

  14. Re:Uhhh, I thought geeks were supposed to be smart by ratboy666 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You bring home your fabulous new EEE or Aspire One, and try to install that 9.99 program... and that goofy card-making program.

    Go ahead, I'll wait.
    Waiting..

    It doesn't have an optical drive.

    --
    Just another "Cubible(sic) Joe" 2 17 3061
  15. Re:Linux versions are hard to get in some countrie by spyowl · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Here's what I think happened:

    Several years ago:

    Asus: Hey, MS - we are making 8-9" netbook PCs that are going to be small, hip and cheap; wanna give us a good rate on XP - say $X?
    MS: Hmmphhh... dream on - you guys pay what everyone else pays - $Y! No exceptions! Oh, and by the way, we'll be phasing out the XP, so plan on running and paying for Vista - $Z!
    Asus: OK then, we'll use Linux.
    MS: We've heard that before, good luck!

    Later:

    MS: Hey Asus, your netbook thingies really took off - they have to run XP - we want you to phase out your Linux version.
    Asus: Ummm, can't really do that, sorry.
    MS: We are giving you (and everyone else) XP licensing deal for $X for netbooks! You'd better do it, or we'll screw with your other products - you know how that goes.
    Asus: OK, master, you are the boss, will do.
    MS: Good boy.

  16. Insightful? Bull shit. by Petersko · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "Your entire complaint basically boils down to, "I don't know Linux, and I don't want to, but now I know it's not Windows." Good fucking job! I just always figured Linux and Windows were exactly the same, but now, thanks to your incredible insight, I'm aware that Linux and Windows are in fact different! Wow!"

    There's nothing insightful about your comment. In fact, as near as I can tell, it's completely wrong.

    Allow me to summarize the original post.

    1. Attempted foreign language install. Never worked.
    2. Installed Blackberry charging drivers - never worked.
    3. Found out customizing shell involved editing text config files.
    4. Got VPN working - turned out to be unstable.
    5. Old issue - installing Ubuntu on 2GB flash dive. Failed with indetermine problems.

    And so, here you come with your "insightful" reply, and claim that his whole post is that linux isn't Windows, and that apparently he doesn't want to know linux.

    The only way your post makes any sense is if you think he's an idiot because he wants linux to work, and that just isn't "linux".

    Moderators: Please don't drink and moderate.

  17. Re:XP outsells Linux, guess why by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    They are designed for people with mental handicaps? That would be a very good design indeed!
    If you can design a UI for someone who has a learning difficulty, it would even easier to use for someone who does not have such a disability. I'd love to see this work - will have to check out what they have done so well on these machines.

  18. Re:XP outsells Linux because... by Rennt · · Score: 2, Insightful

    eeePC sales were already in the millions and clones were popping up at all the major computer expos before Microsoft noticed that it was a market that they were missing out on. THEN they offered XP for netbooks. Before that time they were trying to push Vista for everything.