So you thought Linux was the key to the Eee PC's success? Not so, according to ASUS. "The bulk of the requests and requirements we see in the marketplace are for the model with Windows rather than Linux," says Henry Lee, Acer's senior product manager. "It's a give and take between simplicity of usage for the masses versus full customisation. The Linux version is really only to use exactly what is provided, and someone in the know can easily remove what's been installed. But consumers are accustomed to the Windows environment, and the Windows version will be a stronger player eventually." Editor's Note: More broadly, this piece examines whether the popularity of the Eee and its Linux-bearing cousins will be sustained, or if they will ultimately get beaten out in the netbook space by Windows-based versions. What do you think?
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Member since:
2005-11-14
Cost and size are key to its success. Linux is merely a factor of the first. It shouldn't be too hard to tailor Linux into giving a better long term experience than XP, though, considering how most Windows installs tend to slow down after the user has installed her programs and utilities.
Member since:2007-11-24
Member since:2007-05-28
Member since:2006-07-30
Well, MS has definitely seen the writing on the wall and is trying to slim down Windows.
You can already buy eee sized laptops with 120GB hdd and 1GB ram so the only problem left would be the cpu.
I think they'll probably slim it down enough to claim that it "runs" on these machines - and "running" means moving slightly faster than a snail 
Member since:2007-09-23
A snail in glue that is.
Linux is faster and smaller than Vista. Linux also comes with a lot of apps. Linux is also more adaptable than Windows. This is why Linux has a broader goal than just PCs. As I've read in the news this year it seems that Linux is targeting netbooks, mobile phones, mids and even cars.
Member since:2005-11-16
You can already buy eee sized laptops with 120GB hdd and 1GB ram so the only problem left would be the cpu.
I think they'll probably slim it down enough to claim that it "runs" on these machines - and "running" means moving slightly faster than a snail
Just like the hardware is limited, the OS must also be (Yoda?). What I am saying is that you can't expect to do the same thing with this laptop as with a full size.
I can browse and use the web with no problem (other than screen size being too narrow).
Can listen to my music either on the SSD or off of flash.
Performance is just fine. The Eee is very usable with XP if you set it up properly.
Member since:2006-07-30
I can browse the net and listen to music with just about any OS.
The only real reason for putting any flavor of Windows on this thing is using apps like Word, Excel, Photoshop, ...
Besides, I was talking about Vista/Windows 7, not XP.
[Should've made that clear though]
XP is getting plenty long in the tooth - people won't be using it forever.
That's why MS has to make Windows 7 about as fast as XP.
What I'd really like to see are ARM based 8-10" laptops with a battery life of about 12-18 hours. That's where Linux could really show its strength.
Member since:2007-11-24
Member since:2007-10-11
They can't do that.
Their business model relies on people believing that things not windows are either very expensive (mac) or completely unuseable by non-geek.
There are cracks in there already, and MS is deadly afraid the next one will be the one that brings everything down.
Member since:
2007-02-17
One manufacturer with a "non-tame" Linux distribution on a UMPC would invalidate every single attempted point made by that article.
The problems that the article lists for the ASUS EEEPC are due to it's use of Xandros as the base distribution ... they are not due to the use of Linux per se.
The Acer Aspire One uses a variant of Fedora called Linpus Linux Lite ... it is yet to be seen if that will cause a similar problem for the Acer Aspire One (I doubt it, because unlike Xandros Fedora has no limiting deal with Microsoft, but we shall see).
The Acer Aspire One with Linux beats the EEEPC with XP hands down in this head-to-head comparison, for example:
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/personal_...
However, I am waiting for the Dell E to come out. Indications are that the Dell E will use Ubuntu and let you install whatever you want from the vast Ubuntu repositories.
If that is the case ... then the quoted article will not have a leg to stand on.
PS: As for the article's claim that the XP versions of ULCPCs are out-selling Linux versions ... there are other sources of "sales popularity" that give a very different picture to that:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/pc/565108
Edited 2008-07-14 11:03 UTC
Member since:2005-11-10
Spot on. Stick Ubuntu on the eee by default (NBR). Xandros is awful in every way.
Hey Asus: OS with 95% of the market sees demand on new device, news at 11.
Don't you think Linux on the eee is helping that little bit to change the idea that you _have_ to have Windows? It won't happen over night, and the fact that people are more interested in Windows on the eee only tells you that Windows is required for more things that it should be. It doesn't mean that Windows is "better". (as you take it to be)
edit: unicode plz
Edited 2008-07-14 11:04 UTC
Member since:2006-12-16
Just one problem with your logic - if Windows works better for the end user, then it IS better. For the average, non geek user, Windows does the job, and does it well.
Linux is still a ***** to get running, don't even get me started. If you're prepared to do the time on setting it up, then it can potentially be better than Windows, depending on how Windows has been set up (i.e. hardened), and even what version of Windows.
Dave
Member since:2005-11-10
There is no setting up when you buy a computer with Linux already on it. I too agree that Linux requires too much work to self install, but when it comes to consumers buying a computer with Linux already on it, then it works okay. Admittedly, Xandros is very broken and not the best example of Linux, but as far as Internet/EMail/Skype/MSN, the eee succeeds.
Member since:2007-02-17
Just one problem with your logic in this context ... on a Linux ULCPC (such as the EEEPC or the Acer Aspire One or a gaggle of others coming on to the market), Linux is already set up. Since it is already set up, then for the average, non geek user, Linux does the job.
Actually your logic has another problem ... for the average, non geek user, Windows is still even more of a ***** to get running (if it is not already installed). And on a ULCPC, if that is all you have, and you were to buy a cheap inkjet printer for it ... with Windows the driver will be on a CDROM that comes with your printer. Ooops ... no CD drive on your ULCPC. With Linux, the printer is likely to work without the need to get another driver.
Actually, your logic has yet another problem ... Windows doesn't come with any useful applications, and out of the box it is vulnerable to infection by malware. So your average, non geek user will have to find (perhaps buy ... but remember, not on a CD!), then install and set up a firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware protection and a reasonable set of applications.
With Linux on a ULCPC, your average, non geek user will be ready to go as soon as he/she gets the device out of the box.
Edited 2008-07-16 07:10 UTC
Member since:2005-06-29
Looking at the Amazon page you linked, it's very interesting to see that not only are the Linux-based small laptops outselling their XP counterparts, MacBooks are also outselling all other laptops period. Windows based laptops coming in at third place, and by a seemingly wide margin, is a first in this game. It's a good sign if you ask me.
Member since:2007-02-17
Exactly.
Is it any surprise really?
Your choices on purchasing a laptop (meant to be portable, after all) these days are:
(1) A nice (but regrettably expensive) Mac,
(2) buy a nice ULCPC with a Linux distribution that is not a sell-out to Microsoft (Acer and Dell seem to be the go here) ... lightweight, ultraportable, fully functional and inexpensive,
(3) buy a Vista laptop and watch your battery charge deplete before your machine manages to boot, or
(4) buy a ULCPC with XP Home, find yourself unable to connect to any business network, and find out that you have to pay as much again after purchase in order to get any actual desktop applications for it.
OK, so I exaggerate just a little ... but the basic point is made.
Edited 2008-07-14 13:30 UTC
Member since:2005-06-29
Depending on your needs they're actually not that expensive. I'd say if you don't need to burn CDs or watch/burn DVDs, if you don't absolutely need Mac OS, and if you can comfortably type on a small keyboard, the ULCPCs are a fantastic deal. If any of the above are an issue though, the MacBook is the best value, as Amazon's sales suggest. A similarly equipped Vista or XP laptop will cost about the same (Dell M1330 is a great example), and will ultimately be less useful. With a MacBook you get the best of both worlds: Mac OS for the vast majority of your computing needs and the ability to install Windows if you absolutely have to use it as well. In today's era of web-based apps, the only Windows-only software I can think of is in a vertical market bubble, or legacy app support. In the latter case, Vista usually is not compatible anyway.
Member since:2006-03-24
I can't believe you got a +4 for that comment. Ofcourse Macs are number one on Amazon - it's simple arithmetic. It is a lot smaller market, only Apple make them and (probably) compared to most other manufacturers they have a small product range.
Apple sell more per model of its handful of models (making those models 'bestsellers'). I would be surprised if Apple sold more laptops than HP/Acer/Asus/Sony/Toshiba individually - and I would be astonished if they sold more than all those manufacturers combined.
Similarly Linux Asus EeePCs tend to be bestsellers because their 4 models (701/900/black/white) are pretty much the only Linux Laptops you can buy on Amazon (okay, there are a few crap overpriced HPs).
Just to re-iterate, if you have 100 people buying 1 of 4 models you are bound to have more sales per model than if you 10,000 buying 1 of 1000 models. Fact is you still only have 100 EeePC sales compared 10,000 non EeePC sales.
Also, it doesn't take into account that Amazon might be a particularly good place to by Macs. Most of the online retailers don't do a high turn over of Macs (and therefore can't do a good price), because they have tradition of only selling Windows boxen.
Member since:2005-06-29
How is it a smaller market? Walk into your local Best Buy or Circuit City and you'll see half a dozen brands and a few models per brand. Now, search Amazon and you'll see dozens of brands and literally hundreds of models, of which, as you said, Apple is one brand and only a few specific models.
As of March 2008, Apple is ninth in sales of laptops worldwide and third in market growth. Ninth doesn't sound like much, but keep in mind how many dozens of manufacturers there are out there and it's not such a bad place to be. Ninth puts them in the same company as HP, Dell, Lenovo and Gateway, and well above the smaller manufacturers such as Asus, Acer and Everex. If you consider that roughly half or more of laptop sales are to enterprise customers who are locked in to Windows, ninth is certainly respectable.
Source:
http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/03/05/apple.ninth.in.laptops/
So you are saying that Linux on a laptop is enough to make it a bestseller? That's music to my ears!
Once again, Amazon sells many more than four models of laptops. I suggest you browse for yourself and see all the other laptops those top four are up against.
Amazon is a pretty good place to buy most anything, but comparing it to Apple's online store, you're only saving perhaps $20 on any given model. You would actually do better to shop Apple's refurbished items as they carry a full warranty and you can sometimes get $100-200 off a computer there.
Member since:
2007-02-17
According to this article, "UMPCs and Linux: made for each other, and coming soon":
http://www.linux.com/feature/141380
It says this: "A host of other vendors, most notably Dell, plan to release Linux-powered UMPCs this summer. Sources close to Dell confirm that its will be releasing two "Dell E" systems that will use Ubuntu 8.04. The first Atom-powered model is aimed at the growing UMPC market with a price point around $300."
OK, if true, that gives Dell the market (assuming they don't take too long getting to market).
Interestingly, the article also has information on the MSI Wind, which has good specs (but not such a good price) using Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) 10 SP2. Novell is another sell-out to Microsoft deals. HP's mini-note also uses SLED. Neither of those are going very far then.
There is an interesting link to this page:
http://wiki.msiwind.net/index.php/Ubuntu_8.04_Hardy_Heron
... which is a wiki for how to get Ubuntu Hardy Heron on an MSI Wind (or Advent) machine ... which in turn brings to mind two pertinent points:
(1) If it runs one Linux variant, it runs them all, and
(2) Most people aren't going to change the OS in the way that sites such as this show how, so it beats me why any vendor (are you listening, ASUS?) bothers with a Linux version but then puts a limited, lame option on their machine ...
Edited 2008-07-14 11:32 UTC
Member since:2005-08-28
They probably put the simplistic interface on because they're attempting to sell these things to Windows users. If you're doing that, you either need to give them something that acts exactly like Windows so they won't need to worry how to do things, or something so simple that they won't need to worry how to do things.
They opted for Linux, so they opted for the really simple version. Granted, that makes these look more like those cheap educational "laptops" by V-tech than we'd like, but... there you go.
Put full Gnome or KDE on there and you'll rapidly confuse all but the people who'd put Linux on there regardless.
...as for me, the reason I'm probably going for a Windows version is that only the MSI Wind Windows version will come with bluetooth and a 6-cell battery. Make no mistake, I'll be scrapping Windows XP or at least dual-booting Ubuntu.
Member since:2007-02-17
I know that this is anecdotal, but FWIW ... I have personally introduced about eight people to "full Gnome or KDE" and eight out of eight have found it to be either easier, or at least no harder, to use than Windows.
Member since:
2008-06-28
Hardware vendors do not control the market. The market controls them. The same is for software vendors, including Microsoft.
One of the principles of business is to produce a product for less and make a profit. Linux will help them do this. Sewer-priced XP won't.
If Microsoft could give Windows away for free, and they won't or really can't, for this hardware market then this article would make sense.
Member since:2005-11-16
One of the principles of business is to produce a product for less and make a profit. Linux will help them do this. Sewer-priced XP won't.
If Microsoft could give Windows away for free, and they won't or really can't, for this hardware market then this article would make sense.
The other principle is to give the customer what they want because if you don't, your competitor will.
As Asus said, there is more demand for XP versions of the Eee. As much as everyone on this forum is trying to WILL Linux onto everybody's computers, people are smart and will use what they want for their own reasons, just like the big revolt that tech geeks are going through in using the un-XP OS's out there. There is a cool factor for exclusivity going on.
At the end of the day, people will use what they feel comfortable with and what makes them more productive. Getting comfortable with Linux takes time, regardless of how snappy the desktop may be.
Right now, the good news is that this hardware is Linux and Windows friendly, and THAT is the smart business move Asus made with the Eee PC.
Member since:2007-02-17
The hardware won't run Vista. The only version of XP allowed is XP Home ... which is useless for business connectivity.
Out of the box, XP runs ... Calc, Notepad & Paint. You can get a copy of Ofice on some machines that will die on you in 30 days. To get to the same level of functionality that comes with the Linux version you have to spend more than the original purchase price of the hardware ... unless you load FOSS applications such as Firefox, Thunderbird and OpenOffice.org on your machine ... in which case you might as well have gone with the Linux version in the first place with those applications pre-installed for you.
XP is end-of-life anyway.
If Asus gives short-shrift to a decent Linux version for its machine, then it will rapidly lose the advantage that it gained in this marketplace by being the first.
Member since:2005-07-06
1. apcmag.com is not an Asus or Asustek news outlet.
2. Henry Lee, Acer's senior product manager for the Oceanic region is not from Asus or Asustek.
3. Felipe Rego, associate market analyst with IDC Australia is not from Asus or Asustek.
4. Hugo Ortega, principal of Tegatech is not from Asus or Asustek.
Not one quote from Asus or Asustek ...
What Asus said publicly from there President no less is that they are not dumping windows and that it's still selling a lot of it's hardware with it , that quote it's not included in the article do , Google for it.
At the end of the day , Asus is shipping more GNU/Linux default computer , this time around and it's competitor are targeting this market too with there own offers , will still offering Windows as default on the majority of it's shipping hardware.
What we are seeing more this days is people who multi-boot. They keep windows for games , use Apple for video editing and try or use GNU/Linux for the rest.
Edited 2008-07-14 17:13 UTC
Member since:2005-08-18
Member since:2006-10-06
Member since:2008-04-15
Aha... and you know this how? [/q]
Because every single person in the world runs their operating system for one task apparently. which also means everyone who edits a video owns a mac.
In my experiences with dual booting i stop using the second OS after 2 days.
Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:
2005-11-16
Used the linux on my Eee 701 for a day. Put XP on it using nlite to streamline the build.
I use my Eee for wireless testing but could not make the 802.1x auth using mschap/v2 work after a whole day of fiddling around. I can fiddle at home, but not at work.
If you need generic apps, then linux is fine. However, if you have specific apps (read: Windows) you absolutely must run, then you really don't have much choice.
One day, linux desktop apps will no longer be "me too" or version 0.1.2 beta. Until then, the need for running specific Windows apps will trump Linux on the desktop.
Member since:2007-02-17
I use my Eee for wireless testing but could not make the 802.1x auth using mschap/v2 work after a whole day of fiddling around. I can fiddle at home, but not at work.
If you need generic apps, then linux is fine. However, if you have specific apps (read: Windows) you absolutely must run, then you really don't have much choice.
One day, linux desktop apps will no longer be "me too" or version 0.1.2 beta. Until then, the need for running specific Windows apps will trump Linux on the desktop.
Genuine question for you: what Windows-only application could you possibly want to run which is a "good fit" for use on a ULCPC machine?
Contrary to your suggestions, in general Linux applications are better than Windows counterparts ... certainly they are far better in terms of "value for money". Considering that the main attractions of a ULCPC machine such as the EEEPC or the Acer Aspire One are (1) low weight, (2) ultra-portability and (3) low cost ... what Windows-only application could you possibly have in mind that fits a "value for money" criteria better than a Linux counterpart?
Edited 2008-07-14 13:11 UTC
Member since:2005-11-16
I use my Eee for wireless testing but could not make the 802.1x auth using mschap/v2 work after a whole day of fiddling around. I can fiddle at home, but not at work.
If you need generic apps, then linux is fine. However, if you have specific apps (read: Windows) you absolutely must run, then you really don't have much choice.
One day, linux desktop apps will no longer be "me too" or version 0.1.2 beta. Until then, the need for running specific Windows apps will trump Linux on the desktop.
Genuine question for you: what Windows-only application could you possibly want to run which is a "good fit" for use on a ULCPC machine?
Contrary to your suggestions, in general Linux applications are better than Windows counterparts ... certainly they are far better in terms of "value for money". Considering that the main attractions of a ULCPC machine such as the EEEPC or the Acer Aspire One are (1) low weight, (2) ultra-portability and (3) low cost ... what Windows-only application could you possibly have in mind that fits a "value for money" criteria better than a Linux counterpart? "
WZCFG is what I need it for. As I stated, the Eee is for testing wireless connectivity.
We use WZCFG for our wireless setup, and in order to verify the system, I need to use the same exact software to validate things are working properly without introducing new variables.
Besides, 802.1x using MSChap/V2 did not work with Linux. I wasted a day trying to make it work to no avail. I loaded XP and got the job done.
I like UNIX as a server, and have been using Linux since Red Hat 6.x, and have run my own game server for years on Linux supporting Half-Life, SOF2, BF1942/Desert-Combat, and BF2. However, there are times when it make sense to use XP, and I will not be one of the people who beat the Linux drum no matter what.
Just like there is an option for not using XP (as in Linux), there is also an option for not using Linux (as in XP). Some of you people out there need to realize you are becoming zealots and are not open to other choices, which mimics how MS is with Windows.
Again, I say good for Asus for giving people the option on what to run. The included DVD made my task of loading XP very simple. Unlike my Toshiba 400 dollar laptop, which came with Shista, which I removed and wasted a whole day looking for XP drivers for. Most of them were found on the pages of their other laptops, curiously.
Member since:2005-06-29
We use WZCFG for our wireless setup, and in order to verify the system, I need to use the same exact software to validate things are working properly without introducing new variables.
Besides, 802.1x using MSChap/V2 did not work with Linux. I wasted a day trying to make it work to no avail. I loaded XP and got the job done.
That's interesting. I had a chance to play with a Fluke portable network analyzer for about a week last year, and I was intrigued that it ran the same Linux OS as was on my Sharp Zaurus PDA. I was right at home on the device, and was able to jump right into all its wireless sniffing/analyzing features with ease. No setup, no configuration, just a couple of taps on the screen and it was working flawlessly.
Now, I know this was a specialized device and not a generic laptop shoehorned into a test device role. But, I can say first hand that Linux isn't the problem; it's simply about having the right software for the right purpose. Linux-based wifi software is just as mature and capable as Windows-based variants, it just takes time to get familiar with the nuances.
I'm not trying to demean your experience; it's not your fault you couldn't dive into an alien platform and immediately get results. That being said, if you were to take some downtime and find proper software like that used on the Fluke device, then take a few hours to practice with it, I bet you'd at least have the same efficiency and utility without the added license fees and headaches that come with Windows.
Member since:2005-11-16
We use WZCFG for our wireless setup, and in order to verify the system, I need to use the same exact software to validate things are working properly without introducing new variables.
Besides, 802.1x using MSChap/V2 did not work with Linux. I wasted a day trying to make it work to no avail. I loaded XP and got the job done.
That's interesting. I had a chance to play with a Fluke portable network analyzer for about a week last year, and I was intrigued that it ran the same Linux OS as was on my Sharp Zaurus PDA. I was right at home on the device, and was able to jump right into all its wireless sniffing/analyzing features with ease. No setup, no configuration, just a couple of taps on the screen and it was working flawlessly.
Now, I know this was a specialized device and not a generic laptop shoehorned into a test device role. But, I can say first hand that Linux isn't the problem; it's simply about having the right software for the right purpose. Linux-based wifi software is just as mature and capable as Windows-based variants, it just takes time to get familiar with the nuances.
I'm not trying to demean your experience; it's not your fault you couldn't dive into an alien platform and immediately get results. That being said, if you were to take some downtime and find proper software like that used on the Fluke device, then take a few hours to practice with it, I bet you'd at least have the same efficiency and utility without the added license fees and headaches that come with Windows. "
No, not a linux beginner.
Started with Red Hat version 5 dot something. Contributed to the KnoppMyth distro and ran my own MythTV box until the listings were no longer free.
Ran my own game server probably for 4 years or so on Linux. I owned the hardware, custom installed the OS, ran the server-side game code, displayed custom ranking about players in-game....
The point was that I spent a day fiddling with 802.1x MS-Chap/V2 before I gave up. Time is not limitless. I'm sure some place someone has Linux working properly. However, I was not willing to spend more time on the net and fooling around than 1 day to figure this out.
At some point, people need to be a bit more realistic on what to expect. You have the unknown (Linux) and the known (Windows). Windows was a known commodity for my particular intended purpose. I was a sport and figured I would spend some time making the included OS work because that would save time having to reload an OS on the Eee.
As it turned out, after a full day at work, I realized I had to cut my (time) losses and install Windows and turn the Eee PC into the tool that I purchased it for.
Some people will just not allow for any other decision other than Linux is the best. It is not, but not everyone understands this. Saying otherwise just shows blind fanaticism in a lot of cases.
Member since:2007-09-06
"for wireless testing but could not make the 802.1x auth using mschap/v2 work after a whole day of fiddling"
It seems the original poster is using it for testing wireless networking. Testing networking and security is far within the domain of *nix like OS. Seems Windows didn't like using the hardware either from the sounds of it.
Now I'm curious too, what Windows only function made this person wipe the Linux distro from the machine and install Windows? It's like scorning a free steak from the chef so you can buy a 20$ burger at McDonalds.
Member since:2005-11-16
It seems the original poster is using it for testing wireless networking. Testing networking and security is far within the domain of *nix like OS. Seems Windows didn't like using the hardware either from the sounds of it.
Now I'm curious too, what Windows only function made this person wipe the Linux distro from the machine and install Windows? It's like scorning a free steak from the chef so you can buy a 20$ burger at McDonalds.
One last time:
802.1x using MSChap-V2. You guys fail to read and comprehend.
Member since:2007-09-06
"
Used the linux on my Eee 701 for a day. Put XP on it using nlite to streamline the build.
I use my Eee for wireless testing but could not make the 802.1x auth using mschap/v2 work after a whole day of fiddling around. I can fiddle at home, but not at work.
"
On my initial read, your wording made it sound like You used Xandros for a day then put winXP on the device afte which, you spent a day trying to get msChap working under Windows with little success.
If your connecting across a network using MS-Chap, maybe that's a standard MS needs to release proper documentation for. I have had issue in the past with VPN where the router and all devices could talk IPSec by way of OpenVPN except the Windows machines that required an additional 100$ per seat for a VPN client. VPN is built into Windows but only if it's MS-VPN.
So, the clarification I guess is that you where not able to use Xandros to test connections into a Windows box through an MS-Chap authentication. Yeah, that's a "feature" that probably requires Windows and the Eee is not enoug box to be dual-booting or running VM with.
Maybe try the build of Mandriva 2008.1 specifically customized for the Eee? A full distribution may provide the tools lacking in the specialty distribution from Asus. It may not fix your MS-Chap issue but it will give you all the best tools for testing your networks outside of that.
Member since:2006-01-01
Member since:2005-11-16
It seems the original poster is using it for testing wireless networking. Testing networking and security is far within the domain of *nix like OS. Seems Windows didn't like using the hardware either from the sounds of it.
Now I'm curious too, what Windows only function made this person wipe the Linux distro from the machine and install Windows? It's like scorning a free steak from the chef so you can buy a 20$ burger at McDonalds.
Oh, to clarify a bit. It's not a Windows only function. It's just that it did not work at all with the pre-loaded Xandros OS. I had to go through some hurdles to even attempt it with Xandros, and this left me with a version of Xandros that was no longer easy to recover. Besides, it never worked.
At that point, I had wasted a day goofing around with no results. It was going to be a rebuild of some sort. I crafted a custom XP load using nlite which I loaded from an external DVD drive. I included all the drivers I needed that came with the Eee for XP and now have a simple way of restoring the machine should I need to reload. I am happy to say that the HARDWARE is doing just fine since I bought it and it is serving the intended purpose perfectly.
I guess you guys can all sit here and try to discredit why I run XP. Suffice to say I prefer it on the desktop. I like Linux and use it (as mentioned) when I see it as being superior. But I don't agree that it is superior on the desktop.
Why is everyone so frazzled that I decided to put XP on this? What are you guys, the OS nazis?
Member since:2006-07-30
Member since:2007-09-06
I'm not seeing the everybody frazzled part. I explained my case though; your original post was not clear. I think you'd be seeing far more responses of far less diplomacy if everyone was frazzled over what OS you chose.
If Windows works then brilliant, use it, love it, get on with it; just don't be surprised when you mention "network testing" and people wonder what Windows can provide that other platforms are not able too.
Answer; full compatability with Windows undocumented protocols. You failed to clarify the part where Xandros would not talk to MS-Chap Windows authentication. (it does have me curious though.. where's that stupidly thick reference book of mine.)
(I actually thought you where using Cain which would require the win32 libraries but that would be more on the security side rather than initial connectivity.)
Member since:2007-06-16
Member since:
2007-05-20
I think Asus is thankless to Open Source. After all, it made a lot of money selling these. Even I got one, and I am not really a fan of the company.
I think I am buying Aspire one next...
Member since:
2008-02-05
(posting from my eee 900)
I love this device, and I agree that the Xandros distro that's been preinstalled cripples it too much. Still, I've reverted to it because none of the other distro's could get everything to work.
Will keep trying with every new release of:
-Arch
-Debian
-Ubuntu
-Fedora
-FreeBSD
to see if all features are supported well enough, but at this moment I choose to keep the (fairly awful) Xandros (easy mode) in favour of all those nice and shiny other distro's with decent repositories, but bad hardware compatibility.
I'm not enough of a linux user (yet) to be able to keep my distro working properly with too much hardware that isn't working out of the box.
EDIT: by the way, wifi wasn't the worst thing to get working. The webcam, acpi and function keys are far worse.
Edited 2008-07-14 12:48 UTC
Member since:2007-02-17
I love this device, and I agree that the Xandros distro that's been preinstalled cripples it too much. Still, I've reverted to it because none of the other distro's could get everything to work.
Will keep trying with every new release of:
-Arch
-Debian
-Ubuntu
-Fedora
-FreeBSD
Mandriva 2008.1 works perfectly with an EEEPC.
http://eeepc.net/mandriva-20081-works-with-eee-pcs/
Member since:2008-02-05
I tried it, and found it extremely slow and heavy. That, and no, the hardware didn't work 100% (though it was a little better than other distro's). By the way, they only say that they support the 700 series out-of-the-box. There's definitely some work to be done for the 900 series.
I had far better results with Debian and Arch, (I'd prefer to use one of those two), but then I couldn't get all the hardware to function 100% properly.
I'll just give those two some time to mature into the direction of these ulpc's, and will get rid of Xandros at that time...
But indeed (to a poster below somewhere), it looks like the Xandros distro was just slapped onto the device without much thought. The ICEWM ui isn't the worst, but why install an OS without a repository worth that name on a device like this? Hell, even a lightweight version of Ubuntu would be loads better.
Member since:2005-11-12
Still, I've reverted to it because none of the other distro's could get everything to work.
I tried a lot of what you listed. eeeUbuntu worked best for me. It recognized the camera, wifi, etc. The only drawback is that when the kernel updates I have to manually compile madwifi drivers. It is easy to do. You just navigate to /opt/eee.../madwifi and run make clean, make, make install and you are back in business.
Member since:2008-02-05
Member since:
2008-07-14
Member since:
2005-07-06
What disappoints me is the lack of integration and focus by the vendors out there. It just seems to me that they grabbed an operating system and threw it on the machine without any attempt to fuse the lines between hardware and software. When the operating system and hardware are so integrated that one can't see where one stops and the other begins, that is when you've achieved something unique.
Take the Xandros installed on the eeepc for example, its just thrown on there. No attempt to make it part of the machine. It looks like a miniature laptop running Linux - compare that to a mobile phone. No one cares what operating system runs on it, it just runs - and everything just works.
If it were me, I'd want to design something using *BSD from the ground up, develop a third party ecosystem specifically designed to cater for that particular products features - just like how Apple has done with their iPod Touch and iPhone.
This is, however, not the result of any deficiency with Linux - this has to do with a hardware vendor who is run by geeks and engineers rather than folks who have the technical knowledge but also know what the customer wants and how to deliver the complete pack to him or her.
Edited 2008-07-14 13:29 UTC
Member since:
2006-12-15
Disclaimer:I have an EEEPC in my household:
http://messagedfromtheouthouse.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/5-months-wi...
The main problems this article does not address is people's preference, and by that I mean the great unwashed masses, not us geeks. If my (definitely ungeeky) brother would be planning to by a sub notebook and would be standing in front of two similarly priced EEEPC, one with XP, one with Linux, he would always take the MS OS laden one, as that's what he knows and that's what he is comfortable with.
The only incentive to use the Linux machine would be a significant reduction in price, and only then, after experiencing that using Linux does not give you funny facial hair, smelly armpits and an awkward social life and is actually nice and easy to use (at least on the EEE) he would become convinced about the benefit of using Linux on a laptop.
I presume the same goes for every other Windows user in this world.
Edited 2008-07-14 15:01 UTC
Member since:
2008-07-14
1) There's an old Chinese saying that if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
2) I once worked for a fellow who was described as "...able to bite himself on the butt while talking to you and never flinch"
Hang in there with me; this'll all come together--
It seems that the one thing ASUS have learned from dealing with Microsoft and Intel is how to not lie well, to wit:
"So you thought Linux was the key to the Eee PC's success? Not so, according to ASUS. "The bulk of the requests and requirements we see in the marketplace are for the model with Windows rat