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: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:
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