
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?
Member since:
2005-12-15
The only real reason for putting any flavor of Windows on this thing is using apps like Word, Excel, Photoshop, ...
People are used to and 'trust' Windows, even if they realise there's lots of security updates. Microsoft makes it. They're a big company. They HAVE to be trustworthy, right?? ;-)
[Should've made that clear though]
XP is getting plenty long in the tooth - people won't be using it forever.
Well nothing lasts forever in tech, but it'll be around for a long time still. It's possibly to find Windows 3.11 in some offices still.. DOS even.
Maybe, but Linux has several more significant hurdles to overcome beyond battery life. My experience is that most non-techs still haven't heared of this thing called "Linux", and those that have are still quite confused about what Linux will really offer above Windows.