| Asus ships mini-laptop, confirms Windows version |
Nov. 01, 2007
 Asus has begun shipping its two-pound mini laptop, and says the system will be available with "Windows" by the end of the year. The Asus Eee PC uses flash storage and is based on a 900 MHz Celeron M processor.
(Click here for a larger view of the Asus Eee PC)
Originally tipped to cost $199, the device is now priced at $400, initially in a Linux configuration with 4 GB of storage. (You can access more information on this, along with reviews of the device, on our sister site LinuxDevices, here.)
The Eee PC is a tiny, SSD-based laptop
Acer said in a statement that the Eee PC will be available with preinstalled Windows XP "by the end of the year," though no information was provided about which version of the OS will be offered. Potentially, Windows XP could require more memory and storage, demanding a somewhat higher price.
In principle, Windows XP Embedded (XPe) could alleviate this. However, Microsoft is thought to restrict XPe licensing to special-function, pre-programmed devices, such as for the embedded software infrastructure in thin client terminals or set-top boxes. If so, this would prevent its use in devices such as mini-laptops or UMPCs (ultra-mobile PCs). Still, Microsoft has become more aggressive in competing with Linux lately.
Without tipping Microsoft's hand on this matter, Scott Di Valerio, corporate VP of Microsoft's OEM division, stated, "we are excited to work with Asus to enable a Windows-based software and services solution for this new category of mobile PCs." With Windows on board, the Eee PC will better accommodate corporate requirements, Asus said in a statement.
Staging a series of press events worldwide, including one at the upscale Stanford Shopping Center in Silicon Valley, Asus said initial sales have been at the rate of one Eee PC every six seconds. In the U.S., the unit is available at online retailer Newegg.com and reportedly will also be sold at Best Buy stores.
Features and specifications cited by Asus for the Eee PC include the following:- Processor -- Intel Celeron M clocked at 900 MHz
- Memory -- 512 MB of RAM, upgradeable to 1 MB by replacing the standard SODIMM
- Storage -- 4 GB "solid-state drive"
- Display -- 7-inch color TFT with 800 x 400 resolution
- Camera -- webcam mounted above the screen
- Audio -- dual speakers for stereo sound
- Networking:
- 10/100 Ethernet
- 802.11b/g wireless LAN
- Other I/O:
- 3 x USB
- VGA port for external monitor
- Expansion:
- SD card reader
- Memory stick reader
- mini PCI-express slot (accessible internally)
- Battery life -- 3-4 hours
- Weight -- 2 pounds (.9 kg)
As noted above, the Eee PC is available now. More information can be found at the company's Web site, here.
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