Monday, October 22nd 2007
Microsoft to Create Special Version of Windows Vista for ASUS EeePC
When Microsoft discovered that the ASUS EeePC would come with Linux as the standard operating system, Microsoft was "astounded". And so, Microsoft is working hard to create a special version of Windows Vista that's small enough to run on an ASUS EeePC. This is much better (and cheaper) than alternative ways to get Windows on an EeePC. ASUS revealed earlier that with a little bit of tweaking, it is possible to get a retail copy of Windows XP working on the small 2-8GB SSD drive, and still have enough space for applications, and posted Windows XP drivers on their website in response. Neither ASUS or Microsoft have any comment as to when we can see this special version of Vista on the laptop, or how much it will cost.
Source:
Reg Hardware
24 Comments on Microsoft to Create Special Version of Windows Vista for ASUS EeePC
MS is trying to secure a future for themselves, since they've basically lost the server market already, and Linux is really taking over on the desktop too, and soon, notebooks, what wth the Asus EeePC running Linux as standard.
I don't think many people will use that special Vista on the EeePC, it'll still likely be slow, and if anyone switches to a Windows OS, they'll probably use their old copies of XP or something, but I still think many will just keep Linux, install some office software, a few media players, their favourite web browser, and keep it as a light work laptop.
Ten bucks says they just put a fancy skin on Windows 98 and start boxing it up for retail.
2./ Never mind linux or Vista, 2-8GB is a silly number. You can buy 4GB USB sticks at any retail store these days, and you get 8GB in the new mini iPods. Given the SIZE of the Asus (huge compared to a keystick or the new ipod), and the available functionality, then they should have at least 20-40GB on the device for a full application suite, and data storage. It could be in 2 partitions. A *fast* system partition with the expensive flash RAM and very high read/write capability, say 8GB, for OS and applications, and a partition of cheaper flash for data. That would keep costs down but allow for greater flexibility of use.
= perfect for on the road email, PDF, Office suite etc. In fact, that's probably the KEY DRIVER of MS decision: ensure corporate buyers stick with MS Office and dont migrate to OpenOffice because their executives have these machines running linux. Can you imagine... multi million dollar spend coporations saying "oh, OO works and is OK, lets drop MSO and save a bundle", followed by "oh, we dont need Windows anymore now that we are running linux servers and linux laptops".
A lot of people dont want to use Lunix because they know windows.....but MS knows that if people try it, they might just like it. So they will do whatever they can to make sure they have their software on this.
And most people wont like Linux, its just not shiny enough like XP or Vista. People like bling.
Microsoft is getting worried. Will this version cost the same as the Linux version?
On another note. This will get a lot of people sucked into MS's new operating system. So in a way its a very smart move.
So, no hours of setting it up and downloading things. ;)
Worried about the use of SSD though and thrashing of the drive....
<img src="http://www.ubuntu.com/files/u1/710_displayconfig1.jpg" width="200px" border="0px" /> Microsoft never does anything unless they're forced to by market pressure (potential or real). I betcha they couldn't care less what our end experience with their product is, as long as we keep using it. :laugh:
No company wants us telling them what we do with our product if just to be told. Unless its for formal surveys and etc.