Asus Outlines Eee PC Windows XP Roll-Out Plan

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Is it sufficient to say “woo-hoo”?! Many have been jonesing for an Asus Eee PC with Windows XP for some time, not just in terms of the upcoming new models, but also because the first-gen Eee PC could supposedly support it as well. Wednesday, in an emailed press release, Asus outlined its roll-out plans.

However, “outline” is the correct word in this case. Although it’s great to finally see confirmation of it of Windows XP on the Eee PC, Asus left out some important details, such as:

• How much for the new models?
• Will there be an upgrade program for older Eee PCs?
• Exactly when?

The gist of the press release is that Windows XP-preinstalled Eee PCs will be available by the end of Q1, 2008. The models will be equipped with 4GB or 8GB SSDs.

In the press release, Jackie Hsu, President of ASUS America Channel said,

“The Eee PC has been a tremendous success since our initial launch in November last year, and our channel customers tell us they want to offer even more options to their end consumers. With the new Windows XP based offerings, we expect to engage with a broader customer base whose existing software and applications require a Windows’ based device.”

We Say: Have to admit, that would be cool. I doubt I would use an Eee PC with only 8 GB of flash memory with Microsoft Office as that installation alone would take up tons of space. Certainly though, this would help Eee sales.

Of course, pricing info would have been nice, and I’d really like to see how it performs with XP, but at least we have a Q1 date, so as March approaches, expect anticipation to rise.