Asus to charge more for Linux version of eee PC than XP one

[greggh]

http://osnews.com/story/19721/Windows_X ... ux_Variant

http://apcmag.com/windowsbased_eeepc_ch ... ux_one.htm

Is ASUS in bed with Microsoft? The new XP-based EeePC 900 will actually be cheaper than the Linux-based version.

Asus will sell the Windows XP model of its Eee PC 900 for a substantially cheaper price than its Linux counterpart, raising questions about the company's long term commitment to the Linux marketplace.

At a Sydney launch event for the much-anticipated Eee PC 900 model, local product manager Albert Liang revealed that the XP model would sell for $599 in Australia, while the Linux model would be $649. To cover the licence cost associated with Windows XP Home and Microsoft Works — which replace a custom version of the Xandros Linux distribution and OpenOffice — the XP model has just 12GB of storage, while the Linux version has 20GB.

The machines, which sport a wider 8.9 inch screen and weigh in at just under a kilogram, will go on sale in Australia at the end of May. Adding to the impression that Linux is now the poor cousin, the XP version will be sold through "selected retailers" while the Linux machine will be available through "computer resellers". (Translation: No more Linux machines in Myer.)

If Asus really goes through with this bullshit collusion plan with Microsoft of only having a Linux version of the 9" eee that costs more than the Windows version I will boycott Asus. Don't they know that the Linux community will see what's really going on here?

[snarkout]

I doubt they give a shit - I'm sure MS is probably giving them a nice kickback where as Xandros is probably not. I'm fairly sure I never read any asus quote saying anything like "We're firmly committed to Linux and Free and Open Software - it's what we believe in." I think more than likely, the windows option simply didn't exist, or was slated to go away, and they pushed linux out the door on them because it fit (even though most reviews indicate nearly every other eee-specific linux build is better than the stock xandros). I admit it is a strange choice, though, since as far as I understand it the Eee is a smashing success in its current state - this could be greatly overhyped, though. Greed ahoy! either way.

[LinuxMint-4]

I don't understand why a person has to pay more for a Ubuntu laptop from Dell than a Best buy or Staples laptop with Vista Premium. A good example is Staples selling the Presario laptop with Vista this week for $399. Which is still a better deal than the EePC laptop for $349 with Linux. That Presario has a 120 gig hard drive, 1 GB Ram, 1.9 Ghz, DVD/CD and wireless. Buying it and throwing Linux on it would be the least expensive way of getting a Linux laptop.

[snarkout]

Actually, from the various reports I'm seeing on the various news sites, it seems fairly uncertain whether those reported prices are correct. I guess time will tell.

[greggh]

Actually, from the various reports I'm seeing on the various news sites, it seems fairly uncertain whether those reported prices are correct. I guess time will tell.

Could you give some links? Thanks.

[snarkout]

Look at the OSnews and Slashdot threads - several people claiming to be from Oz say that those price quotes are off/incorrect.

[snarkout]

Ah, I see what you mean - my second post made it look like there were news reports stating the contrary - sorry for the confusion.

[dann]

I don't understand why a person has to pay more for a Ubuntu laptop from Dell than a Best buy or Staples laptop with Vista Premium. A good example is Staples selling the Presario laptop with Vista this week for $399. Which is still a better deal than the EePC laptop for $349 with Linux. That Presario has a 120 gig hard drive, 1 GB Ram, 1.9 Ghz, DVD/CD and wireless. Buying it and throwing Linux on it would be the least expensive way of getting a Linux laptop.

You have to make sure to read the fine print on those deals as some of them may require you to subscribe to some service for at least a year or two, like msn or something.