Local mag claims Aussie Eee PC buyers will pay extra for Linux
'Generous' Microsoft charging less for Windows XP?
In a move that's going leave local Linux buffs alleging Asus has been handsomely rewarded by Microsoft, the computer maker is to charge less for the Windows version of the Eee PC 900 in Australia than the version using the open source OS.
The Linux-loaded 900 already matches the Windows XP version on price in many countries by incorporating 8GB more Flash storage: 20GB to the other's 12GB. Since most Eee users aren't looking for a storage powerhouse, most of the - we'd say - would rather have a 900 with 12GB of storage and pay less for it.
Down Under, the only way to do that is to... buy the XP model. According to an APC magazine report, the XP version will cost AU$599 ($564/£288/€366), while the Linux model will be priced at AU$649 ($611/£312/€396). The pricing plan was revealed at the elfin laptop's Sydney launch this week.
In all other respects, the two models' specs match those elsewhere.
Asus Eee PC and friend: BASHing on Bondi?
We checked with the Asus Australia website, but it's not yet listing the 900. However, unaffiliated Aussie website Asusnotebook.com.au has the XP version listed at AU$799 ($752/£384/€488), with the Linux model retailing for AU$649. Local retail chain Dick Smith has yet to list either machine on its website.
The Eee PC 900 is due to arrive in Australia at the end of the month.
Related Review
Asus Eee PC 900 Linux Edition
COMMENTS
@SpitefulGOD
Are you seriously that stupid???
What wireless AP wont work with the inbuilt wireless adapter?
What digital camera / mobile phone / music player will not be able to connect to the USB port and work OOTB?
Methinks you should get off your knees and actually try one out before spouting nonsense.
Here's another idea...
If the Windows version is the one going to the larger chain stores and the linux version to the computer stores it might just be a price difference to reflect how they sell. The computer stores will bargain and cut prices but the chain stores tend to sell at or near to RRP.
So the effective price will be similar, most likely still less for the linux version.
Real world pricing rarely matches those announced...
Speak for yourself AC
"So the extra cost is in the flash memory. Tony suggests (probably rightly) that the Linux EeePC target audience isn't really going to care too much about the extra 8GB."
Well, we might not *need* the extra storage, but we *care* about it. I'll have that for a few more AVIs, thank you.
As for SpitefulGOD, have you actually used one?
"Why would you piss around with Linux trying to get things working??? "
Funnily, enough, it Just Works in its Linux incarnation... and not using the Mac pricing model either. I've had a lot more hassles trying to get Sony Ericsson and Nokia phone storage drivers working on XP (since you actually have to install drivers) than any Linux system I've used (where you just plug the device in, and voila, there's your storage)
Have a Windows Eeeee PC
And sync it with your windows Desktop PC, truly nobody cares, if you want to take this thing out and about it want to plug it in to all manner of mobile devices and photography equipment etc... Why would you piss around with Linux trying to get things working??? Of course the windows version is going to sell better; asus don't want to throw their R&D money away..... I think we should all thank MS for allowing this product to become much better instead of just and expensive brick.
Just looks like MS is fixing the market
The extra space on the SSD for the Linux model, accounts more for the price difference, and that extra space is kinda useful.
But, not offering Linux on the smaller SSD or MS on the larger does not allow the comparison to be between Operating Systems, which of course MS is pretty scared to do,
With the way Linux is actually installed and operates on the EEE, it may actually make sense to have a larger drive, Linux updates far more often and far more rigorously than MS based products. There is also a far larger collection to choose from so drive space is a bit of a premium. With that said I am sure there is something else behind this discrepancy of availability.
Personally I would prefer computer manufacturers to offer no OS on the system, and instead ensure that all the hardware specs are open, and write drivers for most of the major kernels. This should be a standard option on all systems, not something that is pretty much unheard of in the laptop and pre-assembled market. I am quite tired of having to format the existing OS which is an extra step in the process of getting a machine to work.
