Asus Eee PC makes a date with XP

Asus is taking the strain out of loading Windows XP onto its tiny 7in laptop, with a ready loaded version due to hit the shops in the States in nine days time. And the good news for Windows fans is it won't cost any more than the current Linux model.

Although Asus has always provided the drivers for users to load their own copies of XP, the Eee PC 4G-X, as its known in Japan (where it's been available since January), comes fully pre-loaded with a more or less complete version of Windows XP Home Edition and Microsoft Works - though Open Office is always available as a free download.

The hardware is the same as the 701 Linux model, with 4GB of storage, a 7in 800x480 widescreen, 900MHz mobile processor and 512MB RAM. With XP taking up much of the storage space an SDHC card is also recommended to bump up the capacity.

The only major drawback is that it comes with the smaller 4400mAh battery - though Asus still claim a healthy 2.8 hours of running time.

With it coming in at the same $399 as the Linux 701 in the States, a launch price of £299 seems likely when it finally makes it to the UK.

[ Laptop Magazine]