Why the Eee won't bring people to Linux

The EeePC originally ran Linux only; anybody who wanted an ultraportable laptop for $499 would have to buy a Linux-based machine. However, Microsoft has realised the threat that the Linux-based EEE placed on its Windows operating system, and now Asus offers the EeePC with Windows XP preinstalled.

I told you earlier of my workmate who wanted to buy an XP-based Eee for her son. She was going to choose the XP version because the rep told her it would be "easier to use if you're familiar with Windows". In the end, I built her a Linux computer and she gave her broken XP/Vista laptop to her son.

Somebody who I met on Friendster a long time ago e-mailed me to ask my opinion of the EeePC. I think she was reading this blog, as before I said that I had wanted to get one. I advised her to buy the Linux version:

• It's a better fit for the computer's small screen
• It runs faster with Linux
• More flexible
• It's simpler to use
• No viruses or spyware
• Bigger flash storage (or lower price)

She's going to buy the XP version, because "I know it will work well with my XP desktop, and I love XP".

So there you go. If they've already got Windows, they'll continue to use Windows, despite being told that Linux is the superior operating system, and especially the better OS for the EeePC.

It's great that we can buy a Linux-based laptop from a brand-name vendor, but the idea that the EeePC would bring people to Linux is simply not happening. This probably also means that competing ultra-portable Linux laptops will fail to find market share. Not because Windows is "better", or because it costs more, or because of any interoperability issues between Windows desktops and Linux laptops; but simply because they don't have the shiny Windows XP sticker on them. Sad, isn't it?

Here's a gratuitous Compiz screenshot (yes, you can run Compiz visual effects on an Eee!):

And another one:

Click the thumbnails to view full-size.