One-third of Asus Eee PC users to run Linux

Keywords: Match:

Mar. 14, 2008

Blog -- It's funny how some people are so stuck on the idea that Windows, and only Windows, is the one true operating system that they can't even hear their own words. That's the case with a recent news story with the headline, "Windows XP Will Fill Two-Thirds of Asustek Eee PCs." (This article will only be online until April 13.)

OK, I know almost none of you are journalists, but what's wrong with that headline?

That's right. You didn't need to do paste-up classified ads for your high school newspaper to figure out that the news here is that Linux will be running on a third of Asustek's Eee PCs. Windows being installed on PCs is no more news than "Dog Bites Man." It's "Man Bites Dog" that's interesting.

So, the main news, buried under that misleading headline, is that Asustek plans to sell 5 million Eee PCs in 2008. Which -- let's do the math here -- I think means that the Taiwanese company plans on selling 1.66 million Linux PCs.

Now, that's impressive!

If you actually read the article, you'll also see that the Asustek chairman said the company expected to sell 60 percent, not 66.6 percent, of its Eee PC line with XP. So, we're actually talking about 2 million new Linux PCs landing in customers' hands in 2008.

If Asustek sells that many, it'll have sold more Linux PCs than all other Linux PC vendors combined up until 2008. That, my friends, is the real news here.

The company also revealed that in 2007 it sold 300,000 units. All of those systems ran Linux.

Take a look at Amazon's list of top-selling computers. Earlier in March, seven of Amazon's top 25 were Asus Linux laptops.

Need I say more? Well, actually there is one thing. There is one element of news to the original headline. Asustek is selling Windows XP, not Vista. Interesting, isn't it?

-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

Do you have comments on this story?

Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!

Related Stories:

(Click here for further information)

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.

Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.

Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.

Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.

Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.

Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.

Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.

Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Desktop Linux books Join our Desktop Linux discussion forums: • Moving to Linux • Linux/Windows debate! • Linux Q&A . . . and more Linux vs. Windows • in the enterprise • in gadgets & devices	Most popular recent stories: • A Vista vs. Linux matchup • Choosing a desktop Linux distro • Linus versus GNOME • Why Windows wins and Linux loses • The best free desktop Linux • Why Windows Vista will suck • 2006 Desktop Linux year in review • The well-tempered Debian desktop • Here come the Dell Linux desktops, laptops • Seven Linux distros fight over one old ThinkPad • Putting openSUSE 10.2 through its paces • Results from the 2006 Desktop Linux Survey

BREAKING NEWS

• Linux for the self-employed
• CNR supports Linux Mint, adds Weatherbug
• Ubuntu ported to PDA
• Sample chapter available for new Scalix book
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
• EeePC to gain Linux content aggregation tool
• A Windows-like install for Hardy Heron
• Ubuntu 8, Fedora 9 package OpenJDK
• A "hardy" Linux distro goes to work
• KDE Linux reaches 52 million Brazilian kids
• Tutorial explains Mandriva 2008 configuration
• Google Maps gains easy Linux install
• OSCON colocates with Ubuntu Live
• Open-source Flash rival "Gnashes" out
• "Most significant" Ubuntu release ever approaches

Linux-Watch headlines:
• Running a small business on desktop Linux
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
• Via tiptoes toward openness
• Linux certification comes to Italy
• Installing Ubuntu Hardy Heron as a web hosting server
• Black Duck Buys Koders
• Open source conference co-locates with Ubuntu show
• Ubuntu 8.04 ready to challenge Windows
• KDE Linux reaches 52 million Brazilian kids
• Free x86-based Linux router distro rev'd

Visit the...

news feed

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.