The Asus Eee Xandros Linux Laptops have been a big hit due to their affordability and hack-ability, but can this laptop success transfer to a desktop machine and long term is this a positive influence for Linux on the desktop?
In addition to the Eee Laptops, Asustek will be releasing a line of Linux-powered PCs in 2008. These Eee PCs will consist of low cost components and a projected initial cost of $200 to $300.
…Asus intends its Linux “E” line to be the low-price leader in every major desktop PC line. – DesktopLinux
While this “Eee” concept has been very successful($) for Asus, I wonder if it’s a good long term influencer for Linux being used on the desktop?
On one hand Linux is getting a lot of exposure to many who could not afford a more capable and costly PC but is it presenting Linux as a cheap, not in the inexpensive sense, disposable OS?
Will non-tech users who purchase these low performance machines see the shortcomings of the “Eee” as being a problem of Linux as well?
Will they be able to separate the PC from OS?
I’m hoping my Linux friend Richard can share some thoughts on these questions.
What do you think?
Update: 02/02/2008
My friend Richard Querin over at Renaissance Man responded with “Why Low-End PC’s with Linux are a Great Thing.”
Definitely some good points for consideration, but I’m still not totally convinced. I don’t think low-end PC’s with Linux will be a great influence for long-term Linux growth on the desktop.
When non-tech users of these low-end PC’s reach the point of wanting to upgrade and purchase a more capable/traditional PC, will they also think about a more “traditional” operating system? I think they probably will.
I agree about the exposure of open source applications to non-tech people in general. Most people don’t realize how many great “free” applications are available.
This could become the real foot in the “desktop door” for Linux. People become dependent on applications more then operating systems, and if a favorite application runs mainly on Linux then Linux will be a definite choice for their future PCs.