Cheap Windows XP – but only for ultra low-cost notebooks

Microsoft apparently plans to offer manufacturers of the least expensive notebooks especially cheap licences for its Windows XP Home operating system. US media are reporting that an unreleased Microsoft document sent to a number of PC manufacturers specifies that these discount licences are subject to a number of conditions. For instance, the software can only be installed on notebooks with displays no larger than 10.2 inches; the hard drive also cannot be larger than 80 GB. The devices must not include a touchscreen.

Up to now, providers of very low cost notebooks have been installing the open source operating system Linux to keep their costs as low as possible. Microsoft can hardly compete in this segment by offering reduced rates for Windows licences, without undermining the pricing for licences sold for higher-quality PCs. Nonetheless, the software giant says it supports ultra low-cost PCs for educational purposes in developing countries on its "Unlimited Potential" website and of course, Microsoft software should be installed on these computers. The website unfortunately does not say where users can find these ultra low-cost computers.

(trk)