For those of you that were interested in the ASUS Eee PC that we reviewed last year, but were hesitant based on the custom-built Linux OS that ASUS made you use with it, there is good news across the wire today.  Details are still slim, such as price changes or model number differences, but ASUS is now officially saying that getting an Eee PC with Windows XP is right around the corner.

ASUS to officially offer Eee PC with Windows XP - Mobile 2

I’ll be curious to see how much storage these models have, as the Windows XP operating system will obviously use more space than the Linux OS used previously. 

In addition to the Windows operating system, consumers with the Eee PC will be able to access Windows Live, which is a set of personal Internet services and software to manage their online world more efficiently and safely. Some key features include Windows Live Mail,which consolidates all the various email accounts into one place on the user’s desktop and eliminates multiple log-ins; Windows Live Messenger to help keep users connected with each other easily and instantly; Windows Live Photo Gallery that easily organizes, sends, posts and shares photos with friends and family; and Windows Live Family Safety, which offers built-in family safety features including safer browsing for children via Web site management.

“The Eee PC has been a tremendous success since our initial launch in October last year, and feedback gathered from consumers have aided us in providing even greater enhancements with our new range of Eee PCs,” said Jonathan Tsang, Vice Chairman of ASUS. “With the new Windows-based offerings, a greater amount of work ease is expected through full compatibility with Windows applications, while Windows Live and Microsoft Works features will certainly add to greater online interaction and work efficiency.”

“Technology is a fundamental tool to enable social and economic opportunity, but today five billion people around the world still remain without access,” said Will Poole, Corporate Vice President for the Unlimited Potential Group at Microsoft. “By introducing the Eee PC with Windows, ASUS is providing Windows-based applications and services to millions of people that can benefit tremendously from an affordable laptop for education, work, communication and entertainment.”