Microsoft has announced that manufacturers will be able to sell Windows on "nettops" or low-cost desktops in another move that looks set to keep XP alive for several years yet.
Microsoft has confirmed that it will be providing a version of Windows 7 specifically developed for netbooks and sub-notebook computers, as well as at least one version for consumers, and one for enterprise users.
Monday was the last day on which Windows XP will be sold as a boxed product or licensed to PC manufacturers.
The NSW Department of Education and Training has picked Microsoft Windows XP and Office software and Lenovo hardware to run on its impending roll-out of 200,000 student netbooks funded through Kevin Rudd's Digital Education Revolution, leaving the Linux alternative out in the cold.
The NSW Department of Education and Training will hire hundreds of extra full-time IT staff to support the 220,000 netbooks to be deployed this year, but the fleet's operating system is yet to be announced.
By choosing the safe Windows XP choice for student laptops, the NSW Department of Education and training is turning its back on the chance to turn hundreds of thousands of students into armchair developers and handcuffing itself to a rocky Windows 7 upgrade path.
Samsung's netbook is an excellent entry into the Australian market, and an incredibly tempting buy for anyone looking in this space.
The Latitude 2100 is an interesting answer to customising for the needs of schools. As a by-product, Dell has created a robust little netbook that can just as easily be tossed around by any techie who likes to work roughly.
HP's ProBook is all business, from its solid performance to its rather solid and stodgy style.
The DP04 is a classic example of why nettop buyers are better off buying netbooks.
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