After entry-level mobile personal computers – which are sometimes called “netboooks” – appeared to be pretty successful, a number of manufacturers are gearing up to introduce ultra low-cost desktop systems, which they call “nettops”. In a bid to offer an operating system for those ultra low-cost desktop PCs, Microsoft announced at Computex Taipei 2008 the worldwide extension of Windows XP Home availability for such systems.

Windows XP Home for desktop or mobile ultra low-cost personal computers (ULCPCs) will be available until the later of June 30, 2010, or one year after general availability of the next version of Windows. The extension of XP availability is a result of Windows Vista requirements for performance, which cannot be made available on entry-level systems presently, and the growing popularity of Linux operating system on affordable personal computers.

“Customers and partners have made it clear to us that they want Windows on their netbooks and nettops. We are committed to providing Windows solutions for these devices, helping to ensure a high-quality experience for both our partners and customers,” said Steven Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the original equipment manufacturer division at Microsoft.

Microsoft is working with more than 20 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Acer, Asustek Computer, BenQ, Dell, First International Computer (FIC), Gigabyte Technology, HP, Inventec, Lenovo, Medion AG, MicroStar Internationa, Positivo Informatica, Pegatron, Quanta Computer and Wistron to deliver entry-level Windows-based offerings for consumers.

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