Microsoft targets XO with XP

Stephen Withers
Friday, 07 December 2007 04:09

Business IT - Technology

A flash-based version of Windows XP could be available for the One Laptop Per Child's XO laptop by the middle of 2008 - but probably not to you.

Microsoft has successfully provided support for Intel's Classmate and ASUS' Eee, and is now looking to provide Windows XP for a wider range of low-cost devices.

Field trials of XP on XO will take place in January 2008, and Microsoft has more than 40 engineers working on the port.

But if you participated in OLPC's 'Give 1 Get 1' program, don't hold your breath: "there are no plans to offer a version of Windows that is compatible with the XO laptop for retail purchase in the US and Canada," Microsoft officials warned.

Why do you think that is? Could it be that Microsoft and its partners would prefer you to buy a more profitable Vista or Windows Mobile-based device instead?

When rumours of XP for the XO first emerged, Stan Beer suggested that "Microsoft's aim in providing Windows for the XO is to try to hook the third world on Windows, working through the children."

The idea of running Windows on the XO - however low the price - does seem to subvert the concept.

But there are plenty of hardware manufacturers around that can take care of the commercial market, and early in 2008 Microsoft will publish design guidelines for hardware intended to run flash-based XP.