Once major manufacturers such as Dell and HP have cleared their stocks of machines loaded with XP, then new machines will only be issued with Vista, and anyone wishing to revert to XP will have to buy Vista Ultimate or Vista Business and then legally “downgrade” to XP.

Smaller PC makers will be allowed to buys XP for resale through til January 2009. Cut down versions of XP will also remain available for use on machines such as the Asus Eee PC.

The decision comes despite vociferous protests from large numbers of people unhappy with Vista and amid calls for XP to be kept on-line until the release of the next Windows version 7, pencilled in for sometime in 2009.

Last week, Microsoft said it would provide full technical support for Windows XP through 2009, and limited support through 2014.

Easy and Fast Expansion with EzLink Technology
Traditionally, to utilize multi-monitor computing would mean to rely on the support of extra graphic cards, detailed installation knowledge and extra time – making it too complicated for general users to fulfill their multi-tasking needs. ASUS’ EzLink Technology makes innovative use of existing USB interfaces to easily spread out the vision and screenspace of multiple monitors for a better viewing experience compared to just VGA; and also helps businesses defray their overheads. After only installing the EzLink driver once, users can expand almost any PC with ASUS EzLink Displays. Content can then be automatically moved back to the main screen or notebook display when the USB cable is disconnected. Monitors also return to previous configurations after reconnections – lowering the complexity of adding more monitors.

Moreover, the ASUS EzLink Technology enables up to six VW223B or VW202B monitors to be daisy chained over one standard USB 2.0 cable connected to a single PC or NB – greatly increasing screenspace for enhanced work efficiency. This is perfect for users who require a large amount of screen and desktop space like banking and finance executives, SOHO workers, professional bloggers, information seekers, etc. The VW223B is also embedded with a 3 port USB hub – which allows convenient connections to not just more EzLink Displays, but also other USB devices.

Enhanced Video Features for Better Viewing
The ASUS VW223B and VW202B embedded EzLink technology also offer exceptional image quality with rich video features. ASCR (ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio) Technology automatically adjusts the luminance of the backlight for better displays according to the image contents, and improves the contrast ratio to 3000:1. The “Aspect Control” function allows users to select a preferred display mode between Full and 4:3 modes without image distortion. Splendid Video Intelligence Technology, which delivers optimized video performance with intelligent colour, brightness, contrast and sharpness corrections, as well as 5 video preset modes and 3 skin-tone selections to suit the users’ preferences.

The ASUS EzLink Display is simply an easy and cost-effective solution that increases productivity by adding additional displays without an extra graphics card, much deployment cost, and additional technical training. They are ideal for use in a wide range of commercial applications, and will provide an unparalleled user experience.

Specifications

Source: Asus

  

Uncompromised HD Digital Audio & Video with Support for Blu-ray and HDMI 1.3
The Xonar HDAV 1.3 features Protected Audio Playback Systems (PAPS) and full Advanced Access Content System (AACS) certification. Without both of these certifications, typical PCs will need to downsample Blu-ray audio to DVD quality (48K/16bit). By closely working with ArcSoft’s Total Media Theater, ASUS’ Xonar HDAV1.3 is capable of decoding Blu-ray movies and takes full advantage of lossless digital audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for professional, high-fidelity sounds at 24bit, 96-192Khz. The PCI Express based Xonar HDAV1.3 is designed from the ground up for next generation home theater PCs (HTPC); and is equipped with the proprietary AV200 audio processor and HDMI1.3a certified Splendid HD video processor – making it capable of delivering the highest quality 7.1 channel 192K linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) audio and high definition video through the HDMI port.

State-of-the-art Analog Audio with 120dB Signal-to Noise Ratio
The ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 also reigns in analog audio quality thanks to a HyperGrounding circuit design. With HyperGrounding, Xonar sound cards further reduce EMI noise inside modern PCs, providing clean 120 dB SNR and peerless 0.0004% low distortion – reaching the pinnacle of audio quality on most PC platforms. Unlike generic audio cards in the market that provide the highest SNR to only the front stereo outputs, the Xonar D2X is able to deliver 120 dB quality audio for all 7.1 channels.

Splendid HD Video Processor Presents True HD video for HTPCs
The Splendid HD Video Processor increases color performance and enhances edges for a more brilliant, crisper high definition image – without impacting the CPU load. Splendid HD not only recovers clarity when viewing lower-resolution content, but also reduces flicker for a more natural, brilliant viewing experience.

High Performance Components & Swappable Operational Amplifiers
At the heart of the Xonar is an ASUS AV200 codec chip, which routes and interprets high quality signals to premium audio components. These high quality materials include oversampling digital to analog converters (Burr-Frown PCM1796, 123 dB SNR), National Semiconductor LM4562 operational amplifiers (opamp), and analog-to-digital (Cirrus Logic CS5381, 120 dB SNR) converter. The Xonar HDAV1.3 is the first in the Xonar family to utilize opamp sockets to allow simple, solder-less modifications for user-customized sound.

DS3D GX2.0 for Rich Gaming Audio
The Xonar HDAV1.3 also comes with the well renowned DS3D GX 2.0, which revives EAX 5.0 and 3D gaming audio in Vista. DS3D GX 2.0 automatically enables the latest EAX and DirectSound HW after installation, with no additional driver patches, game modifications, or OpenAL required. DS3D GX2.0 also extends MMOG EAX to online chat, allowing you to place your voice into the game’s environment.

HDAV 1.3 Deluxe – Premium Multi-channel Analog
In addition to the Xonar HDAV 1.3′s features, the Xonar HDAV1.3 Deluxe packs the HDAV H6 surround channel expansion card. The HDAV H6 offers 120dB SNR*, ultra-low 0.0004% distortion, and swappable opamps on each channel.
*Tested with Audio Precision

Specifications:

Source: Asus

It is also able to provide amazing graphical performances with the NVIDIA 3-Way SLI support; and includes the ROG SupremeFX II audio card for realistic and exceptional sound effects – making playing games more engaging. What’s more the well-known Kaspersky anti-virus software package with 1-year license is included in the giftbox – providing protection against malicious viruses.

ASUS EPU for Outstanding CPU Power Savings
The new ASUS exclusive EPU is the world’s first intelligent on-demand power saving microprocessor. This intelligent automatic energy saving chip is more stable than software-driven solutions, and provides users with superior performance while in energy-saving mode in comparison to other solutions. By utilizing an innovative power technology, the EPU is able to digitally monitor current CPU usage and automatically fine-tune the CPU power supply with improved VRM efficiency to suit any loading. The EPU is thus able to provide users with the ability to moderate power for higher performance if required, or save CPU power under low processing periods for the best possible performance with the least amount of power – achieving industry-leading power savings.

Great Gaming Experiences with 3-Way SLI and HD Audio
The P5N72-T Premium allows enthusiast gamers to fully immerse themselves into their gaming worlds with support for NVIDIA’s 3-Way SLI technology in PCI-E 2.0 mode. With a 3-way SLI setup that consists of three high-end video cards running with full x16 lanes to deliver smoother, scalable 3D performances, higher 3DMark world records and smoother gameplay with higher frame rates and better antialiasing will result for a better gaming experience.

On the audio side, the ROG SupremeFX II audio card delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to gamers. Featuring unique virtual surround audio innovations that work with gamers’ headphones – this audio card allows gamers to easily spot enemies in 3D environments during game play – allowing them to fully enjoy their gaming environments. SupremeFX II also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games – helping make dialogues clearer and more audible.

Source & More Info: Asus

Splashtop boots from a Flash chip on the motherboard in a matter of seconds and is designed to run a small suite of applications including Firefox, Skype and instant messaging.

The Linux-based software will be extended immediately to the new P5Q Deluxe, P5Q-WS, P5Q3 Deluxe and P5Q-E series motherboards, and Asus has pledged to produce a further million Splashtop motherboards per month.

Part of Splashtop’s appeal is that it complements rather than replaces Windows, offering users the option to run a choice of operating systems.

Its low power consumption and Wi-Fi support also make it an attractive option for notebook manufacturers.

Asus, a long-term Linux stalwart, is widely seen as a pioneer of cut-down systems running the open source operating and has enjoyed commercial success with its increasingly popular Eee PC.

“In response to great user feedback our plan is to proliferate Express Gate across our entire motherboard product portfolio, starting with over one million motherboards per month,” said Joe Hsieh, general manager of Asus’ motherboard division.

“Consumers want to turn their PCs on and off like any other appliance, and Express Gate has made that possible.”

Mobility is one of the major factors attributed to the Eee PC’s success; and this is in part due to the use of the built-in Solid State Disk (SSD) technology – which offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design for stable computing on-the-go. Traditional hard disks spin at 5400 RPM (Revolutions per Minute) – making them more prone to data loss or damage if shocks or bumps are received. Conversely, the Eee PC is able to protect against such incidents, and is the perfect tool for outdoor computing – suitable as an ideal companion for reporters, wildlife photographers and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

“Vital feedback from a wide variety of users have been received, which has spurred us on to create more options to cater to different user requirements.” said Jerry Shen, CEO of ASUS.

Take a New Look with the 8.9 inch Display
Through extensive R&D, the inclusion of the 8.9″ display screen does not affect the overall weight of the Eee PC 900, which remains below 1kg – making it easy for children and women to carry it around; and maintains the ultra portable theme that has become synonymous with the Eee PC. With this large screen size of 8.9″, a resolution of 1024 x 600 is achieved – allowing users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right and making it much easier and more effective when reading or working on documents.

FingerGlide and Other User-Friendly Features
The new Eee PC will also incorporate an innovative FingerGlide feature that makes operating the Eee PC easy and convenient. For example, with just two simple finger movements on the touchpad, users will be able to zoom in and out of pictures (great for looking at image details), or scroll up and down for easier document viewing – making the Eee PC 900 more convenient to use.

“Due to its lightweight stature, most users will place the Eee PC on their laps or hold them in their hands during use. With the addition of the FingerGlide feature, users will find it even more convenient to use the Eee PC.” commented Jerry Shen.

Furthermore, the Eee PC 900 pairs a 1.3M Pixel webcam with its wireless Internet connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency.

Providing Suitable Environments for Different Needs
To suit differing user requirements, the Eee PC 900 comes in both Microsoft Windows and Linux versions.

The Microsoft Windows version allows more experienced users to seamlessly utilize the Eee PC through the familiar Windows interface, and incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging; and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user´s desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.

The Linux version is useful for users who desire an icon-driven and easy point-and-click interface. Well suited for children or users without any computer experience, it provides a fast boot-up time– ideal for fast Internet access while waiting for public transport, or taking notes on-the-go.

Features of the ASUS Eee PC 900 are:

• 900MHz Celeron processor
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 12GB/20GB SSD
• 8.9 inch 1024 x600 pixel display
• 802.11b/g WiFi
• 1.3MB webcam
• 4 cell 2.8 hour battery or 6 cell 3.5 hour battery
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• Ethernet
• Headphone, Microphone jacks
• 1 VGA output
• 12V power supply