Amidst great expectations, ASUS today launched the ASUS Eee PC pre-installed with Microsoft Windows XP.

Lightweight and ultra compact, the Eee PC has generated incredible media attention as well as enthusiastic public interest since its inception. Providing users with an Internet experience based on three Es: Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent on-the-go, the Eee PC accommodates both experienced and inexperienced PC users alike. With the addition of the familiar Windows XP interface, users can better integrate and achieve total compatibility with current software and applications.

Pre-installed with Windows XP, the Eee PC provides an easy platform to seamlessly integrate multiple devices, applications and services. Complementing this ease-of-use is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous applications that include word processing, spreadsheet, database management and address books.

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.

“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.”