Eee computers have been running Windows XP for quite some time now, thanks to the ultra-mobile PC enthusiasts that would shape the little device to suit their needs. Asustek decided that it was high time for the secret relationship between the machine and Microsoft's OS to go official and introduced its Windows XP version.

The new choice of operating system will let users buy a pre-loaded Windows XP machine instead of the eye-candy, but mysterious Linux-based Xandros OS. Part of the "Easy to learn, work, and play" philosophy, the manufacturer will ship a number of Windows Live products, such as Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, and the "Family Safety" parental controls suite along with the operating system.

Another release will be the entry-level Microsoft Works suite, but it will be available in some regions only, as the software cannot run on some versions that have localization restrictions.

The new operating system has raised some concerns with the Eee PC owners because of the rumors regarding the wear-leveling algorithms that are alleged to increase the lifespan of the included solid-state drive. While the vast majority of Linux-based operating systems (and some embedded version of Windows) would treat the computer's solid-state drive gently thanks to the built-in wear-leveling algorithms, the default version of Windows XP won't pay any attention to this aspect.

However, I must say again that there is no danger in using Windows XP on Eee's solid-state drive. Eee's flash drive is estimated to have a lifespan of between 1 to 5 million write cycles before wearing-out failure would normally occur. However, given the fact that it's SSD device can write at speeds of 3MB/s at most (as opposed to regular SSDs' writing speeds of about 80 MB/s), wearing out would occur after more than 84 years of constant writing on the same SSD.

The Eee PC is not officially priced as of the moment of writing, but it is alleged that the Windows XP version will come at a $30 to $60 premium over the Linux model. There's one question that remains unanswered: what will happen to the Windows XP version of the Eee in July, when Windows XP will be phased out by Microsoft?