Ultra-low-cost XP support not fully determined

When Microsoft ceases support for Windows XP on ultra-low-cost PCs, users may not be able to go to their vendors for technical support for the operating system (OS).

Although XP's availability on regular PCs ends next year, Microsoft has said it will extend the OS' life by another year for the category of devices it has defined as "ultra-low-cost PCs".

One such device is the Asus Eee PC, 60 percent of which shipping this year will come with Windows XP Home, according to reports.

In response to an inquiry by ZDNet Asia, Asus was unable to provide details on its support plans for users beyond 2010.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said last month the software giant may change its mind on killing XP if it heard sufficient customer protests.

But a Microsoft spokesperson reiterated the company's plan in a statement to ZDNet Asia, saying: "Our plan for Windows XP availability is unchanged. We're confident that's the right thing to do, based on the feedback we've heard from our customers and partners."