Question 1

Does it come loaded with ubuntu or windows?

Accepted Answer

Came with Ubuntu 12.04. 
Actually I thought it was pretty slick the way they do it. It has an install that runs when you first power it on. I really don't like Unity so I have since installed Xubuntu 13.10 on it. I like it so far.

Question 2

this item is compatible with windows 7?

Accepted Answer

I installed Windows 7 Professional 32-bit (also called x86). I found that the Windows 7 drivers at Asus website, even though marked 64-bit by Asus, are actually packages containing both the 32-bit and 64-bit drivers. (That was true at least for those drivers I needed; there might be others there that are 64-bit only.) Windows Update, in category of optional updates, provided the Conexant sound driver, and the regular Windows Updates automatically provided some other drivers (including Intel HD Graphics and Intel Management Engine Interface). Drivers I got from Asus were the Qualcomm/Atheros LAN driver and WLAN (wireless) driver, plus the Intel chipset driver and USB 3.0 driver. Now the Device Manager is happy, since all the detected devices now have drivers. My WEI scores are 5.2/5.5/4.6/6.1/5.9.

Question 3

Can this play older games at the lowest settings and lowest screen resolution ?

Accepted Answer

If by older games you mean, things like WoW, and the like, yes it will play them at panel resolution.  You'll probably need to turn off AA and FA in order to get decent framerates.  Indie games, cheap little games you can get on steam and the like should run decently but I'd check the specs if you have one in mind.  This Celeron 1007u (google it to get to Intel's site) and it has Intel HD Graphics @ 350mhz.  It isn't fast and it isn't made for gaming so you won't love the experience.  (for the money, you'd get better gaming out of a desktop, assuming that is your sole reason to purchase.)

Question 4

Can it run XBMC or OpenELEC?

Accepted Answer

Info from the WIKI on OpenELEC web page.

The items you will need in order to install OpenELEC are:

A Computer to do the installation (can be Windows, Linux, or Mac OSX)
    A Blank USB drive (256MB or larger) This will be the install media
    A Second Blank USB drive, Hard drive, Compact Flash card, Solid State Drive, etc. This drive will receive the system install and will then remain attached to your HTPC and will eventually host your library.
    Your HTPC
    A build of OpenELEC that matches your HTPC hardware.

Please pay extra attention to download the correct build for your HTPC hardware. This is a crucial step in the process.

With these things you can now continue on to installing OpenELEC.

Question 5

What is the battery life?

Accepted Answer

Between 2-3hrs depending on your usage. 100% bright screen and Wifi on with active browsing or playing movies and you'll be closer to 2hrs. If you're using it to write code on the fly with no wifi on then you may reach 4. You can also tweak the OS or upgrade to an SSD (it is possible, just lots of work) for even more battery life if you need it. Please note that the battery is not easily replaced either.

Question 6

is this a touchscreen?  Is this item new?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is new, however it is not a touch screen. In fact, even the touchpad is not multitouch either, something I've gotten used to on Asus laptops (like the G55vw I'm typing this on). If you're considering this with a mind to a touch laptop/tablet replacement, it's likely not the machine. If the consideration is as a very cheap latop/netbook style system, I've been quite happy with the exception of touchpad performance though.

Question 7

windows 7 support?

Accepted Answer

I installed Windows 7 32-bit (also called x86). I found that the Windows 7 drivers at Asus website, even though marked 64-bit by Asus, are actually packages containing both the 32-bit and 64-bit drivers. (That was true at least for those drivers I needed; there might be others there that are 64-bit only.) Windows Update, in category of optional updates, provided the Conexant sound driver, and the regular Windows Updates automatically provided some other drivers (including Intel HD Graphics and Intel Management Engine Interface). Drivers I got from Asus were the Qualcomm/Atheros LAN driver and WLAN (wireless) driver, plus the Intel chipset driver and USB 3.0 driver. Now the Device Manager is happy, since all the detected devices now have drivers. My WEI scores are 5.2/5.5/4.6/6.1/5.9.

Question 8

Does it have an HDMI out?

Accepted Answer

Sure does, just check the pics. I don't know how resolution is, but judging by the netbook's own screen, I'm confident that it's high quality HD.

Question 9

Hi, I'm not tech savvy at all, so I'm wondering what the steps are for upgrading to an ssd, before taking the computer to someone who can do the physical switching of drives. Ie., how do i know which models of ssd are compatible, etc? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

I'd disagree with Oleg about the utility; my daughter was very pleased with the resulting performance change.  And while I bought the drive, as Oleg says compatibility isn't a huge issue, I made my daughter do the installation.  It was the first time she'd done any hardware work and she managed once she got over the jitters.  Prying the case apart was a pain, especially along the back hinge.  Also be careful about the ribbon cable connecting the to parts, if you read the teardown instructions around the net you'll see people mention it's delicate.

Question 10

what is the operating system?

Accepted Answer

the one I ordered was pre-loaded with Ubuntu 12.04  ...the LTS version

Questions & Answers