Storage

The Windows XP has a pretty small 12GB of combined storage which pales in comparison to the 20GB of total storage on the Linux version. Even with the SD card slot for expandability that’s 8GB of difference, plus some people might be in the situation where they constantly need to swap SD cards and can’t afford to have that added storage constantly ready.

Winner - LINUX

Performance

The Linux version booted up a lot quicker when compared with the Windows XP version, which has a tendency to load quite a few background apps which many people don’t notice. Overall performance also went to the Linux version, which was slightly snappier during operation than the Windows XP variant. This isn’t to say that the Windows XP version is horribly slow, but Linux was certainly quicker.

Winner - LINUX

Bundled software

Sure, they both have pre-installed fully functional software but the Linux version wins here, purely because it’s part of the open source community and 100% free and legal with its OpenOffice Suite of programs rather than paying Microsoft for the privilege of having Microsoft’s budget office productivity suite, Works.

Don’t forget that with Linux you also get educational programs that help with maths, English and science, as well as quite a few games (albeit rather sorry ones) to help pass the time when you’re bored with no internet connectivity.

Winner - LINUX

Compatibility

The Windows version is the obvious winner here as it’s a lot easier to find applications that are compatible with Windows than Linux. Obviously there will be some Linux aficionados who know what software alternatives are available. But for the most users they’ll have to search on the internet for compatible applications for Linux variants of the software that they know and love on Windows XP.

Winner - WINDOWS

Price