For those interested in "expert" opinions on the cheap XP.

Venky

http://news.com.com/Gartner%3A+%27Steer+away%27+from+cheap+Windows+XP/2100-1 016_3-5309139.html?tag=nefd.hed

Gartner: 'Steer away' from cheap Windows XP Published: August 13, 2004, 11:02 AM PDT By Aloysius Choong Special to CNET News.com

Gartner has labeled Microsoft's upcoming version of Windows for developing countries as a product with good intent but poor execution.

In a report published this week, Gartner analysts Dion Wiggins and Martin Gilliland noted that missing features in the Windows XP Starter Edition would frustrate users and claimed that its limited software upgrade path would "likely increase software piracy."