ASUS Windows 7 Upgrade Program Is Light On Eee PCs [Updated]

Earlier in the month we heard that Atom N270 based netbooks and nettops would be unlikely candidates for inclusion in the Windows 7 Upgrade Program, and that's looking to indeed be the case.  ASUS have announced details of their program, including which models will be eligible, and only two of the company's sprawling Eee PC netbook line are included: the 1101HA and the 1005HA.Updated with comment from ASUS after the cut

Neither of these use the N270: the 1101HA adopts Intel's Z520 CPU, while the 1005HA has the N280.  You'll also need to have a particular model in order to be eligible: the 1101HA must be running Vista Home Premium, while the 1005HA must be running either XP Pro or Vista Business.  Considering most of these netbooks are bought with Windows XP Home, that doesn't bode well for existing customers.

There are also a few Eee Top all-in-ones and the Eee Box EB1501 nettop, but it's generally a poor showing for the company's budget range.  Full list of eligible models in the gallery below; more details on the upgrade program here.

Update: ASUS' John Swatton has been in touch to point out that the decision to limit Eee PC Windows 7 upgrades is, in fact, Microsoft's doing rather than their own:

"ASUS have not chosen to restrict Windows 7 upgrade options for Eee PC customers – Microsoft are simply not offering netbook users a Windows 7 upgrade path. The decision has been taken out of our hands." John Swatton, ASUS