Welcome. Today I’ll be looking at a fantastic bit of software, this software is a mini operating system that is present on 
most of Asus’s newer motherboards.
The operating system itself is Linux based. Bout 256Mb big I believe. And is stored on an on-board chip, unless of course you happen to have Express Gate SSD which comes on a 512mb – 768mb flash add in. The OS lets you boot up into the Internet, Skype, Instant Messenger, Photo Viewer and depending on which motherboard you have you get music playback to. 0
The main reason I’m reviewing V1.4.4 (Asus P5QL-E version) is because it was gob-smackingly wonderful. The 300mb file (which Asus let me have a 20Kbp/s, cheers for that) intrigued me as usually the new update were pushing 70 – 100Mb. So I downloaded it and expected to see no visual improvement so I didn’t rush to restart my PC to have a gander. But after I finally did I was gob-smacked, the new layout is not far off vista’s cleanness, and is much better layed out than the previous versions. I’ve also noticed a slight improvement in load times, Firefox (splashtop browser as its called) loaded a lot faster than it used to as did the photo viewer but I was a bit disappointed to see the messenger side of things a bit worse off, Skype taking slightly longer to sign in as the messenger program (which does like to throw up contacts missing errors every now and then). 0
But overall I have to say the new major update has made me think of not bothering to boot into vista as I don’t really need to now unless I want to play a game. The only thing stopping me from doing this is the lack of music and video playback (oh and maybe a torrent app) but because I payed £63 for this motherboard I’m not expecting the best, I suppose you get what you pay for. Most of Asus new motherboards which display the Ai lifestyle sticker or which have the P43 chipsets (and upwards) include it now, apart from the gaming series motherboards, which is a shame as it’s a fantastic feature. 0
All in all Asus have shown real initiative in making the time to put this in. This is mostly aimed at people who are in a rush and don’t wish to wait a long time for XP/Vista to boot just so they can read their emails or make last minute plans over Skype/MSN. One thing that I am a little disappointed about is that at the moment there is no version for PC’s running the Windows 7 Beta/RC even though its in its very early stages most companies have seemed to make at least some effort in porting drivers over to it and Asus should to as it seems to be the “Leader in hardware” 0
For those interested I’ve taken some pictures of Express Gate.
Hope you enjoyed my review and stay tuned for the next one.
A little note, if you want to install this onto windows 7 then put the installer into compatibility mode for Vista SP2.
Also you may like to know that MSI have made something similar called WINKI, stupid name I know but if it’s like Express Gate then you’d put up with it.
Have you spotted any additional features that are missing? Please post any feedback below.
I just heard about this thing browsing Asus’ website a few hours ago and I tried to find out which laptops/netbooks have it. The site is no help. I’m a writer, and I’m looking for a netbook with a crazy-quick boot time so I can jot down ideas into a word processor within seconds of thinking of them (i.e. just before falling asleep). My current laptop takes 3 minutes to boot, and any computer running windows will slow down with time. Express Gate looks promising, but it doesn’t look like Express Gate has a word processor: Do they offer an add-on for that? I’m considering the new Eee PC series; do they come with Express Gate?
The UX50V has express gate. http://sg.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=CT2eXjXd9FYeDzPE
I always leave my laptop in standby mode when the lid is closed. it boots up really quick.
I’d like to know exactly how you got that thing to work. I currently have the ASUS P7P55D EVO motherboard with an Intel i7 860 Dual Core @2.8Ghz. When I restart my computer that very SAME splash screen comes up, but the mouse won’t move and none of the keys on the keyboard seem to make any difference. I’m currently just using a basic USB mouse and it doesn’t seem to do anything except wait 10 seconds and load Windoze. Any help would be greatly appreciated~!! I currently Run Windoze Vista Home Premium don’t know if that matters or not…
Thanks,
Christopher
Thanks for this cool post. Anyway i found your blog on google and find it very useful. I’ll be sure to come back again for more!
[..] A bit unrelated, but I really liked this website post [..]
Although Express Gate is cool I have a major problem with it. My Notebook i sset-up with a German keybaord which works well under WIndows. When under Express Gate, it thinks I have the standard US keyboard which makes surfing a real challenge!! Any one has an idea how to set-up Express Gate so it recognizes which keyboard layout I am using?
Not entirely what I was looking for nonetheless it was some good reading anyway, guess its a ok that I wasn’t capable of doing a search properly or I wouldn’t ended up here.
Yep jumped here to see about this express gate. I too want a word processor and I don’t think it’s there. Actually this is why i’m here and there is only one comment about it!