Microsoft didn't create a viable replacement for XP until Windows 7, which was released in the end of 2009. Since XP has only been outdated for about a year, shouldn't you compare it with Linux kernel versions that have also only been outdated for a year?

Within a year or two, Linux will finally catch up to Windows in terms of gaming capabilities. Finally, every game that refuses to run on Linux will also refuse to run on Windows, and we will have achieved parity. Just a little longer!

I know we're on slashdot and all, but the sony vaio Z-Series laptops (the ones with the BIOS disabled VT extensions that you need to hack around) have a 13.3" model with a core2, LED display, and 9-cell (90WH) battery as an option. It draws 10W with wifi disabled, or 12W with wifi enabled. It's not quite 8 hours with the wifi, but in airplane mode it can get over 8. And then, when you plug it in, you have 2 2.4GHz processors to work with.