Asus Eee - Linux or XP?

[Tom G]

I am looking to get a Asus Eee PC - from the 901 series. All I have to do now is choose between the Linux or XP version.

I would like to use all the standard MS Office programs (I would sometimes use the laptop for school work - normally my main PC) - do the XP/Linux versions both come with programs that are compatible?

Can the Linux version run Pidgin? Can the XP version run Windows Live messenger?

What additional software does each version come with?

Finally, how fast do they surf the internet (eg. Youtube)?

Answering any of these questions would be grately appreciated
Many thanks