Introduction to Eee PC:
Asus Eee PC, one of the earliest mini laptop introduced to the market, is more often referred to as a netbook / sub-notebook due to the following characteristics: smaller size (7 to 10 inch screen), solid-state flash hard drive, and lower cost (start from $299). Because of these characteristics, the Asus Eee PC netbook becomes a highly portable Web surfing and office productivity machine.
If you are looking for a netbook in pink, Asus Eee PC provides a few models in blush pink: Eee PC 2G Surf, Eee PC 4G Surf, and Eee PC 4G.
Update: Other than the 3 models mentioned above, the new Asus Eee PC 904HA will be available in pink. Read
- Specifications:
~ Weight : 922g (2.04lbs)
~ Processor : Intel® Celeron M
~ Memory : 512 MB DDR2 RAM (Onboard)
~ Storage : 2 GB Solid State Disk
~ Display : 7" 800x480 LCD monitor
~ Battery : 4400 mAh Battery (4 cell)
~ OS : GNU Linux
~ Webcam : N/A
~ Colors : Pure White, Galaxy Black, Blush Pink, Lush Green, Sky Blue
- Customer Reviews:
Fantastic (June 14, 2008)
By Robert Kohr (Morristown, NJ United States)
"This little machine kicks arse!
One thing you should not do: Don't get the 2G model if you want to install anything. Setting the destination for binaries to anything other than the the main drive is nearly impossible (and I am an advanced linux user). With the OS and everything else installed that leaves you with only a few hundred M to play with.
I went in and wiped out all the internationalization configs to clear up some memory.
Pick up the 4 G Model if you want to save some cash, and then get an SD card for non-application files.
Another thing to note: the middle of the mouse button is not the button, it is a rocker. Press the left side for left click, right side for right click. Took a little while to figure that out, but now it works great."
This thing is a godsend... (March 15, 2008)
By G. Rivet "G @ Arabia"
"Who would have thunk 2 years ago, that you could get a full-fledged laptop with built-in wifi for a $300.00?
I brought this with me to Malaysia for a short trip and found it to be extremely useful. It's very small and light weight. Wifi is virtually ubiquitous and free in Malaysia, so I was able to give this thing a run. I considered installing XP, but for what I do, which is essentially exclusively surf the Internet, I now think this would be pointless. The OS which comes with the Eee is both stable and functional. Not only that, it boots-up within seconds. Try that with XP. I had a few people approach me and make inquiries on the small laptop I had in my possession. All were impressed.
While very happy with this little puppy, there are however some downfalls. The screen's resolution is one. I found myself having to scroll across in order to read the full content of some, but not all websites.
The keyboard is another issue. While it's fine for sending off a quick email, anything more than that is a hinderance.
The mouse pad is too small, leading to frustration incorrectly scrolling or choosing a particular tab within Firefox for example.
While not a grand slam, it is a home run. Asus has done a formidable job with this 2G and I fully recommend it. While some may not consider $300 disposable, I can say that if this were get lost or stolen, it would be easy to replace.
my2cents."
After a little work, it's the Perfect tool...and it fits in my purse! (January 21, 2008)
By staisey (Chicago, IL)
"The size is definiately the major selling point here...it's wonderfully small, no case needed, and it fits nicely in my purse.
I was getting a little upset by the default desktop. It reminded me of my OLD palm pilot. This is a fine interface for kids or seniors, but I was actually considering returning it. I have an iBook G4, an iPhone, and a couple of desktops (PC and Mac). If this was just going to be an overgrown pda (albeit with a Word clone), it was redundant.
After a quick search, I found step by step instructions for downloading and enabling the "advanced" desktop. I've never used linux before (advanced Mac/PC user), and I was a bit intimidated, but was able to follow instructions, and the "advanced" desktop is just like XP, only quicker! I definitely recommend that any user intent on having XP put the advanced linux desktop on it for a few days first. Also, the 2G does not have java plug-in installed. That was another quick 5 minute install. I believe that the 4G Surf model has the advanced desktop and java plug-in installed, you just need to enable the desktop mode.
With the OpenOffice suite, and other software installed it is almost a replacement for the laptop, especially when traveling. I found an inexpensive 8G sd card, threw that in the built in slot, and can watch movies, listen to music, type, surf, etc. I can upload my digital photos to Flickr, and free up card space while traveling.
Yes, it has a small screen, yes it has a small keyboard, but I wasn't planning on writing the great American novel, nor was I going to invite a few friends to watch a movie on it. The screen and keyboard are effective and quite well sized for a portable unit.
With a half hour of setting up, I am overjoyed with my little pink lappie!"
- Specifications:
~ Weight : 922g (2.04lbs)
~ Processor : Intel® Celeron M 353
~ Memory : 512 MB DDR2 RAM (Onboard)
~ Storage : 4 GB Solid State Disk
~ Display : 7" 800x480 LCD monitor
~ Battery : 4400 mAh Battery (4 cell)
~ OS : GNU Linux / Windows XP
~ Webcam : N/A
~ Colors : Pure White, Galaxy Black, Blush Pink, Lush Green, Sky Blue
- Reviews:
More than a great little gadget (December 11, 2007)
By Wiikend Gamer (Kansas City)
"After a little over 24 hours of using this item, I have to say this little gadget is much more than just a fun must-have. Set-up was quick and easy. It connected instantly to our corporate network without any input by me. With our Windows-based units, it normally takes about 10-15 minutes to get everything up and running. At home, I had it connected to my home network in about 10 minutes, most of that time was spent getting my other computer configured.
I do have a few complaints though and they are minor. One, it seems to be a little picky about how it connects to the wireless network. I had to shut it down and restart it several times before it would connect. After it connected once though, it had no problems. Two, the windows (tabs) at times are not visible completely - I maximized a window a couple of times and could not scroll to all of the edges and actually had to close out the window (tab). Setting up my mail was a chore because all of the options at the bottom were not visible, so I just had to hit enter on the keyboard and hope the right button was highlighted.
All-in-all this is a great product. Aside from the screen size, it is every bit as functional as my work laptop. Open Office works great with only minor formatting issues. The keyboard is an acceptable size. I have the 4G Surf model, which at the time I ordered it Asus only listed one model on their website and that was the 4G model. I thought I was getting the webcam and the higher capacity battery. The 4G Surf model does not have those items, but I can purchase them separately. I successfully downloaded the beta version of Skype for Linux, which includes video conferencing capabilities. I have not tried it yet, but it looks like it should work. If you visit some websites, it will tell you that Skype for Linux will have that capability in 2008 - it is available now. I like this computer for what it is - a lightweight travel companion that I can take anywhere and use anywhere. For the price I paid, you cannot get a quality laptop that runs this fast and is this practical. The 900mhz processor and 512mb RAM runs faster than our 1.6ghz Windows-based desktops.
Update: After a little research I learned that you can hold down Alt and left-click anywhere on the window to move it around. Also, wireless works a lot better now - I have no problems connecting anywhere I go. The problems I had before must have been a fluke. The other day I wanted to find certain store, so I parked in front of a restaurant with Wi-Fi and connected to the internet to find where I wanted to go. What a great deal!"
The Eee PC Excels (February 5, 2008)
By Walt Witmen "lovesTech" (Washington, DC, USA)
The Asus Eee PC certainly doesn't look as sleek as the ultra portable Macbook Air, but most laptops are not as sleek as Apple or Sony products. Still, the Eee PC is a genuinely ultra-portable everyday workhorse with features, performance, and value that make it a terrific machine. I think the Eee PC is probably one of the best values in computing technology you will ever find.
I bought the black 4 G Surf, which means it has a 4 Gig SSD (drive) and does not come with an onboard web cam. I like this machine. It boots up fast and quietly; when I turn it on its ready for me in 20 seconds. No Windows machine I am aware of can deliver that kind of performance on the hardware the Eee PC runs on.
It comes pre-installed with all the software you need to be productive, which is good since this machine does not have an optical disc drive. To install additional software, you do not have to buy a disc drive; instead, you can connect the Eee PC to a network or the internet using the built-in wifi 802.11 b/g connection and download additional software; downloading is also a good way to access updates for the pre-installed software. A BIOS update from AsusTek is already waiting for users of the 4G model.
Since this machine is genuinely ultra-portable, I carry it with me nearly everywhere I take my knapsack. At 2 lbs, it is hardly noticeable. Unlike most notebooks, the Eee PC's power cord is light weight and the SD card I use for extra disc storage weighs less than a penny.
In the office, I use a Windows XP desktop, at home I have a Macbook Pro, and for travel integrating the Linux-based Asus has been seamless and easy even though the Eee PC is the third operating system I am using. Thanks to the open source software that runs on the Eee PC, I can create documents that are compatible with anything on my Macbook Pro or Windows PC. Although I might be considered a "power user," believe me anyone can pick up the Eee PC and use it out-of-the box without any prior experience with Linux;you simply point and click your way to whatever you want. And, for the power user, you can do virtually anything on this machine with the flexibility of installing whatever you want on this machine including installing a new operating system or entirely changing the original set up. With all of the choices open to computer users and the bargain basement cost, I am not sure why the Eee PC has not received more media attention in the U.S.
This is a terrific machine for everyday tasks like web browsing, emailing, document creation, and even writing this review. I highly recommend the Eee PC as a second computer for adults, a first computer for a child or an ultra portable computer for anyone.
A Few Issues that Matter
Keyboard Size:
Some folks may not like the keyboard. The Eee PC uses a small key board; it is probably one-fifth to one-fourth the size of a typical laptop keyboard. I can type fast on this keyboard, but the keyboard is not as responsive as my MBP keyboard and the right-shift key is too small - - it is too easy to mistakenly hit the larger enter key instead. Having said that, I think the keyboard is very usable, but be prepared to spend some time adapting to the small keyboard before you are able to type quickly and accurately on it.
Screen:
The 7-inch display is crisp and sharp, but not as bright as some laptops and the resolution is only 800x480 pixels. You are going to scroll the screen more than you would on a 15-inch desktop or laptop. To alleviate this problem, be prepared to buy one accessory: a wireless mouse. The touchpad is responsive, but I think touch pads are particularly poor pointing devices when a lot of scrolling is required.
Disc size and Memory:
The solid state hard drive is fast and responsive. Applications load quickly and disc access occurs with a breeze. Although nearly half of the 4 GB SSD is used by the pre-installed software, you can use SD cards to extend your storage capacity. I have over 1 GB of space available on the internal SSD with nearly 50 data files installed. Unless you are installing large video or music files, your data files are not likely to occupy a lot of storage space. Remember, the Eee PC is for productive work, data communications, and Internet access, it is not your game PC and I wouldn't use it like an iPod either.
Battery life:
I have been able to get slightly over 3 hours of battery life out of the Eee PC when I turn wifi off.
A handy mobile notebook for the money (March 19, 2008)
By Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA)
For the last year or two I've been using two computers for mobile web access and note taking. One is an aging iBook that's starting to develop keyboard and battery problems, and is heavier than I'd like to carry in a backpack or camera bag. The other is my Nokia 770, which is cute, but slow and very limited when it comes to typing or writing notes. I thought about buying a Nokia 810, but the reviews I've read suggested the Eee would be better for my uses. I decided to risk a purchase.
So far, I'm pleased. The Eee boots fast, it's quiet, the screen is more than adequate, and it's very light and compact. True, the keyboard isn't great, but I found it reasonably easy to adjust to. Installing other apps isn't easy, and the 800MHz processor doesn't support graphic editing, but that's not what this machine is intended for; if you want to run the Gimp, get a faster machine. The same goes for running Windows. I thought about installing XP, but that's really stretching the capabilities of this machine, and trying to make it into something it's not.
The Eee is at its best providing a light, inexpensive and very portable platform for basic web activities and simple office tasks. The screen is bigger than any of the pocket-sized computers, the keyboard is better than anything you'll find on a web-enabled phone or Nokia WiFi terminal, and it's a fraction of the price of the more powerful hand helds. As a student computer it's the perfect combination of portability, function, and low cost. If you keep its limitations in mind, and use it for what it's intended for, I think you'll be very happy with it.
- Specifications:
~ Weight : 922g (2.04lbs)
~ Processor : Intel® Celeron M 353
~ Memory : 512 MB DDR2 RAM (Onboard)
~ Storage : 4 GB Solid State Disk
~ Display : 7" 800x480 LCD monitor
~ Battery : 4400mAH - 5200mAH Battery (4 cell)
~ OS : GNU Linux / Windows XP
~ Webcam : 0.3M Pixel
~ Colors : Pure White, Galaxy Black, Blush Pink, Lush Green, Sky Blue
- Reviews:
Great little laptop for basic work (May 6, 2008)
By Richard L. Searfoss Jr. (Aliso Viejo, CA United States)
"I already have a desktop computer together with a larger laptop. I was looking for a small and light computer which I could take on trips (I travel frequently) to check e-mail and access the internet. This little computer is perfect for these tasks. I specifically wanted this version since it has Windows XP installed (rather Linux) and is compatible with work-related software which I installed. Getting started was easy and setup is a breeze. On the downside, the screen is rather small and the keyboard is also very small. As I said, for basic e-mail and internet access, this handy little computer is wonderful. However, it is not designed for heavy duty business usage due to the small screen."
It is what it is ... (May 12, 2008)
By Frank P. Rocha (San Antonio, TX)
"Two things the eee PC is NOT: 1) It is not a desktop replacement. Silly to even consider it. 2) It is not a replacement for your personal laptop. (You'll never watch DVD's or load your iTunes library on it.)
OK, what good is it? I travel quite a bit on business and always have to lug my business laptop around and you know what a pain that is. But when I travel all I really need is: 1) Internet access to check-in for my flight. 2) Need access to the web for my email. 3) Need to do some lite editing on Excel, WORD, and Powerpoint. 4) Need to be able to read PDF documents. 5) Need an external video port and USB connection to run my Powerpoint presentations.
Given those requirements, this little guy is great! Plus, it supports my air card, and the preformance of my Slingbox player is really good.
Now that I have it, I wish I had spent the extra $150 and got the eee PC 900, but for what I need, it's awesome. To be fair, I've only had it a week, and haven't loaded MS Office (need to buy a USB CD/DVD drive), but I'm not anticipating any issues. (I'll update if my opinion changes after this.)
The 4G-XP (there is also a linux version) has:
512K Memory
4Gb solidstate flash drive
XP Home Edition
External video port
3 USB connections
Ethernet connection
Builtin webcam
Mic & earphone jack
Also, can be upgraded with a SD storage card.
The only cons are that the keyboard is a little small (that's why I say only "lite" document editing, but you could add an external full size keyboard.) Battery life is probably not stellar, and keyboard "sounds" a little fragile.
So, as the title says, "it is what it is". Nice little package for traveling around. It weighs next to nothing and not much bigger than a paperback novel. Just manage your expectations, and you'll probably be very happy."
Amazing little computer! (July 8, 2008)
By J. Preece (Sacramento, CA United States)
"I ordered the Asus Eee-PC to try out for our engineering department, which travels a lot. Having lugged 'huge' laptops around the planet, we're all looking for something a little less cumbersome to go through airport security and to lighten our load.
This little computer is amazing. It's very fast, boots up within a few seconds, and is no different than any other PC-based computer. The solid-state (ie: flash) hard drive is small and only has about 1/2 the 4G space open because of WinXP and the pre-installed programs, like Internet Explorer, MS Works and Acrobat Reader. But for $40 you can pick up an 8G SD card and have plenty more space to add programs and files. In fact, you can carry a few SD or USB Flash sticks and have as much storage as you could ever want!
The Pros:
Tiny - almost a "palm-top". Fits anywhere; about the size of a book
Beautiful screen, very readable
Very fast for a Celeron with 512M RAM
Hooks up to WiFi very easily and without hassle
Built in Speakers and Webcam... sweet!
3 USB ports, an RJ45 LAN port, external monitor port and SD card slot
Charges quickly, and battery lasts for a couple of hours
Great for checking email on the go; web surfing and listening to music.
The Cons:
The keyboard is tiny and you have to hunt-and-peck to type.
Gets a little warm after a few hours of use
A little straining to use for long periods because of the screen size and tiny keys, but that is to be expected of something this small.
All in all, for the price, you cannot go wrong!! I really love this little guy and will happily be toting it through the airports not having to worry about a big, heavy laptop bag as my carry-on any longer! "
The Asus Eee PC is one of the America’s most wanted Christmas gift in 2007, and we predict that this will still be the case in 2008. The blush pink Eee PC is especially getting a lot of demand. If you are planning to get a blush pink Eee PC for Christmas gift this year, be sure to act fast before it's out of stock!
No comments:
Post a Comment