EEE PC from ASUS

I really like this little laptop from ASUS. I tested the 4gb model running the installed linux and was very pleased with the features, functions, and capabilities of the system.

I bought the unit for $320, including shipping, and was pleased when I opened the box and found a lightweight power supply, a cute little laptop, and an XP driver CD.

The unit can handle the new high cap SD cards and has a slot for them. It also has USB ports, integrated wireless, and a 7" screen. Rumors about a 10" screen have been unfounded, so far, but it looks like the unit could handle that screen size without changing the rest of the form factor because of the extra space surrounding the 7" screen. A touch screen would be nice, because since most small devices have them, you subconsciously expect them, but for this device, saving the cost of a touch screen was probably a good trade-off.

I had problems with various connections while using the wireless. Compared with the connectivity and ease of use I'm used to with the Nokia N800, the EEE PC falls a little short.

The linux used has been tailored to work with the EEE PC, but I would be tempted to switch to Ubuntu, if I really was going to use the system on a regular basis.

I found the keyboard a little cramped for my taste and hand size. The kids didn't have problems using it, though, and I was able to get used to it over time.

The lack of an optical drive hasn't been a problem. We were able to pick up files off an XP share without a problem and using USB thumbdrives or SD cards to transfer files makes a lot more sense than optical drives, any more.

The unit is "close enough" on several points so that I will recommend it under certain conditions. I've already recommended it twice, once for a writer that wanted an extremely portable unit with a full keyboard and another project that will involve about 30 to 50 field units that will be considered somewhat disposable and a useful life of less than 2 years.

If you are looking for a laptop for a college bound student, I'd recommend going with a full laptop like the Dell Volstro 1000, currently priced at just over $400. While the EEE works great for notes, it just doesn't have the speed, capacity, and software compatibility that a college student will need.

If you are looking for a portable system that you will use occasionally for web access, I prefer the Nokia 800 tablet (or the 810 if you want to pay $200 more for a keyboard). While both the N800 and the EEE basically use firefox and are very compatible with most sites, I find keeping the N800 on me is a lot easier because of its size. I also get better battery life and since I'm not doing that much typing, lack of a keyboard doesn't really matter.

If the unit had a 10" screen and 8GB of "disk" space for the same price, the EEE would be even more compelling. However, for what it sets out to do, I really like this unit.