|
|
|
|
 PC Hardware : ASUS Eee PC 900 8.9-Inch Netbook (Intel Mobile Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, Linux, 4 Cell Battery) Pearl White |
|
Rating:  - great laptop if you know what you are buying.
This is a great choice for anyone of two categories that need a laptop for work, web browsing and are willing to use Linux. The first category of people this computer is good for would be people with no prior computer experience, the included Xandros operating system is very easy to use but if you are used to computers (windows or mac) it will prove to simple and confusing (at least it was for me). This leads to the second category, people who know computers well enough to install a different OS than the one packaged with the EEE. This OS is a special version of Ubuntu Linux made for the EEE, it's a much richer OS than the Xandros it comes with but requires a little more knowledge about computers and linux to use.
for me this is the perfect computer but for the user who wants a easy but not dumbed down experience, I think Windows is still the way to go.
p.s. battery life in Ubuntufor me is around 3+ hours on low brightness with networking off, just what I need for typing in class!
Rating:  - ASUS EddPC 900
Good basic PC for internet, email, and word processing. Battery life not very good, less than 2 hours. Also when not in use the battery, even though fully charged when turned off, loses 80% of the stored power within a week. Best to remove battery when not in use.
Rating: - Nice little tool
I purchased this little computer as a pilot project. I wanted to show computer phobes that netbooks are a viable way into computers and mobile computing. The advantages are size and weight. The deficits are smaller screen size and storage. However, these are no biggies.
My little Netbook receives a lot of attention. Everyone wants to try it from adults, and especially teenagers who say they are going to ask their parents for one. Who can resist? It does most everything a larger lappie would do except burn CD's and DVD's. The screen size is a tad small, but I don't mind losing screen size for ultimate portability. The keyboard is small, but even with my larger hands and some familiarization you eventually get facile. This took about a week. The speakers are teeney, so don't expect stupendous sound unless you mount externally powered speakers.
On the technical side - the wireless was easy to configure, though I do have to turn it on manually to activate. It easily picks up hotspots and the Linux system in easy to navigate and booting up takes only moments. If there were a slight negative about Linux it's a few more steps involved in moving files and managing Linux folders. I am so used to placing folders on a MAC desktop vs. tucking it away in multiple Linux document folders under a "work" tab. Not an issue as it becomes second nature.
On the hardware side the battery lasts a few hours 2-3, but oddly if left unplugged and shutoff the netbook battery drains itself quite quickly. I had topped the battery to 100% and left it unplugged from the charger for six days. Upon returning the battery was down to surprising 50%. Again, no biggie as it stays plugged in most of the time.
In short, for a very portable, cute and usable laptop this ASUS represents a terrific alternative to heavier notebook computers and is solidly built. Kids love it!
Rating: - For the complete novice or expert programmer - no one in between
Yes, the Eeepc is a wonder, but you need to know what you're getting with this if you don't opt for Windows. You are NOT getting a computer with an open operating system and a few useful programs - you are getting a completely modified version of Linux that is locked from any customization what-so-ever.
If you are a complete novice and just want to check email and surf the web, then this computer is wonderful. And if you are a hardened Linux programmer, you can dig into this thing and modify it to your heart's content.
But if you're like the other 90% of us, you have enough experience with computers that you'd probably like to install something that isn't already on it, and unless you enroll in a programming class, GOOD LUCK!
I'm rooting for Linux, but it has a LONG way to go. It's absolutely impractical for anyone not already an expert with it. I am a database programmer, so I'm usually pretty resourceful when it comes to figuring things out, but even I have spent WEEKS trying to get this thing to do what I want. Once I started modifying it, there were nothing but problems. I swear, I actively had to reprogram the operating system to NOT delete files off the desktop when it's turned off. That's insane. It's not worth it...
Go for the Windows install, or get a Dell Mini. You've been warned...
Rating: - Nice but the operating system had to go
It's great, but in order to enjoy it I had to load "eee ubuntu."
Now everything is fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Home
