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Asus Eee PC 4G Surf (7-Inch Display, Intel Mobile Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Pure White | List Price: $349.99
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Brand: Asus
Binding: Personal Computers
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Ultra-compact notebook in pure white with full QWERTY keyboard and 7-inch display
- Powered by 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU and pre-installed Linux operating system (compatible with Windows XP)
- Over 40 built-in applications for learn, work and play
- 4 GB solid-state flash memory drive; 512 MB RAM; 10/100 Fast Ethernet; 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
- Connectivity: three USB 2.0; VGA output; microphone and headphone; Secure Digital card reader
This computer has made my life sooooo much easier [Posted on 2008-10-30]
I bought this computer about a month-and-a-half ago and I think it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. I bought it because (a) my kids have started using our computers and I wanted an extra laptop and (b) I wanted a computer that I could take on the Metro (DC Subway) with me, so I could work on my way to work.
My kids are really happy with the computer and it has turned out to be so much better than I imagined. It's really portable and easy to use, so now I can work anywhere! This is great for me because I waste a lot of time commuting, I work a lot of hours, and I work out every day too.
It is incredibly light. I can actually work holding it in one hand and work out on a stationary bike at the same time.
It's also really durable. I put it its sleeve in my backpack every morning and ride my bike to the metro (the DC subway). It doesn't weigh me down at all and--despite the heavy bike lock in my backpack-- the computer doesn't look the slightest bit worn. I have another laptop, but it has been impossible for me to take on my bike and I don't like to take it in a laptop bag because it is really heavy and I am afraid it will break.
I haven't really noticed that the Eee is any slower than any of my other computers either (I also have a desktop Mac) and I have not run out of storage space on the hard drive. I have the 4G version. You can also use sd cards, like you would use in a digital camera or a cell phone, to increase the computer's storage capacity.
Using Linux is also a lot easier than I thought. I actually installed Linux on both of my other computers shortly after I got the Eee. There is definitely some software you can't get on Linux, but the flexibility that Linux has as an open source operating system makes it work giving up a little Windows software. If there is a Windows app you can't give up, then there is an application, Wine, that will play a lot of Windows programs on a Linux system. You can check out the Wine homepage to find out if a Windows app will work on Wine: www.winehq.org.
I don't currently have the Eee version of Linux on my computer. I installed Linux Mint because it is easier to modify and add new software to. If you want to install another operating system on the Eee, then you will probably have to use a usb thumb drive. There are instructions explaining how to do this on www.pendrivelinux.com.
There are a few downsides to the Eee though, it is really small, it can get a bit hot, and the battery doesn't last more than a couple hours. First, people are correct when they say it is small. I would not try to use this as a substitute for a large computer if I was going to need to use programs requiring a lot of screen space. It was a bit difficult to type with at first, but I have gotten used to the keyboard layout now. If you really wanted, you could probably hook up a usb keyboard to the Eee and plug in a monitor (there is a plug for it). Then it might serve as an adequate substitute for a desktop.
Second, it does get hot if you leave it turned on and put it in its sleeve. I don't think it's hot enough to be concerned about though.
Third, the battery does not last as long as I would like (under two hours). I am not sure if this is only since I have installed the Mint operating system.
So, the long and short of it is that the Eee is great in terms of portability, the Linux operating system that comes on the Eee is easy to use (and it works well with Linux Mint, which is even easier to use), and it is pretty darn fast. If you are looking for a desktop substitute though, I would give it some extra thought before buying an Eee.
a great small laptop [Posted on 2008-11-08]
I had this netbook for nearly 5 months now. it is very fast and portable. the main disadvantages are that the key board is very small in a way you will hardly get adapted to it. it is very difficult or nearly impossible to download windows xp on it once it is not preloaded ( it tried with five copies of windows until now and failed). the battery only lasts 2 hours when you have the wifi on. I had no difficulty on connecting to any network. it connects to all printers with no difficulty. it switches on and off very fast. I recommend it to anybody who moves a lot as it is very portable.
I was really impressed...until [Posted on 2008-12-08]
Love this little laptop...but, I have had it now for about 4 months. My 9yr old loves it. It's great for travel but today some of the keys are not working. Has anyone else had problems with the keys?
Update.....ASUS sent replacement keyboard that was very easy to install. We are good to go again.
NICE, BUT..... [Posted on 2008-12-21]
ITS A GREAT LITTLE PIECE FOR JUST SURFING WEB. I HAD TO RETURN BECAUSE OF LINUX. I DIDNT REALIZE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO RECONFIGURE MY WHOLE WIRELSS SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE LINUX. GET IT WITHOUT LINUX.... JMO
Mini Laptop [Posted on 2008-12-23]
I ordered this mini-laptop as an early XMas gift for myself...I am so glad! I love it! I replaced my broken 2 yr old HP laptop with this little mini version and could not be happier. I read all the reviews so I was prepared for the small keyboard and slight issues w/key strokes. NO problem...well worth it to have such a light and easy to use machine. The screen is a bit smaller than most webpages so when pulling pages some slight adjustments need to be made to see the entire screen - but again not a problem or room for concern. The software pre-loaded on the laptop easily converts my Office products (word/excel) and opening email w/attachments is very easy. I am a real estate agent and the only problem so far has been w/my local associations website - I have problems w/their site and downloading their info - but I am currently working with their IT folks and should have that problem resolved. I love the size and comfort of this little work horse. I had a small DVD player case of my kids that we use on trips in a closet...I slipped my mini-laptop right in the vinyl case w/handles. It fits perfectly! My favorite part is using it in bed while watching tv..when I am done - its so small it just slips in the nightstand drawer. Something that was always difficult with a full size laptop. It boots quickly and shuts down even quicker...so user friendly! I also love the cord - it very long and doesn't have that heavy power source box attached like my old HP. My kids love the little mini and fight over using it all of the time...its a great little laptop and work computer! I would highly recommend my little work horse!
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