Asus Eee Micro Laptop

**SoComSurfing** · #1 08-20-2008, 08:08 PM

Asus Eee

Does anyone know much about this little thing? I saw them at Best Buy today and am kind of interested in it. I didn't get to spend any time with it, but want to take a closer look when I have time next week. The Asus website didn't seem to be much of a help. The user reviews on Best Buy's site are pretty mixed. However, for $450, I think I could do a lot worse. Any opinions here?

FWIW, I'm interested in it as a tool for work. I work on ships that come in to port, and feel that something like this could be pretty handy in preparing paperwork and recalling emails while onboard. I hate the Blackberry, our work laptops aren't exactly light, and I really don't like carrying my Macbook Pro around every day, nor do I want to involve it in my work.

fdeck · #2 08-20-2008, 08:54 PM

I have taken an interest, but not enough of one to shell out my money. I depend on Windows oriented software too much, and I have an existing notebook. A couple things that I have found out. First of all, the EEE is not the only slim notebook out there. Second, there are those who think that the battery life could be improved, but there are also new models coming out.

**Dreagen** · #3 08-20-2008, 09:03 PM

FWIW, I thought you might be interested that it's $70 cheaper on NewEgg, if you do decide to buy.

ASUS Eee PC 900 16G on NewEgg

Trevorus · #4 08-20-2008, 09:08 PM

I would want a little more speed and a bigger drive. The solid state drives speed helps offset it, but I would rather have a dual drive system with a regular platter drive for documents and such. Of course, this takes it out of the price point that this is at.

Thunderscreech · #5 08-20-2008, 09:59 PM

I read about those in Popular science. For the money, it's a great deal. Plus, if you're a tinkerer, you can really trick those things out.

MoD_Scotty · #6 08-20-2008, 10:17 PM

I'm REALLY wanting one of these. Maybe not the EEE, I'm starting to dig the Acer Aspire One a little more. Regardless, the idea of a really small/light laptop with 90% of the functions of a normal one are very appealing.

SBassman · #7 08-20-2008, 10:22 PM

Dell is rumored to be days away from releasing a $300 mini notebook, if you like small.

DigMe · #8 08-20-2008, 10:34 PM

The EEE has received so-so reviews. I think there are already better ones out.

bc

**SoComSurfing** · #9 08-20-2008, 10:50 PM

Interesting comments. I've done a bit more research now and will continue looking into these. It seems most run Linux to keep costs down, but for work I'd need to go with something Vista, or preferably, XP-based, which look to run in the $400-500 range. It looks like projected release date for the Dell is a rumored August 22nd. I won't have time to check anything out until next week anyways, so I'll be interested in seeing what options Dell offers in comparison to the others out there.

Tsal · #10 08-21-2008, 03:08 AM

Since these came available, I've been thinking about selling my MacBook and getting an iMac instead, plus one of these for the mobile use. These mini laptops are certainly more appealing if you carry it around a lot - even my 13" MacBook feels a bit large for daily carry, and I would need a backpack for it. These fit into a backpack or a shoulder bag easily, and since they aren't very expensive you don't have to worry about it too much.

I've noticed that these mini-laptops tend to have both a cheaper Linux-version and a slightly more expensive XP-version available. Linux versions are typically 8-16 GB SSD drives with 512MB of RAM, and Windows versions usually 1 GB of RAM and a normal 80-gig HDD.

I think the top three models at the moment are the Asus Eee 900, Acer Aspire One and MSI Wind. All of these are pretty similar, with the Intel Atom processor, 9-10" display and such. Major difference seems to be the battery life - I recall that the Aspire One has a larger battery available as an option, where the Wind already has a good battery from the factory.

i_got_a_mohawk · #11 08-21-2008, 07:28 AM

Ive been looking at them too (there is a thread from ages back on here somewhere).

Im actually looking at the offerings from Acer and Advent though, they are cheaper

SBassman · #12 08-21-2008, 07:40 AM

I'm pretty sure the upcoming $300 Dell mini is going to be
Windows based.

Georynn · #13 08-21-2008, 08:47 AM

Its nowhere as cheap, but I think the Samsung Q1U I got as a feeler unit was pretty awesome... for a "James Bond" ultra small PC...

MoD_Scotty · #14 08-21-2008, 09:49 AM

I like the Acer Aspire One because you can add another 1gb of ram to its 512mb. I've also heard about a bigger battery available for it, but I haven't seen one yet. The EEE on the other hand, has parts available all over eBay.

As far as the XP vs Linux versions, at first I was opposed to Linux, but besides the cost difference, it seems like the Linux models come with everything that I'd need (open office, firefox, media players, etc). It'll probably take some getting used to, but it didn't take me long to get used to a Unix system a few years ago, so I doubt this will be any more difficult.

Here's a site that has some good info on the new Dell mini-Inspiron:
http://www.miniinspiron.net/

RobTheSkanker · #15 08-21-2008, 09:55 AM

I saw a review of those on Attack Of The Show. They seemed to think rather highly of them.

I'm definitely considering one for college next year.

Sig Saucer · #16 08-21-2008, 10:00 AM

Speaking of ASUS, it is a great company with great discounts. I got a gaming laptop with 4GB RAM and an GeForce graphics card for a whopping $1200!!! I guess they are selling at a loss in order to get a foothold into the American market.

The Eee now comes in Windows XP, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are going to use it everyday. If you want something light and portable, look at the Lenovo X series.

MoD_Scotty · #17 08-21-2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sig Saucer

If you want something light and portable, look at the Lenovo X series.

And also $1600. No thanks!

I think the biggest issue I'm having with the idea of these mini laptops, is that for essentially the same cost, you can buy a normal size laptop with way more power (you can usually find one of last year's models for under $500). But the size and weight of the mini laptop is making me think that I'd actually be more prone to taking it places. I don't really need a big heavy laptop with lots of power, because I have a pretty decent desktop at home.

Sig Saucer · #18 08-21-2008, 11:13 AM

Hahaha. I got last year's Asus gaming laptop for $1200. The new ones cost over $2000 at least. It's not quite good enough for Crysis with settings all on 11, but at least it can handle Crysis without lagging.

Linas · #19 08-21-2008, 11:38 AM

I got an asus EEEpC about a month ago and i am in love with it. The computer is not meant to replace your PC, but for a portable machine its awesome. The 16GB version is supposed to kinda suck. I would get the 20gb linux version, and just load Xp onto it. The aspire one looks like it could be a contender, but i like the solid state drive for its ability to be shockproof.

Sig Saucer · #20 08-21-2008, 11:43 AM

Can you plug in an Eee PC in a car 12V jack to charge? If so, I would definitely consider getting the next version that's coming out. Or get an old one for super cheap when the next one comes out.

There's a community of gamers who overclock their Eees to the point where they can play games. However, I think an N64 or PS1 emulator would be the perfect application for an Eee PC (with the USB controller, of course).