Asus EEE PC

pcx · Posts: 34 Join date: 2008-01-02 Location: Kuala Lumpur

SDIO slot for storage expandability.

Well designed keyboard, albeit cramped.

Sturdy hinge system withstands high tolerance.

For
months, products such as the Sony Vaio TZ150 (also known as VGN-TZ18GN)
or Fujitsu's U1010 have made their mark on the ultra portable computing
market, and seen their fair share of action amongst the consumer
purchasing choices. But all that has changed when the ASUS Eee PC's
existence came into being, with demand far exceeding supply when it was
launched in Taiwan just a few weeks back.
First E: Emasculate, it shall not!
The
ASUS Eee PC, though small in stature and weighing only 920g, is as much
of a heavyweight (pun definitely intended here) as most other UMPCs in
the market. With up to four versions of the ASUS Eee on sale, we
received the Eee PC 4G version whose specs include a 900Mhz Intel
Celeron Mobile CPU coupled with 512MB DDR2 RAM, sufficient for the most
basic of applications, with a mild lag noticed on slightly more
intensive programs.
Of special note here, is the
efficiency at which the ASUS Eee boots up in a short span of 15 seconds
or less, and you'll be greeted not by a generic Windows operating
system, but a Linux-based Xandros running KDE. Over 40 applications are
preloaded, covering communications (IM client), web browsing (Firefox),
office productivity (OpenOffice 2.0) and other supporting software.
Whilst some might be apprehensive over an unfamiliar Linux OS,
alternatives do exist, with an official announcement of future versions
of the ASUS Eee PCs running on Windows XP instead.
One
main reason for its swift boot up is the 4GB solid state drive soldered
onto its main board, which also reduces power consumption significantly
and has higher tolerance to shocks. However, upon closer inspection, we
found approximately only 1GB worth of storage capacity free for
personal use, whilst the balance has been fully utilized for system
needs and built-in applications.
Second E: Exquisite Design
Dealing
beyond its internal design, we'll take a look at the aesthetic nature
of the ASUS Eee. Undoubtedly, the pearly white body would be the crowd
pleaser, designed with dimensions of 225 × 165 × 21mm.

The
7-inch TFT LCD screen might seem to bring a smudge of imperfection on
the ASUS Eee with a low screen resolution support of up to 800 x 480,
but it is actually very friendly on the eyes unlike those on the UMPC
class. The screen is however flanked by integrated speakers which form
a thick black border around it, and thus belittles the 7-inch LCD with
regards to the laptop's overall size.
At its base,
the ASUS Eee's keyboard is one that you'll love to hate, or hate to
love. On one hand, the tactile feel easily surpasses most other
ultraportables of its range (and those on UMPCs), yet it also shares
the same deficiency as its siblings: a lack of adequate space. With the
keys tightly packed within its 165mm width, this is where the ASUS Eee
finds itself at a disadvantage for those with large hands. Others
should find most of the main keys fairly useable but there is the
awfully tiny touchpad to get over.
Input ports on
the ASUS come in a wide range, with 3 USB ports, an Ethernet port, a
3.5mm earphone jack and microphone input, and finally a VGA out. In
response to its limited storage capacity, a SDIO slot is found on the
side too, which supports both SD and SDHC memory cards for additional
storage options. Note that there is no optical drive on this
ultraportable, so beware of the limitations.
A
quick run on its battery life shows it to last just under 3 hours with
moderate usage, though the ASUS Eee is rated with a 3.5 hours battery
lifespan. Heat dissipation is sufficiently managed, but we found the
ASUS Eee warm to the touch with intensive usage beyond 30 minutes.
Final E: Ending Thoughts
With
a clean design, decent specs that provide above average performance and
an easily customizable operating system, the ASUS Eee PC could be the
perfect holiday gift, if there's any stock left. Its form factor, light
weight, modest screen and a proper keyboard catapults it well ahead of
UMPCs like the Sony VGN-UX50, Fujitsu U1010 and others in terms of
overall usability. And of course, not forgetting why the ASUS Eee has
achieved the popularity it is enjoying is its affordability at just
S$598 (~US$414) inclusive of tax. Not bad at all for what it offers.

Product Specifications

Processor: 900Mhz Intel Celeron Mobile CPU
Memory: 512 MB DDR2-667
OS: Xandros (Linux based distribution) running KDE
Display: 7 inch, 800×480 TFT LCD with LED backlight
Audio: Realtek ALC6628 Hi-Definition Audio 5.1 CODEC; built-in stereo speaker; built-in microphone
Storage: 4 GB Solid state drive
Connectors:
3 USB 2.0 ports, MMC/SD (HC) card reader, Ethernet port, Modem port
(non-functional, empty), Microphone input, Headphone jack, AC power
jack, VGA out
Connectivity: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless LAN mini PCI-E card (Atheros-based)
Webcam
Dimensions: 225 × 165 × 21 mm
Weight: 920 grams

source: hardwarezone.com.my

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