ultraportable, easy - to use application, built - in card reader
Disadvantages:
scrolling issue, 4GB internal memory
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Recently more people are seeking for something smaller of everything, including finding a notebook. Perhaps it's because they expect to have laptop technology with low cost. Concerned with this issue, Asus released their product ASUS EEE PC, a mini notebook series.It was launched first time in Indonesia on January 2008 and in Singapore December 2007. It becomes the most waited product this year for consumers in Asia because of its uncommon size. Their first model to be introduced here is their 701/4G model. I couldn't manage to purchase it on the grand launching since it was all sold out. I had to order it and a month later the item showed up at my door. I was wondering what had made it a top selling product. And here's the answer.
A PEEK INSIDE THE PACKAGE
The notebook
Quick user guide
User manual
Battery
Adapter
Soft case/pouch
EEE PC support DVD
FIRST IMPRESSION
First time I hold it in my hand it's like holding a big calculator. The weight is about 0.9 kg and thickness is less than 4 cm (35mm). The 7in TFT screen is quite readable and pretty good, despite the fact that max resolution is only 800 x 480 pixels. For wide screen users, you have to get used to this tiny display.Another impression I get by examining its finishing material is that it has smooth and solid material. It doesn't look like a cheap product at all despite the cheaper price it offers than other products sold in the market. The metallic white color coating makes it an anti-scratch notebook.
Buttons on the keyboard are very close one to another. A very likely mistake is pressing "Shift" and "Up" button. And for those with huge fingers you might find a bit difficult typing. Touchpad is available to easily direct cursor. As for me, I found no problem in typing with the keyboard.
There is this small sticker that blocks access to underneath compartment for memory upgrade. It's relieving that Asus Singapore had a press release which finally permitted users to break the sticker without losing the warranty.
=== PERFORMANCE === It takes about 15 seconds from the moment I switch ON button to screen login. The advantage of SSD (Solid State Disk) storage is valued through how fast booting time is, which is 15 seconds. The notebook is pre-loaded with Linux (Xandros OS) customized by Asus, along with pretty complete applications which provides 6 main menus: Internet, Work, Play, Learn, Settings, and Favorites. Even so, DVD included in the package has all drivers needed to install Windows XP into this mini laptop. It's unfortunate that we can only install applications from Asus website, and can't install non-Asus applications. Most of the users will likely change it into Windows XP.
It has standard applications such as Skype Media Player, Mozilla Web Browser, Web Mail, Voice command, etc. On the bookmark, you can find Yahoo and Google links. Available interface: 3x USB (two are on the right, the additional one is on the left), SD card reader, microphone in, audio out, and VGA output if you need to have a presentation.
On the Work menu, we can find link to application similar to Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org 2.0, included are Documents, Spreadsheet and Presentations. First time use of the program there's a break almost 10 seconds and 8 seconds after first time use. I find no problem using the program.
Celeron processor and 512MB RAM makes it able to run applications and operational system well and perfect. The 4GB storage cannot make this laptop as our main digital media storage. The solution to this is to add the capacity via external drive, and in this case SD card reader is provided. This is the feature I like. In my opinion, this is the most useful feature in this laptop. It has minimum storage, but thanks to this card reader that I can easily extend the memory capacity up to 16GB SDHC.
The quality of its 0.3 megapixels camera is very good, either to take pictures or use it as a webcam. Internet connection using its built-in Wi-Fi is also great and fast. It goes smoothly and I find no problem at all. One issue here is that I have to do more scroll than usual on the web page that has more than 800 pixels. A little bit annoying at first, scroll to the left and right, up and down many times; quite an exercise for my finger. But after several times, I get to get used to it.
The media player used in this laptop provides two speakers which let out a super-ordinary sound for such a mini laptop. I never expect to have that sound quality from a mini laptop but that's the fact.
Battery is designed for efficient use so that it would have a longer operation. It can hold up to more than 3 hours, and even though there's this "Battery low" it can still be used. And then comes another warning "Battery will run out in THREE MINUTES" it can still be used more than three minutes. A few minutes later, screen is blank and the laptop shut down. Press the ON button again, and it can turn on for another 2-3 minutes before it completely shut down, I mean REALLY shut down. Not bad, eh?
Things I Like
Ultra portable notebook with weight less than 1 kg and thickness less than 4 cm
Quick start-up
Easy-to-use applications
Built-in card reader
Fast and smooth internet connection using the Wi-Fi
Great sound quality
Battery life is good for such a mini laptop
Things I Dislike
Scrolling on the higher resolution webpage seems difficult at first
Get used to the close buttons on the keyboard
Internal memory only 4GB provided
Applications with Linux can only be downloaded from Asus website
REMARK
For those who are "portability-minded" this laptop definitely suits you. It offers a great range of features in this small device. "A big PDA" is quite a definition for this. However, we mustn't compare it with the thin Macbook Air or the expensive Vaio, but for $350 it's not bad for a secondary one. EEE is worth to be owned and a must-have gadget of the year.
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