Good Things Come In Small Packages

I first saw the little Asus Eee PCs while browsing a computer store online. My first impression of the 2gb surf model that they were showing was, "That computer is actually cute!" As I watched the demo video, my impression changed from "cute computer" to "I have got to get one!" I searched on eBay and found a 4gb Eee PC and bought it.

As I anxiously awaited the arrival of my new notebook computer, several things went through my mind. First was the Linux operating system (Windows XP can be installed on the Eee PC but I did not want to do that). I am a Mac person, although I do use a PC quite often. I am used to OS X and Windows XP. Because of this, I was worried that it would take time to get used to a different operating system. The second thing that went through my mind was that this would be an extremely stripped down computer because of the small size. I was certain that it would be perfect for school, but I really didn't think it could have much more to offer than word processing or surfing the internet. Third and finally, my curiosity about the size of the computer was driving me nuts. I could not wait to see it.

Finally the package with my computer arrived and I quickly opened it. The box contained everything that originally came with the computer. There was the computer itself, the battery, the power cord, a recovery cd, the users manual and quick start guide, and a cloth cover/carrying case for the computer.

Inserting the battery is easy. I just plugs into the back of the computer. The computer itself is surprisingly small - 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches. The thing can almost fit into my purse. It is very light too, weighing in at about 2 pounds. On the left side of the computer there are connections for ethernet and an optional phone modem (on mine there is a cover where the phone cord would plug in), one USB 2.0 port, a headphone jack and a microphone jack. On the right side of the computer there is a Kensington Lock Port, an output for a monitor, two more USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for an SD memory card. On the bottom of the machine is a compartment for the SSD disk and memory.

Opening the computer, I couldn't believe how small the screen was. The 7 inch diagonal screen has stereo speakers on either side of it and a built-in webcam above it. With such a small screen, I was afraid that it would be difficult to see webpages, but the screen is nice and bright which makes it very easy to read print as well as view webpages.

The modified Linux operating system is a little unusual in that there is not a single desktop, but several desktops arranged by category into tabs on the screen. There is an internet tab which has shortcuts for webmail, web (which opens the Firefox browser), iGoogle, Messenger (has to be downloaded - I'll get to that in a minute), Network and Wireless Network, and other useful internet services. The work tab contains shortcuts to various Open Office applications such as Documents, Spreadsheets and Presentations along with a few other useful programs such as Mail (Mozilla's Thunderbird is used for email) and a dictionary. The file manager, which is like the Windows My Computer or Mac's Finder, shows My Documents, the trash bin (like Windows recycle bin) and any external drives or memory cards. The Learn tab has Paint, a and a few other interesting educational applications. The Play tab has shortcuts to games, a media player, music manager, photo manager, video manager, webcam, and sound recorder. The settings tab is similar to the Windows Control panel or the Mac System Preferences. Finally, there is the Favorites tab which is where you can put shortcuts to your favorite applications. After using this computer for several days, I am getting used to the various tabs and I love the way things are organized on this computer.

Additional games, applications, and system updates are available through the Add/Remove Software option under the Settings tab. My only complaint about this way of adding and removing software is that it takes some time for the computer to connect to the server. If there is another way of removing software other than just deleting it, I still have not discovered it yet.

Which brings me to connecting to the internet and I have just one thing to say about this computer when it comes to this subject -- I Love This Computer!!!! The Eee PC has built-in wireless networking capability. For wireless networks, the computer searches for a signal, lets me know when it has found a network, then connects when I tell it to. No fuss, no problems - it just connects. It's the same way with my wired home network. I connected the ethernet cable and the computer found the network then connected when I selected the home network. No problems what so ever.

All other applications on this machine run smoothly with the 900mhz processor and 512mb of ram installed in this machine. Programs like Music Manager run flawlessly and music actually sounds pretty good through the small stereo speakers. The touch pad also works well although, like most laptops, it can be a little difficult lining up the cursor at times. The small keyboard makes it nearly impossible for touch typing, but it is easy enough to get used to the small buttons.

My only real complaint about this computer is the short battery life. I find myself having to recharge it every 2 hours or so. But I did buy it used so the battery might not have the life that it did when it was new.

Overall, this is one nice little computer with a lot of features packed into a small package. With its small size and 4gb hard drive, it may not be able to replace a normal desktop or full sized laptop, but it is wonderfully portable computer. Perfect for surfing the web, school, or any other situation where one might need an ultra portable computer.