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| 29 Nov 2007 - ASUS EeePC - TINY! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I mentioned a couple of weeks ago the ASUS announcement that they would be launching the EeePC here in Australia soon. Last week, at a function in the City, ASUS announced that MYER would be the retailer of choice for the EeePC (pronounced E-PC by the way), available from December 1 for $499. So, Without question I expressed excitement about this laptop, outside of the Education market which ASUS is targeting, if it really IS Easy to Use, then surely this has a wider potential market? Perhaps even seniors or others who are really looking for an EMAIL MACHINE - a Computer connected to the net, used only for internet and email (no games, imaging or editing). I've been trying the EeePC for a full week now, and it is remarkable. NO MICROSOFT WINDOWS - this is a LINUX based machine (Windows is available at an extra price), and that is really the key here. Plug in a network - easy running. Connect to a WiFI network - easy running. At the top of the 'HOME PAGE' on the System are tabs, underneath which are the application shortcuts for available programs or links: INTERNET WEB MAIL (link to popular web mail sites) WEB (Firefox Browser) iGoogle (link) Messenger (instant messaging) Skype (not current version so does not support VIDEO) Network (networking configuration) eBook (Reader Software) Google Docs (link) World Clock (simple pop up day/night world map) Wikipedia (link) Internet Radio (link) Wireless Networks (simple config program) WORK Accessories (Calc etc) Documents (Open Office -Word) Spreadsheets (Open Office - Excel) Presentations (Open Office - Powerpoint) PDF Reader (simple!) Mail (Thunderbird Mail Client) File Manager (as it says) Dictionary Notes LEARN Science Language Math Paint Web Learn PLAY Games Media Player Music Manager Photo Manager Video Manager Webcam Sound Recorder SETTINGS Anti-Virus Volume Instant Shutdown Printers System Info Date and Time Personalisation Add/Remove Software Touchpad Disk Utility Diagnostic Tools Desktop Mode Voice Command So what did I think? Well, if I were travelling I would want to travel with this. Under 1KG and simply TINY. Size of a couple of DVD cases. I've done some photos to see if you can make some sense of how to demonstrate the size. What would it be useful for? Browsing web, Checking Mail, Writing simple documents (I found typing difficult at length, just because it is SO small - but that could be me needing to spend MORE time with it to get used to it.) Speed wise it's not fantastic, 512 Meg of Ram, it certainly does the job, but there is some lag. 4GB of solid state memory, which I am NOT put off by, because with a $70 purchase you can get another 4GB on an SD card which slots right into it! Travelling, that is ALL you are going to need. This is THE unit for your kids - while it is 'hackable' in that with some great knowledge you can learn to make changes - I was able to add a windows style START menu which is not standard on the machine. And Adding programs and things isnt all that easy - so if you want to control what kids are able to do - perhaps a good way to go. Another NEGATIVE to Linux though is that many hardware devices will be hard to use - Telstra Bigpond NEXT-G for example - that would be good, but not supported. I suggest anyone looking to buy their children a computer for research and writing, CONSIDER THIS - it is a wonderful device and support and ad-ons for it will only continue to grow. This is NOT a replacement PC, this is a second PC for a regular user who might travel often. Worried about size? - Simple, this is a very USEABLE machine - if you are worried about size - BUY A KEYBOARD, BUY A MOUSE and Hook it up to a MONITOR - I did it, and it works well, a simple machine working for you with a normal keyboard and mouse! $499 - Wondeful! - At MYER from December 1 - Christmas Gift Guide top ten for SURE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Share your thoughts: Added: Friday , 22 Feb 2008 03:37 pm Hi, Mark, Brisbane Added: Monday , 14 Jan 2008 12:32 am Oops! I forgot to say, when you install eeexubuntu Linux there are a couple of small things that have to be done to make the USB ports work. Ross Devitt, Mackay Qld Added: Monday , 14 Jan 2008 12:28 am Quote[ Telstra Bigpond NEXT-G for example - that would be good, but not supported.]/EndQuote Ross Devitt, Mackay Qld Added: Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 09:33 am
Daniel - its a 7 inch screen. It LOOKS in the photos like the screen isnt taking up the whole screen - but in fact the left and right of the screen are SPEAKERS... There you go! Check one out at MYER Trevor Trevor Long, Pyrmont Added: Monday , 10 Dec 2007 09:43 pm why is the screen resolution so small? Why dosn't it take up the entire screen? Daniel, sydney Added: Thursday , 29 Nov 2007 11:21 pm Hi Trevor, Rachel Digiglio, Sydney - inner west add your comment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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