ASUS Eee PC 701SD (EEEPC701SD-BLK004X) Netbook

The ASUS Eee PC 701SD is one remarkable little PC, and ASUS has done a excellent job supporting the ASUS Eee PC 701SD as well. It comes stock with a 630 Mhz underclocked Intel Celeron M CPU, 512 MB RAM, an 8 GB SSD (upgradeable solid-state drive), integrated Intel graphics solution, plenty of USB ports (3), integrated modem, integrated ethernet, integrated wireless internet (WiFi), standard VGA monitor out, headphone/line out, integrated microphone plus microphone line in, integrated webcam/camera, and an SD card slot for external storage.

The stock hardware is just fine, but if the user wishes, it is very easy to upgrade by simple a simple access door underneath the ASUS Eee PC 701SD, where one will find room under the hood for as much as 2 GB RAM in the form of one DDR2 notebook size memory stick, which I was able to purchase at the local Staples for about $50. 1 GB RAM sticks are also available for about $35 (Staples price). I'm sure these upgrades can be found more economically elsewhere, but I was happy when after getting 1 GB I was able to return the 1 GB stick in exchange for the 2 GB stick.

The little door under the ASUS Eee PC 701SD also provides access to the SSD, and much larger SSD drives can be purchased and installed, and it is my understanding that ASUS has even provided software which allows for one to upgrade the SSD interface transfer speed from PCIe (PCI express) to SATA (Serial ATA) speeds. Also, the from factory underclocked Celeron M can be upgraded from 630 Mhz to 897 Mhz via an ASUS provided BIOS update. This BIOS update then instructs the processor that it's okay to run at the full 897 Mhz (though albeit with less battery runtime and a bit more heat). I have performed the update and my ASUS Eee PC 701SD is now running at a glorious 897 Mhz.

Performance is impressive, and the machine boots rather quickly, and is able to run multiple windows at a time if needed. It is also comforting to know that ASUS is great about updates and support; the updates are easy to find and download. This most certainly adds to the resale value of the ASUS Eee PC 701SD, and seems to keep the system from becoming obsolete. I have always heard from my friends about how much they loved their ASUS systems, and I now see what they were so impressed with. ASUS support for the ASUS Eee PC 701SD is really nonpareil when compared to other manufacturers. It's always nice when a company stands behind the products they sell!

It is also worth noting that the first thing one notices when opening the package is that the entire system is small. In fact, the ASUS Eee PC 701SD is impressively small, and smaller than I expected it to be. And don't underestimate this machine as it is also notably lightweight. My first impression of the ASUS Eee PC 701SD is that it appeared, and feelt incredibly well made. Manufactured to exactingly precise manufacturing tolerances and out of high quality materials. Despite the fact that the keyboard is incredibly small, I still get excited about the satisfyingly snappy feedback I get from the keyboard. I'm using the ASUS Eee PC 701SD to type this review right now, and I have actually been using the ASUS Eee PC 701SD as my primary PC now for the past several weeks, eclipsing the use of my "regular laptop", the Gateway ML3109, with it's now seemingly huge screen to the point of looking akward and very desktop-ish.

Speaking of desktops, if one wishes the Eee PC would certainly double as an excellent "nettop". This not only eliminates and difficulties that the first time user may have adjusting to the smaller keyboard, but some may wish to utilize that VGA out on the side of the ASUS Eee PC 701SD and put it to good use. It's worth noting that many of the newer HD television sets that have come onto market as of late have VGA ports, thus the ASUS Eee PC 701SD can be connected to a VERY large screen. Combined with the portable simplicity of the ASUS Eee PC 701SD, I can see how many users with compromised eyesight would delight in the large screen "eye-topia " that blissfully results from connecting the ASUS Eee PC 701SD to an HDTV (such as the 32" full HD Samsung TV we have in my living room at home).

Also, the connection to a large screen TV makes even more sense when one considers that with the ASUS Eee PC 701SDs available 3 USB ports, utilizing a larger keyboard and or regular mouse is as easy as plugging it in. This seems like a very enticing option for some users; using the Eee PC to serve double-duty as a "nettop". Although I would have to say that even though the ASUS Eee PC 701SD has a relatively compact 7" screen, most people will probably be completely satisfied with the 7" screen for most applications, and my only complaint is that the screen may be considered about 2/3 the height of a normal desktop display, which in some instances might feel a little cramped . However, the good news is that a full size desktop can be had on the ASUS Eee PC 701SD by simply utilizing the external display of one's choice. Also, with the upgraded version of Internet Explorer 8, one can zoom web pages, in this case making them smaller, and this makes things easier to view (all at once) on the 701SDs compact 7" display.

Also, there is a built-in webcamera which allows the Eee PC user to snap pictures and or stream video of one-self, as the tiny camera points at the user.  (One might also wish to use the Eee PC as a mirror, but this might be a bit narcissistic).  Last but not least, and certainly not forgotten is the SD card slot which really comes in handy (as the Eee PC lacks both a floppy drive and CD-ROM).  Fortunately, SD cards are constantly getting faster, cheaper, and in increasingly larger sizes.  I believe for about $40 one can add 16 GB worth of storage space, or for a 32 GB SD card it will run about $100 (Tiger Direct prices as of 7/27/09). 

In conclusion, I would most recommend the ASUS Eee PC 701SD for those that wish for the utmost in portability and convenience from a mobile device with excellent internet surfing capabilites, the power to multi-task, and the familiar convenience of [relatively stable] Windows XP. The compact unit feels sturdy, and should prove a reliable addition to the PC stable of any household. I dare say that it might even be used as a person's sole PC, provided that person is only going to be using the PC for internet surfing, email, listenting to an internet radio station, etc. I would think that three out of four people probably only use a PC for the above stated reasons, therfore I see no reason why most PC users couldn't benefit from the excellent, highly mobile, and stable platform on which the ASUS Eee PC 701SD is based. I therefore highly recommend both the ASUS Eee PC 701SD, and the ASUS brand in general (as there are many other Eee models to choose from which are probably at least as good as the 701SD).

[I would just like to add (update) that I have had issues with the 701 SD keyboard, so if you own the 701 SD please be extra careful not to get even get one drop of water on the keyboard.  Half of the keyboard stopped working, rendering the computer unable to be used at this time.  I have had some trouble getting this fixed under warranty, and will likely have to pay to have the unit repaired.  I will update the review when I recieve further information.  I have purchased the Eee PC 1005HAB, to replace the 701 SD, and the keyboard appears much improved, and many of the 701 SD caveats appear to be addressed.  Thanks! -2/23/2010]