ASUS Eee PC 900 (EEEPC900-W072X) Netbook
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- Weight: 2.1 lb.
- Mobile Technology: Wi-Fi Certified
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Processor: Celeron M 900 MHz
- Laptop Type: Ultraportable Laptop Netbook
- Installed Memory: 1 GB (DDR2 SDRAM)
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7
Bought this before it was available in the US
Pros
Size & weight, user group & support, full featured, easy to use
Cons
Have to get used to a smaller keyboard, minimal upgrades available
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Embrace the size and the Asus eee netbook will set you free to compute anywhere.
Although I don't usually run out and buy something as it hits the shelves, this little netbook fit my needs perfectly and I ended up buying it before it was released here in the US.
I bought the 20G Linux version, with the understanding that I could change back to XP later if I needed to. I ended up installing XP because of some specialty programs I run that don't like Linux, and I'd recommend buying the larger HD if you run XP -- the programs you use take up more memory than you think, and the difference between 12G & 20G can add years of usefulness to your netbook.
The keyboard is 3/4 size, which is okay for my fingers, but I have to keep looking at the keyboard because I tend to accidentally hit the Enter key. The keyboard is a standard layout - they didn't change anything.
The size & resolution of the screen is good. I am nearsighted and even with the netbook sitting on a table, I don't find myself crouching over it to see. Both the Linus and the XP use nice big icons, so navigating either is a breeze.
Speaking of navigating, the touchpad is a good size -- almost the same as my husband's full-size ThinkPad. Personally, I prefer to use a travel size mouse, and the Asus provides plenty of USB connections (all 2.0). The battery runs for a good 4+ hours, even while surfing the net and videoconferencing. (A built-in camera / mic makes Skyping easy.) there are also FireWire & Ethernet connections, as well as connections for a monitor, headset & microphone (should you want to use any of these).
This is not my primary computer, except while travelling. I've known some people who have made it their primary, and while I think the more you use it, the easier it is to use, for me personally, there is still a place for a desktop with a 19" monitor.
The weight & size of the Asus are the main selling points. Sleek lines & under 2 lbs make it easy to shove into a tote bag, briefcase or other carrying case. It plays well with all voltages and doesn't overheat using a voltage adaptor. The battery life is twice what my full-size laptop was. The camera & mic worked perfectly right out of the box and allowed smooth videoconferencing via Skype to/from several countries. No moving parts means you don't have to worry about having it bumped around. [At one point, I got tired of carrying it and just checked it through in my suitcase. As I'm seeing my luggage literally thrown across the airport, I'm thinking maybe this wasn't such a great idea. It was fine. Everything worked perfectly. ]
Another key selling point for me was the user base. I looked at the Sony & HP models, as well as some others. But I've had other items from other companies, and as long as the item is selling, you're fine. The minute they have another product that sells more, you're out in the cold. The EEE PC netbook is the flagship Asus product. They are fully committed to this product and have a large and active user group. If you're interested in finding better ways to use the technology, get a heads up on issues, new versions and just a great place to go to ask newbie type questions, the user groups are the place to go. I wouldn't have that with a non-Asus product.
I've used this netbook for 2 years now. It's half the price of when I bought it, but I still don't regret a minute or a dollar of it. It has done everything I have asked of it and more, and I'm sure I'll find ways to keep using it.
I bought the 20G Linux version, with the understanding that I could change back to XP later if I needed to. I ended up installing XP because of some specialty programs I run that don't like Linux, and I'd recommend buying the larger HD if you run XP -- the programs you use take up more memory than you think, and the difference between 12G & 20G can add years of usefulness to your netbook.
The keyboard is 3/4 size, which is okay for my fingers, but I have to keep looking at the keyboard because I tend to accidentally hit the Enter key. The keyboard is a standard layout - they didn't change anything.
The size & resolution of the screen is good. I am nearsighted and even with the netbook sitting on a table, I don't find myself crouching over it to see. Both the Linus and the XP use nice big icons, so navigating either is a breeze.
Speaking of navigating, the touchpad is a good size -- almost the same as my husband's full-size ThinkPad. Personally, I prefer to use a travel size mouse, and the Asus provides plenty of USB connections (all 2.0). The battery runs for a good 4+ hours, even while surfing the net and videoconferencing. (A built-in camera / mic makes Skyping easy.) there are also FireWire & Ethernet connections, as well as connections for a monitor, headset & microphone (should you want to use any of these).
This is not my primary computer, except while travelling. I've known some people who have made it their primary, and while I think the more you use it, the easier it is to use, for me personally, there is still a place for a desktop with a 19" monitor.
The weight & size of the Asus are the main selling points. Sleek lines & under 2 lbs make it easy to shove into a tote bag, briefcase or other carrying case. It plays well with all voltages and doesn't overheat using a voltage adaptor. The battery life is twice what my full-size laptop was. The camera & mic worked perfectly right out of the box and allowed smooth videoconferencing via Skype to/from several countries. No moving parts means you don't have to worry about having it bumped around. [At one point, I got tired of carrying it and just checked it through in my suitcase. As I'm seeing my luggage literally thrown across the airport, I'm thinking maybe this wasn't such a great idea. It was fine. Everything worked perfectly. ]
Another key selling point for me was the user base. I looked at the Sony & HP models, as well as some others. But I've had other items from other companies, and as long as the item is selling, you're fine. The minute they have another product that sells more, you're out in the cold. The EEE PC netbook is the flagship Asus product. They are fully committed to this product and have a large and active user group. If you're interested in finding better ways to use the technology, get a heads up on issues, new versions and just a great place to go to ask newbie type questions, the user groups are the place to go. I wouldn't have that with a non-Asus product.
I've used this netbook for 2 years now. It's half the price of when I bought it, but I still don't regret a minute or a dollar of it. It has done everything I have asked of it and more, and I'm sure I'll find ways to keep using it.
