Review of Asus Eee PC 900 Laptop computer.
As some of my Ciao acquaintances are aware I am currently travelling in the UK with my partner. We are both writers, a long term hobby, which has now become our income as freelancers. A laptop computer has been our trusty companion for some time, ... Read review
Advantages: Ultra portable, lightweight Disadvantages: Small processor and keyboard
Review of Asus Eee PC 900 Laptop computer.
As some of my Ciao acquaintances are aware I am currently travelling in the UK with my partner. We are both writers, a long term hobby, which has now become our income as freelancers. A laptop computer has been our trusty companion for some time, however as there are occasions when we both need to be using the machine, we decided to purchase a second laptop to make life a little easier. There ... ...The laptop we purchased the ASUS Eee PC 900 had the 'What Laptop' magazine gold award, having rated 8 out of a possible 10 in the May 2008 issue test reports section. It was purchased from PC World in Newcastle upon Tyne for £199.99.
**The laptop**
The Asus Eee PC 900 is classed as a entry level ultra mobile laptop and around the same size of a hard back novel, it most certainly is ultra mobile! It weighs a minuscule ... more
Review of Asus Eee PC 900 Laptop computer.
As some of my Ciao acquaintances are aware I am currently travelling in the UK with my partner. We are both writers, a long term hobby, which has now become our income as freelancers. A laptop computer has been our trusty companion for some time, however as there are occasions when we both need to be using the machine, we decided to purchase a second laptop to make life a little easier. There is nothing more irritating than needing the computer only to find the other one is hogging the thing!
We researched various machines and decided that as our main laptop is fine for Internet access by means of a usb 3g modem 'dongle', the second machine did not have to be anything too fancy as it would primarily be used for word processing. We tend to use an external hard drive to store our work so the new laptop did not need a massive hard drive.
The world of computers fascinates me, but I am the first to admit that I am no expert and with this in mind, researched the Internet and magazines like no tomorrow! I have read literally dozens of test reports, some useful, some mind boggling. Ciao did not have a review so I have decided to write one!
The laptop we purchased the ASUS Eee PC 900 had the 'What Laptop' magazine gold award, having rated 8 out of a possible 10 in the May 2008 issue test reports section. It was purchased from PC World in Newcastle upon Tyne for £199.99.
**The laptop**
The Asus Eee PC 900 is classed as a entry level ultra mobile laptop and around the same size of a hard back novel, it most certainly is ultra mobile! It weighs a minuscule 940g and the overall dimensions are approximately 225mm lengthwise x141mm wide x 36mm thick. It looks like a standard laptop that got shrunk in the wash! The screen is a 7" TFT, which uses LED technology making it brighter and more energy efficient than the usual laptop screen. The screen is set inside a large bezel flanked by speakers, this means there is room for a fair sized 'qwerty' keyboard, much larger than on similar 7" models. The laptop comes in white or black, colour was no real issue for me so I was not too bothered that the shop only had white in stock. The main manufacturing material is as you might expect for such a light weight machine, plastic, it is sturdy and robust. The Asus Eee PC 900 is available from PC World shops and online and from the online retailer, Laptops direct, www.laptopsdirect.co.uk , plus various other suppliers. Prices seem to be around £190.00- £225.00.
** Hard drive, Processor, Memory, Controls and Components **
Hard Drive The hard drive is a 2 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), there are no moving parts which of course helps the robust nature of the laptop. The SSD does limit the amount of files that can be stored, but as I have said, this isn't an issue for our usage of the computer.
Processor. Intel 900MHz Celeron M 353
Memory 512mb DDR2 SDRAM
Controls,components etc
From the front.
SSD indicator which blinks when data is being written or read from the disk drive. Power indicator Battery charge indicator to show status of the battery. Wireless indicator. Lights when the wireless LAN is enabled . Touch pad and buttons which are the mouse for this type of computer. Qwerty keyboard with palm supports Power switch, this only works when the display panel is opened.
From the right side.
Memory card slot, reads SD/MMC cards from digital cameras, MP3 players, PDAs and mobile phones 2x USB ports for attaching various devices, such as keyboards, cameras, storage devices. 15 pin monitor port, enables you to attach a full sized monitor if required. 'Kensington' Lock port, allows the laptop to be secured by means of 'Kensington' compatible security products.
From the left side.
Lan port, for a standard Ethernet cable to connect to a local network. Modem port, for a standard telephone cable USB port Microphone jack, for connecting to Skype applications, voice recordings or simple audio recording. Headphone output jack (1/8"), this connects the Eee PC audio outlet to your headphones, automatically disabling the built n speakers.
From the rear
Battery pack, this is automatically charged when connected to mains power. Mains power input.
Graphics adapter - Intel GMA 900
Battery life is quoted as 192 minutes, but of course, as with all laptops this will vary dependent on what you use the machine for.**Operating system**
The Asus Eee PC 900 operated on a Linux variant, Asus Xandros. It fires up very quickly into an icon driven interface. The interface consists of six tabs arranged across the screen, these break down into the main functions of the laptop, work, play, Internet, settings, favourites and learn. It is easy to navigate, each tab opens into a further selection of icons relevant to the subject. The laptop can be switched to Windows should users wish and a Windows Installation guide is included in the box, although NOT the Windows service pack discs, these have to be obtained separately from Microsoft. I found the operating system slightly strange at first, but it is actually simplicity itself to use once you are used to it.
We have used the laptop to access the 'net, although this wasn't our main purpose in buying it. It accepted our mobile broadband USB device with no problem and we were online in seconds. Of course with such a small screen you probably wouldn't want to do any great amount of surfing, but for checking emails and light Internet use, it is fine.
The system is pre-loaded with a huge range of tools from a full Open Office word suite, tools for getting online, power utilities and media tools. The browser pre loaded is Mozilla Firefox, my personal favourite browser. A wireless connection or mobile USB connection is require for accessing the Internet, the necessary ports are inbuilt to accept your Ethernet cable. The laptop can be used as a movie and music player and the sound quality is excellent. As it does not have a CD/DVD drive, the music or movies would need to be run from a USB memory stick or a separate CD/DVD drive added via USB.
**In the Box**
The laptop (obviously) Power cable. Battery pack. Full User guide. Quick Use guide. Warranty card, (24 months guarantee for laptop, six months guarantee for battery.) Windows Installation guide. Battery information leaflet 1 x recovery CD 1 x support CD
Advantages
The laptop is very portable and easy to use. It does everything I need for a second laptop. It is very sleek looking and was set up and running in minutes. For everyday use the Asus Eee PC 900 can be attached to a full sized monitor and keyboard should you wish. The price is very competitive and the test reports I read on this model rated it extremely highly. It is small but perfectly put together and for a basic ultra compact machine, it is in my opinion very hard to beat.
Disadvantages
I feel rather disloyal to my lovely little laptop by listing it's failings but, in the interests of Ciao readers, here goes!
No CD/DVD drive, bluetooth connection, no modem so an existing wireless network is required. The laptop does not come with a carry case, bundled software, firewall or infrared. Limited memory, small processor, no dual core here I'm afraid! Smaller than standard keyboard maybe irritating to anyone with large fingers. Recovery and support cds supplied not much good without a separate cd/dvd drive.
**Conclusion**
I love this laptop! It is perfect for my needs and in such a small package. Living the way my partner and I do in the confined areas of boats and caravans, this laptop suits us very well. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a budget ultra portable laptop. Thank you for reading.
Advantages: Small, compact and easy to use Disadvantages: no windows operating system, tiny keyboard and mouse
The Asus Eee PC 701 -- its a very portable laptop that cost me £210. Its a very neat laptop, being a traveller and travelling with my job, I need a light laptop with instant internet, messenger, skype access. This laptop gives you this with ease.
All of my colleagues are intrigued by the laptop, especially the guys with 17" screens, lugging them around to every destination.
The Eee PC is one of the smallest laptops on the market. At 225 by 35 by ... ...900 odd grams. Its petite dimensions give it a toy-like appearance, but this is countervailed by the pearl-white finish, which gives it a touch of sophistication. Ultimately, the Eee PC looks equally at home on the catwalk or in a child's playpen -- it is what you make of it really!
Because it's so small, some sacrifices have been ma!e. The keyboard is exceptionally tiny and the keys are very closely grouped ( not great when you have kids fingers ...
benzi330 02.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Asus Eee PC 900
Advantages: portability and features Disadvantages: small memory and no cd drive
...ideas and everything else. The Asus Eee PC 900 it's one of the most suitable notebooks for persons who want a portable tool with them all the time. But like any other thing in this world there are some disadvantages too. I'm not finished with the advantages but we will take a look at them later. The very small memory (according to today's expectations) of only 4G isn't very eye-catching and on top of that today even a telephone has 9G memory. But ...
pdan93 20.11.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Asus Eee PC 900
Advantages: Very fast and very portable. Disadvantages: Tiny keyboard and can sometimes feel a little flimsy.
This is a fantastic little laptop. I've been using it for little over a month now and all I can say is WOW!.
It's very light and portable, I've had no problem carrying it around with me, even just in my hands. Of course this creates a downside. Tjhe keyboard could be a little bigger. I have fingers like sausages so maybe this is just my experience, but I can not type at my full speed, which is a shame. Also, sometimes it feel's like i could snap ... ...my hands are bigger than average.
For such a small laptop, it really is quite fast, as long as you don't want to play games. I only use it to write college reports and light programming, and for this is works wonders. I have the XP version and it is very capable of running word processors and even photoshop.
I generally find that 20 gig is plenty for me so having the solid state HDD is brilliant.
Finally, considering what you get for your money, ...
Baz047 13.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Asus Eee PC 900
Advantages: GREAT ADVANTAGES Disadvantages: NO DISADVANTAGES
The Eee PC is a new line of PCs that focuses on providing the most comprehensive Internet experience based on three Es: Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent on-the-Go. Although petite in size, this high performance miniature computer truly performs and comes with a durable, shock-proof solid-state design - making it easy for housewives, office ladies and students alike to carry and connect to the Internet. ASUS' ...
naveenmax 23.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Asus Eee PC 900
Speed
Look & Feel
Comfort & Portability
Robustness & Durability
Value For Money
Quick review of Asus Eee PC 900
It is a great laptop Cheaper for people that just can't afford anymore. or Children while they get used to a laptop. Strange at first not having no windows but soon get the hang off it. latest technology, Share photos, do most of the same things a more Expensive Laptop would do,what can I say it Speaks for itself. Weight: 0.99 kg Sort all your photo's while you away from home so much more you can do. ...
cancer2005 24.06.2008
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Asus Eee PC 900
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Product Information for "Asus Eee PC 900" »
Cache memory
Installed Size
512 KB
Type
L2 Cache
Ram
Installed Size
1 GB
Technology
DDR2 SDRAM
Form Factor
SO DIMM 200-pin
Storage
Hard Drive
20 GB Solid State Drive, 12 GB Solid State Drive, 16 GB Solid State Drive
Card reader
Type
Card reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards
SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Memory Card
Display
Display Type
8.9" TFT
Max Resolution
1024 x 600 ( WSVGA )
Widescreen Display
Yes
Features
LED-backlit
Audio
Audio Output
Sound card
Compliant Standards
High Definition Audio
Audio Input
Microphone
Notebook camera
Camera Type
Integrated
Sensor Resolution
1.3 Megapixel, 0.3 Megapixel
Input device(s)
Type
Keyboard, FingerGlide, Keyboard, touchpad
Networking
Networking
Network adapter
Wireless LAN Supported
Yes
Data Link Protocol
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Compliant Standards
IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / connectivity
Interfaces
3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5mm
1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
Expansion Slots Total (Free)
Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Power
Power Device
External
Voltage Required
AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Operating system / software
OS Provided
Linux, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software
Drivers & Utilities
Processor
Power Efficiency
Ultra Low Voltage (ULV)
Processor
Intel Celeron M 353 / 630 MHz, Intel Celeron M 353 / 900 MHz, Intel Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz
Chipset Type
Intel 910GML Express
Data Bus Speed
400 MHz, 533 MHz
Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor
Intel GMA 950 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories
Carrying case
Battery
Run Time (Up To)
4 hour(s)
Capacity
4400 mAh
Installed Qty
1
Technology
4-cell Lithium Ion
Manufacturer warranty
Service & Support Details
Limited warranty - 2 years
Service & Support
2 years warranty
Manufacturer's product description
Share photos of your travels without waiting till you get home. Shop the world wide web without attaching any lines or wires. Learn through the latest technology without a technical manual. Play, relax, and entertain on the go with shock-proof design. Connect with friends and family with just a few clicks.
Small but perfectly formed! 
