Eee PC (4G)

The Asus Eee PC, a popular ultraportable notebook computer, has been reviewed recently by Laptoping, Laptop Magazine, NotebookReview, TrustedReviews, PC Magazine, and CNet. According to the reviews, the Eee PC is a good and affordable solution for basic computing purposes.

Currently, there are three Asus Eee PC models available in the United States: the white and black Eee PC 4G models priced at $400, as well as the Eee PC 4G Surf version in white color for $350. These compact and light sub-notebooks weigh two pounds and feature 7-inch displays with a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels. The laptops have the Intel Celeron M processor at 900MHz and 910GML chipset with the GMA 900 integrated graphics, 512MB of system memory, 4GB of storage capacity, a built-in 802.11b/g wireless module, an Ethernet LAN connection, a web camera, three USB ports, a VGA output, and a media card reader.

Unlike the Eee PC 4G, the 4G Surf has no built-in webcam. The Surf model provides a battery life of up to 2.8 hours, which is shorter than 3.5 hours in the Asus Eee PC 4G.

The laptop uses a Linux-based user interface, that offers six simple options: Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings, and Favorites. The system features a lot of free software, including the Firefox web browser, Skype, an instant messenger, the OpenOffice 2.0, a media player application, the Photo Manager, and various games.

According to Laptop Magazine, the Eee PC with its streamlined, tab-based interface should appeal to kids and grandparents alike. Although it has a diagonal of just 7-inch, the Eee PC’s display is claimed to be “pretty easy on the eyes”, especially when compared with 5-inch and 5.6-inch Ultra-Mobile PCs. Laptop Magazine says the downsides are a lack of drivers for the webcam and no mobile broadband support. Also, it is not easy to find and load new applications.

NotebookReview reports the Asus Eee PC is a small and light, easy to use laptop, which is reasonably well built and durable. It has a low price for an ultra-portable notebook and “works right out of the box”. On the other side, it is little expensive for a notebook with only 4 GB of storage and its plastic chassis looks cheap. In addition, a lack of Microsoft Windows pre-installed is a negative for some buyers.

TrustedReviews concluded the Asus Eee PC is “refreshingly innovative and scandalously cheap”.