I almost didn’t believe it myself. Finally the notebook industry is catching on to consumer needs for something quick, simple and inexpensive!
When a smart phone’s limited resources just don’t cut it, but a traditional laptop is just too much to lug around, the Asus Eee PC will do the job. Billed as the laptop that’s “Easy to learn, easy to play, and easy to work,” this super-durable sub-two pound notebook truly can go anywhere.
The linux-based Eee forgoes a standard hard disk drive for a more durable solid-state flash memory drive (available initially in 2GB and 16GB models). Not only does this mean a quicker bootup – Asus says it takes around 15 seconds – and a better battery life, but it can also withstand more jostling than your run-of-the-mill notebook. The lack of any moving parts under the hood provides shock-proof resistance that makes this tiny 8.9 x 6.3 x 1.4 inch system good to go anywhere.
The built-in three-megapixel webcam and microphone should make keeping in touch with friends and family while you’re on the road a breeze, and the SD/MMC Card reader allows for easy transferring of your digital music and photos among devices. Visuals on the seven-inch screen come courtesy of an Intel UMA Graphics Card.
The Eee has two personalities: Easy mode and Full Desktop mod. Asus is keeping details about the differences between the two modes under wraps, but we do know the Eee is designed for simplified computing. An integrated 802.11 b/g radio and a 10/100 Ethernet port keep you connected, and three USB ports allow you to add an assortment of devices.
The Eee’s four-cell battery lasts only three hours per charge, which means you’ll be returning to an outlet fairly often. However, starting at $199 for the seven-inch display (a ten-incher is expected later this year), this ultra-mobile device has all of the right ingredients to be the perfect secondary PC for road warriors, or a low-cost laptop alternative for students.