Computing: Eee-Z PC – Asus EEE PC Review – 67

The nice people at Asus are adamant that this tiny computer is not a notebook. Now, strictly speaking the rather humorously named Eee PC could rightly be called a notebook, but I see their point: it’s so different to the common or garden (or is that home or office?) notebook that it almost deserves a freshly minted title.

Whatever, some seriously practical thinking has gone into the creation of this wee beast, and the rave reviews it’s been getting around the globe are testament to its uniqueness and sensible design.

The Eee PC really is tiny and light, and the first inclination is to assume its build is short on quality. But the fact is its featherweight construction makes it eminently luggable, while its flash memory drive means that no amount of battering will worry its contents. In other words, who cares if it seems a little flimsy if it does the job with honours?

Lugging around is what the Eee PC is really designed for, and here’s where the bright ideas really shine. Unlike other computers, this one puts all the most likely to be used icons right there on the desktop, and it’s squarely internet orientated. Take it anywhere there’s a wireless hotspot, fire it up (and it fires up almost instantaneously) and it’ll automatically figure out how to connect. Yep, this is the perfect travel companion.

Asus has figured out that most computers are bogged down with too many applications and software and the company has omitted all but the really necessary ones, like the aforementioned internet settings, a nice set of games, on-screen painting functions and so on. This might suggest that it’s not a serious computer, that it’s more geared up for kids or perhaps elderly people who are more likely to use it to bash out a few emails or do a bit of Googling on their latest disease. Certainly, the Eee will be a very valuable and, most critically,  phenomenally easy to use tool for the above demographics (apparently Eee stands for ‘easy to learn, easy to work, easy to play’). But it shouldn’t be confused with a child’s learning computer. Despite its tiny size and the rather puny dimensions of the screen and keyboard, it’s a remarkably fully functioning machine with enough memory and processing power to handle a range of functions and add applicable software. Furthermore (and importantly, given its stripped-back-to-the-essentials ethos), the Eee is a kind of central unit, and you can use external media to beef it up if required. In fact, word is that the Eee is proving eminently hackable/adaptable to those with an inclination for such naughtiness.

No, the Eee is no toy, and though its price is similar to many low-specced notebooks, despite its size and simplicity it easily outranks them in all sorts of innovative ways.

Genuinely inspired and definitely a desirable second computer for any home… and away.

Details

Contact

www.asus.co.nz

Specifications

• Display: 7-inch
• Operating system: Linux (Windows XP compatible)
• Memory: 512MB (DDR2)
• SSD Storage (Solid State Disk): 4GB
• Battery duration: 2.8 to 3.5 hours
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.5 x 3.5cm (W/D/H)
• Weight: 0.92kg

Pros

• Simplicity and practicality
• Quick start-up
• Hotspot-ready for internet and email
• Tiny and light

Cons

• Small screen
• Cramped keyboard
• Looks cheap

Verdict

This innovative midget computer will be a boon to anyone who craves simplicity and portability and whose considerations edge towards the internet.

Aesthetics	75%
Performance	95%
Features	85%
Functionality	95%
Price Value	95%
Overall	89%

This article is from Tone issue #67. Check it out here!

GARY STEEL