ASUS Eee 8G PC

ASUS has created a huge wave in the sub-notebook & portable Internet device markets with their Eee PC. Sub-notebooks are normally wonderfully exotic looking hardware for delightfully high prices. Well, exotic until one looks at the specs. The MacBook air is a great example - it looks like a killer machine until one looks at the combination of the lackluster specs and a price that makes even the most enthusiastic Mac fan blush. As for portable Internet devices, the Nokia N series is the first that comes to mind. Granted, they are really fantastic machines with excellent screens and software, but I am a bit old school I suppose. I still want a real keyboard. The Nokia N810 is close, but like my HTC TyTN, the keyboard is good for casual data entry and not suitable for long sessions of messaging, IRC or typing out documents or spreadsheets. The Nokia and other portable devices tend to also be pretty light on specifications, unless one is willing to pay the obscene price that OQO wants for their sub-sub-notebook.

One may then look at the ASUS Eee (and the similar devices that have since come along) and wonder what took so long? They certainly aren't powerhouse machines with performance lagging all but the most basic Pentium 4, not to mention any other CPU that came to market in the past three or four years. The EEE could have easily been produced years ago, minus the SSD. There is only 8GB of storage on the top-end model, and a meager 2GB on the cheapest. All but the high-end models come with a limiting 512MB of RAM as well. Storage expansion is pretty good though, with an SD card reader capable of SDHC as well as 3 USB2.0 ports for memory sticks. Expanding storage inside isn't going to happen unless your skills with a soldiering iron approach ninja-like, though I am told the 8GB model I'm tapping this story out on is equipped with storage stuck in a mini-PCIE slot rather than soldiered onto the motherboard. I'll confirm when my touchscreen mod comes in.

ASUS Eee Features

• Ultra-compact notebook in lush green with full QWERTY keyboard and 7-inch display
• Powered by 800 MHz Intel Mobile CPU and pre-installed Linux operating system (compatible with Windows XP)
• Over 40 built-in applications for learn, work and play; 3.5-hour battery life
• 8 GB solid-state flash memory drive; 1 GB RAM; 10/100 Fast Ethernet; 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
• Connectivity: three USB 2.0; VGA output; microphone and headphone; Secure Digital card reader

Mobility & Reliability

• At 7" and weighing only 0.92kg, you can take the Eee PC anywhere.
• Bumps and shocks are no longer issues. With a dependable solid-state disk, you get unparalleled shock-protection and reliability.
• Power-efficient design provides longer operating time when on the go.

Ease & Technology

• With a rapid start-up time, the Eee PC is always ready to get into action.
• No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly and intuitive graphic interface .

Work & Connectivity

• You're always connected with built-in WiFi 802.11 b/g that automatically detects and connects to the Internet at any hotspot.
• The Eee PC includes the documents and the e-mails software, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track.
• Upload photos and videos and share them instantly on Flickr or YouTube without waiting till you get home.

Media & Entertainment

• Enjoy music and videos with extensive support for a wide range of digital multimedia.
• Log on to Skype or other network, and you can connect with friends anywhere, anytime.
• Clear up wire clutter with the built-in card reader, camera, speakers, and microphone.

Eee 8G Pearl White Specifications

• Part Number: 90OA05A11111111U125Q
• Dimensions 8.86" x 6.30" x 0.79-1.26"

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