Forget about notebooks or desktops that have unnecessary programs that confuse users rather than help them. The Asus Eee PC is a notebook that will make learning, working, and playing a lot easier with its simple and user-friendly programs.


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The Eee PC is primarily targeted to children aged 6 and above, but Asus says that its notebook also caters to second PC users, travellers, and even senior citizens with its lightweight profile and easy interface. There are two colours available for the Eee PC as of this moment (pearl white and black), but there may be a possibility that other colours (pink, blue, and green) will be available for sale as the Eee PC box show six different models.

Users can find an Ethernet port, an optional RJ-11 (Modem) port, a USB port, a Microphone jack, and a Headphone jack on the left side of the PC, while a memory card slot, two USB ports, a D-Sub output, and a Kensington Lock port can be found on its right side.

The 7-inch screen, 0.3 mega pixel web camera, keyboard, and trackpad can be found upon opening the display panel. The keys are quite small, making it difficult for people with large hands and fingers to type on the notebook. The trackpad is responsive and did not give us any problems despite its small scroll space, although it is still better if one hooks up their own mouse via USB.

 


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Performance:

With an Intel Celeron M processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage, the Eee PC may not be the most powerful notebook around, but it can surely run all its programs without a hitch. It only took less than 30 seconds for the system to boot up, allowing users to have access to the programs almost instantly.

The Eee PC has divided its programs into six categories (Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings, and Favourites), making it easy for children and first-time PC users to find the exact program they are looking for. The taskbar at the bottom of the screen displays the wireless network connection, power status, Num Lock and Caps Lock, volume, time, task manager icon, and shutdown icon.

After hooking up the computer to a network (wired or wirelessly), users can immediately utilise all the functions under the Internet category. One can check their mail (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, and AOL), surf the Internet using the Opera browser, access iGoogle and Google Docs, listen to the Internet Radio, and even chat with friends using the Eee PC’s Messenger (Pidgin) and Skype programs.

 


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The Work category is composed of Accessories (Calculator, Personal Information Manager, Screen Capture), PDF Reader, Mail (Mozilla Thunderbird), File Manager, Dictionary, Notes, and OpenOffice programs (Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations). These programs aim to make it easy for users to create presentations and give users a better mobile computing experience.

Users of all ages can also have fun with the Eee PC, thanks to its Learn and Play categories. One can look at various constellations in the sky, see all the elements found on the Periodic Table, hone their English and typing skills, practice Math, or create paintings with the Paint software. The notebook can also play music, photo, and video files with its ‘Manager’ software and even has a webcam and sound recorder function.

A user can check the health of their computer by accessing the Anti-Virus, Disk Utility, Diagnostic Tools, and System Information function found on the Settings category. In addition, users can also add or remove programs and connected printers, adjust the date and time of the PC, and personalise the profile of the Eee PC.

 


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The Eee PC was able to give us around 3.5 hours of battery life, with it lasting even shorter when movie files are being played. The good news is that the speakers located up front were sufficiently loud, although we feel that it will be better if users hook up their favourite headphones instead.

Conclusion:

With an affordable price point, portability, ease of use, and various connectivity options, the Asus Eee PC is definitely a gadget that will make computing easier than ever before. Then again, this notebook may not suit everyone, so we are suggesting potential buyers to take a look at the unit first before purchasing the notebook.

Product Specifications:

Display: 7-inches
Processor: Intel Celeron M 900 MHz
Operating System: Linux but Windows XP compatible
Ethernet: Yes
WLAN: Yes
USB: 3 x USB 2.0
Memory: 512MB
Storage: 4GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
Audio: Stereo Speaker
Battery: 4 Cell – 5200 mAh
Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.5 x 2.1 ~ 3.5 cm
Weight: 0.98kg

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Asus Eee PC 701 | $499 |  | au.asus.com

For: Form Factor; Build; Programs; Ease of Use; Windows XP can be installed
Against: Small keys may not suit some users; Inconvenient location of built-in microphone
Conclusion: A great notebook for children and adults who are using the PC for the first time.