Asus EeePC Ports and Expansion

The Asus EeePC boasts a high level of connectivity with an impressive array of ports and expansion slots.

Left side: 10/100 Ethernet port, empty modem port, USB 2.0 port, microphone in, headphone jack.

Right side: SD card reader, two USB 2.0 ports, VGA out, Kensington lock slot.

The panel located underneath the EeePC can be removed to reveal a standard DDR2 RAM slot and a PCI-E mini card slot that are available for potential expansion. It’s possible to insert a 1GB or 2GB memory module. However, beware as opening the bottom panel may void the Asus 2-year warranty.

The Asus EeePC has a total of three USB 2.0 ports that you can use to connect additional notebook accessories such as an external keyboard, notebook mouse or additional storage. In addition, there is a VGA out slot for the connection of an external display.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Asus EeePC Video Reviews

The Asus EeePC is one of the coolest notebook computers on the planet! It looks great, it’s ultra portable and packs a formidable punch for such a small package.

Here is a very good and comprehensive video review from Unwired:

  The next video report comes from Computex 2007, where the Asus EeePC 701 was officially launched. This video gives a fine overview of the look and feel of the new Asus notebook:

  A short and sweet review video of the Asus EeePC from Notebook Review, note the Logitech VX Nano notebook mouse with the world’s smallest USB receiver used as an Asus EeePC notebook accessory:
  If you have any doubts about the power of the EeePC, check out this boot time comparison between the Asus EeePC and a full-size, fully-featured Toshiba laptop computer. Watch the little guy go, they are both running MS Windows XP:

  For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Asus EeePC Keyboard and Touchpad

Unlike most budget notebook keyboards, the Asus EeePC keyboard is remarkably comfortable to use. Many cheap laptop keyboards are badly built and exhibit severe flex and bend when you apply average typing pressure. The keyboard on the EeePC is small, and the keys have a high degree of movement when pressed but it seems very solid and is surprisingly comfortable to type on.

However. the compact nature of the Asus EeePC keyboard means that it does take a bit of getting used to. This tiny keyboard is not designed to perform as a main computer keyboard. The excellent connectivity of the Asus EeePC means that you can easily connect a full-size desktop keyboard and external mouse for better productivity at home or in the office.

The small touchpad and single button configuration is straightforward to use and receptive. The single button has two sensors underneath, the button rocks to the left or right to accomplish a left or right-click. Because the touchpad is so tiny, it is sometimes difficult to move right across the screen and it is quite easy to press the wrong side of the button. However, once you get used to it, it is easy to operate.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Asus EeePC Speakers

The integrated speakers included with the Asus EeePC 701 are quite conspicuous. They occupy a somewhat strange position on each side of the screen and, stand out significantly when compared to the rest of the all white notebook due to the black speaker grills. The location does appear peculiar, but it gives an unobstructed pathway to your ears for the utmost listening pleasure.

The integrated speakers on the Asus EeePC may be a on the small size but they performed reasonably well for watching movies, playing games, or listening to music but they are never going to give you hi-fi performance – very few built-in speakers on full size notebooks perform that well either. With the volume turned up to the maximum, the audio seemed ok, only a little distorted on high notes, but on the whole it remained clear.

Asus have incorporated a standard headphone jack on the EeePC 701, so you can connect a set of headphones or an external speaker system with ease if you want an enhanced listening experience.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Operating System and Software

Asus have partnered with Xandros to develop a custom-made version of the Linux operating system for the new Asus EeePC. There’s no need to fear the absence of Windows. The Linux OS is totally user friendly, with an icon-driven system, broken down into simple groups of software – Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings and Favourites. The Linux OS is incredibly easy to use; the point-and-click user interface looks and feels very similar to Windows anyway.

Microsoft Windows needs a considerable amount of storage space on the small 4GB solid state hard drive (SSD), and the significant additional cost from installing genuine Windows would have increased final retail price of the Asus EeePC.

The Asus EeePC comes with a wide selection of pre-installed open source software, with over 40 applications you can use for everything from work and email to listening to music and watching movies. OpenOffice handles your Word docs, PowerPoint and Excel files. Firefox also comes as standard, and it’s not some rubbish mobile version either – it’s the proper Firefox application. Any standard movie file will play using either the Media Player application, or inside Firefox … there is no need to spend hours searching for video plugins and codecs, the movies just play. Don’t waste time downloading iTunes. Just plug in your iPod and the Music Manager detects the music player and begins importing the songs.

Almost every application on this notebook computer is both useful and easy to use. Unlike the many Windows-based notebooks on the market, the Asus EeePC just works.

If you absolutely must have Microsoft Windows don’t worry. Asus recently stated that they are teaming up with Microsoft to release a version of the EeePC that will come preloaded with Windows in 2008. It is likely to be Windows XP due to the limited storage space on the EeePC. Whether or not Windows will help or hinder the performance of the EeePC remains to be seen. In any case, you can expect the cost of a Windows-based EeePC to be higher.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Asus EeePC Display

The screen is 7-inches diagonally with consistent LED back lighting and has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.

The Asus EeePC may not boast a shiny, high contrast display like most notebook computers made in the last 12 months, but the bright and uniform backlight helps to give a display that gives a good reading experience. The quality of the colour reproduction is more than adequate for viewing movies or watching You Tube videos.

It is true that the Asus EeePC 701 display is not very big - it is only 7 inches. Web browsing can be a bit limited at times, and several of the applications require some fiddling with the scrollbar to use. Even so, the Asus EeePC has far more going for it for these small issues to be a problem.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here

Design And Build Quality

Despite the low cost of the Asus EeePC 701, the build quality is pretty good. The EeePC’s case is surprisingly solid, the plastic feels thick and the display hinges are moulded flush into the body with the battery. The Asus EeePC is nicely compact, giving you the pleasant sensation that only comes from holding something with genuine heft. When you open it up, the EeePC has an incredibly small keyboard and even tinier touchpad sitting beneath the recessed display and speakers.

The innovative design of the Asus EeePC is really unique in the market today. Weighing around 1kg and delivering a performance level comparable to that of a fully featured low-end laptop computer, the EeePC packs a powerful punch. As for competition, you should expect to pay at least £500 for Fujitsu LifeBook U810 tablet PC, with other ultra portable machines retailing at over £1000.

The Asus EeePC 701 stands alone in the market and when it comes to value for money it cannot be beaten.

For further information on where to buy the Asus EeePC 701 click here