Choosing the right Eee PC
By Darius Chang
10/07/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/notebooks/0,39050495,62043603,00.htm
It all started with the original Eee PC 701, which brought laptop prices kicking and screaming to uncomfortable levels. However, once it was there, future models have had a much easier time adapting. Though hardly performance powerhouses, Eee PCs continue to strut with heads held high as being the cheapest (though still dignified) full-computing devices in the market.
However, with six different lineups in less than eight months, getting the right Eee PC is hardly an easy affair. Fortunately, Asus UK has created a table which showcases all the available Eee PC models (with the exception of the 8GB Eee PC 701) in an easy-to-compare table.
Getting a better picture now? Good, because here comes the difficult part. Merely getting the most expensive configuration doesn't necessarily mean it will suit your needs to a T. If that was the case, then budget units would have gone belly up eons ago. Instead, let's take a look at highlights of these models and see who each one is suitable for.
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Asus Eee PC 701 (Celeron M ULV Processor 900MHz, 512MB RAM)
In a nutshell: The first of its kind. This model's 7-inch screen is all right for the occasionally surfing and emails but too straining for long periods. But no matter, the keyboard is too cramped to type long essays anyway.
Who's it for: With prices of the original Eee PC 701 dropping like a stone ( S$398 at the last PC fair), this can be the "my-first-laptop" for your over-achieving child.
Recommended retail price: S$528 (for the 8GB version)
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Asus Eee PC 900 (Celeron M ULV Processor 900MHz, 1GB RAM)
In a nutshell: Someone finally decided that the original Eee PC 701 chassis can actually fit a larger 8.9-inch screen, while the touchpad can do more than just cursor control and scrolling. Possibly the first non-Apple machine to sport a multitouch trackpad, the Eee PC 900 nonetheless feels more like a refreshed model than an upgrade.
Who's it for: Though some may assume that the superior Eee PC 901 could make this model redundant even before it hits its third-month anniversary, at S$100 cheaper there's still a place for this old goat. Great for those who don't need extra battery life, Draft-N Wi-Fi and integrated Bluetooth on the Eee PC 901.
Recommended retail price: S$698
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Asus Eee PC 901 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)
In a nutshell: This is, in our opinion, the first true upgrade of the Eee PC line. Decked out with a larger battery, faster Intel Atom processor, Draft-N wireless and Bluetooth radios, this 8.9-inch laptop can almost pass for a full-fledged laptop. Too bad for the cramped keyboard which is still stuck in the first generation.
Who's it for: A configuration which offers excellent performance, battery life and feature set while still remaining portable, this model almost perfectly suits the Eee PC's target audience who are frequent travelers and hotspot hoggers. Keyboard could be better, though.
Recommended retail price: S$798
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Asus Eee PC 904HD (Celeron M ULV Processor 900MHz, 1GB RAM)
In a nutshell: Remember the joke of Einstein and Claudia Schiffer having a baby with the former's looks and the latter's intellect? Well, the Eee PC 904HD feels a little like that. Mix in the large chassis and spinning harddisk of the 1000H, place an 8.9-inch screen in it, take a step back to a Celeron 900MHz processor, and you have the Eee PC 904HD. Granted it may be trying to offer a full keyboard for the budget (with a capital B) user, but for it to succeed it had better be priced real low.
Who's it for: We're still scratching our heads on this one. The only advantage we can think of is that this may be the cheapest Eee PC with a full-sized keyboard. However, with the 1000 series priced rather affordably, we'll have to wait and see if this configuration pans out.
Recommended retail price: T.B.A.
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Asus Eee PC 1000 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)
In a nutshell: Traditional ultraportables better watch out. With a full-sized keyboard, large 10.1-inch screen and generous feature set, this may actually be able to function as a complete computing device and not just as a laptop companion. True, it is not exactly one of the most portable Netbooks, but with it's SSD drive it beats the pants off most expensive ultraportables out there.
Who's it for: Though it's still portable enough for cyber cafes and on-the-go blogging, we feel the smaller Eee PC 901 may be more suited for these tasks. However, for travelers on extended overseas assignments, this is the one to look out for.
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Asus Eee PC 1000H (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)
In a nutshell: The exact doppelganger of the Eee PC 1000, this model trades in the SSD drive for a cheaper spinning harddisk, gaining some weight in the process.
Who's it for: Like the Eee PC 1000, the 1000H is great for extended overseas assignments. However, due to its spinning harddisk we wouldn't recommend using the laptop while commuting on a train or plane.
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