Asus Eee PC gets bigger screen, drives
EeePC, how you thrill with your sleek, cheap, haven't-actually-bought-it-yet-but-will-I-promise mythos. If only you'd stop getting better, so I could convince myself that now is the time. With that 8.9" display crammed into the same form factor as the original, however, the new Eee PC 900 finally demands checkbook.
With the storage bumped to 12GB or 20GB flash drives (the former for a Windows-equipped version, the latter for Linux), it also challenges the sole advantage of the competing Everex Cloudbook, which has a 30GB hard drive.
The larger display has a 1024x600 resolution, which "allows users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right." A4! See? Asus's EeePC 900 not only improves on the original, but makes us all see the world as Europeans do.
This sequel's only flaw? Not being called the Fff.
Update: Trustedreviews already has one in hand and likes it.
Press Release [Asus]
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How come the linux version has a larger capacity HD?
Easy, windows is eating enough money that only an extra 8gb could be afforded instead of the extra 16gb - while keeping the price the same. As windows and applications will also take up more precious space on those lil' chips ... well, MS ain't gonna like it.
The Windows version of the machine needed some cost trimming for the OS licence?
Just a guess.
So which early adopters are getting rid of their EEE701 then? Pass it over to me please.
Thanks. Second question: If I buy the Linux version, is there anything preventing me from installing XP on it myself, if I have my own license?
Hey! This is some good news. From the release:
"Through extensive R&D, the inclusion of the 8.9" display screen does not affect the overall weight of the Eee PC 900, which remains below 1kg – making it easy for children and WOMEN to carry it around."
So women can finally forgo the services of laptop sherpas since we all know that 1kg is the upward limit of feminine capability. Yikes.
Oooh. I can't wait for the Eee v2 vs. HP Mini-note showdowns.
Tough choices, lie ahead they do.
It doesn't seem that the keyboard is any larger - this is kind of a shame. I know of a lot of people (myself included) who'd like to use the Eee as a portable writing machine.
However, the Trustedreviews link seems to be alright with the keyboard. I'd like to give the keyboard a try. It's too bad there aren't any stores around here that carry it
I don't see why not Cayton, but I'm not an expert.
Neat! Let me tell you, if you like the above picture, seeing one in person is like whoa. And it's the quarter of the price some people are paying for telephones ... My dream version would have a 1024x768 screen that fills the lid, slightly larger keys that go as far to the edge of the device as possible, and a bit more storage (alternatively, a Firewire connector would also be cool). Next year, maybe?
I saw my first Asus EEE the other day. It is cute as a bug. I really WOULD like one as a portable writing machine that I could take everywhere without thinking, a paperback-sized laptop I never have to sweat about dropping or losing (as I do my MBP). And the keyboard seems absolutely fine for the purpose. But I know, just KNOW that someone is going to come out with an Atom Asus EEE killer in the next few months... possibly even Asus themselves. Now's not the time to be buying. Every laptop manufacturer is going to want in on this game.
Not just Europistanians, but much of the world uses metric paper sizes. I've grown to love knowing the exact relationship of different sizes of paper.
I dunno about the keyboard for any serious writing. I've got fairly small fingers, but that keyboard is hella tiny. Unless it really sucks, I'll probably go with the HP for the bigger keyboard.