Wiley ASUS Eee PC For Dummies
Contents
1. 904HD 1GB 80GB 900 MHz 8 9 Linux or x Wind HD Celeron M 1024x Wind ows 600 ows XP 2GB Linux 1000 1GB 40GB 1 6 GHz 10 Linux 599 SSD Intel Atom 1024x 600 1000 H 1GB 80GB 1 6 GHz 10 Wind 475 HD Intel Atom 1024x ows XP 600 1000 1GB 80GB 900 MHz 10 Linux or HD Wind HD Celeron M 1024x Wind ows 600 ows XP 2GB Linux ASUS hasn t announced prices for these new models as this book goes to press See the Purchasing an Eee PC section at the end of this chapter for several online retail sites you can check for current prices Eee PC 901 Shortly after ASUS released the Eee PC 900 model in late spring of 2008 the company announced the Eee PC 901 see Figure 1 2 This is a second genera tion Eee PC with the same basic features as the 900 but with these additions case similar dimensions but with a more upscale look including metal trim and a redesigned hinge Built in Bluetooth 18 Part I Getting Started with the Eee PC 1 6 GHz Intel Atom processor lower power consumption with roughly the same performance as the 900 MHz Celeron 802 11b g n wireless card faster speeds greater range better connectivity 1 Improved speakers Enhanced touchpad Additional function keys 20GB of online Internet storage Power mode control Super Hybrid Engine that allows you to change the processor s speed to increase battery life High capacity battery Coupled2. Amazon www amazon com 1 NewEgg www newegg com 1 Buy com www com If you want to check out an Eee PC in person before purchasing your options are bit more limited As of yet ASUS doesn t have an extensive retail distribu tion network and depending on where you re located it may be tough to find an Eee PC for a hands on evaluation Larger retailers such as Best Buy www bestbuy com may stock the mini laptop but check around Before you buy suggest using Google to search for other local or online retailers that carry the Eee PC Almost a year after the release of the Eee PC because of their extreme popu larity a fire in a manufacturing facility that makes batteries for ASUS and a shortage of Atom processors the diminutive laptops can be scarce in certain markets Internet retailers frequently sell out quickly and waiting lists are common With a tight supply and big demand don t expect to find below retail bargains That may be changing in the very near future though The surprise popularity of the Eee PC has caused just about everyone and their brother to start offering their own mini laptop models Competition is already starting to drive prices down and likely will into the future
3. e A photo manager Graphics programs Educational programs Several utilities The Windows XP version comes with everything that s normally included with Windows in addition to Microsoft Works Star Office and a few other utility programs Affordable Even with all its features the Eee PC is designed to bea low cost affordable computer Depending on its features models are available from around 250 to 600 Figure 1 1 The Eee PC Part I Getting Started with the Eee PC Who s ASUS Eee PCs are manufactured by ASUS pro nounced ah sooss ASUSTek www asus com is a Taiwan based company that makes computer components peripherals cell phones PDAs and notebook computers The comes from Pegasus the mythological winged horse In addition to its own products the company also produces components for Sony PlayStation Apple iPods and MacBooks HP and Compaq firm has been around since 1989 and its name When you see an Eee PC for the first time don t let the toy like appearance of the mini laptop fool you This is a real computer and for the most part it can do just about anything a normal PC can with a few exceptions which I discuss later Because of its small size and portable nature the mini laptop can get a lot of use while on the road or around the house I find the Eee PC especially useful for the following Checking and sending e
4. size doesn t mean you have that much storage available out of the box For example on a Eee PC 4G loaded with Linux I had around 1 3GB of free space available with the operating system and installed applications taking up the remainder of the space Eee PC 701SD The Eee PC 701SD has the same specifications as the Eee PC 4G but comes with an 8GB internal SSD and a 30GB USB external drive If that s not enough space for you ASUS also provides 10GB of online storage Eee PC 900 series One of the downsides to Eee PC 2G 4G and 701 models is the tiny 7 inch 800 x 480 screen Sure it s usable but a little more screen real estate is nice especially when browsing the Web ASUS bumped up the screen size in the 900 Eee PC series The 900 models have an ever so slightly larger case but retain most of the same features as the 7 inch screen models including the small keyboard with these notable exceptions 8 9 inch 1024 x 600 screen 1GB of RAM Expanded drive space Higher resolution Web cam 1 3 versus 3megapixel found in the 701 series 1 Larger surface touchpad with MultiTouch support Three Eee PC 900 series models are available Eee PC 900 This is the base model It comes with a 4GB primary SSD and a second SSD for storage 20GB for Linux models 12GB for Windows XP models Retail prices range from 499 to 549 depending on model 16 Part Getting Started with the Eee PC L
5. Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC In This Chapter Not your average laptop Popular Eee PC misconceptions Reviewing Eee PC models Selecting an Eee PC Purchasing an Eee PC D chapter introduces you to the ASUS Eee PC Eee PC is pronounced with a single E not multiple EEEs as in Eeek a mouse If you re won dering where all those Es came from it s from a marketing campaign that states the computer is Easy to learn easy to work and easy to play In this chapter I tell you what the Eee PC is and just as important what it isn t I then list available models describe their specifications and conclude by giving you tips on selecting and purchasing an Eee PC Eee PC Not Vour Average Laptop The Eee PC see Figure 1 1 has been called a mini laptop a subnotebook a Mobile Internet Device MID and a netbook a catchy marketing buzzword for small Internet centric laptops Whatever you call it the Eee PC is a shrunk down lightweight laptop that has these key features Small At just a bit over two pounds and roughly the size of this book the 7 inch and 8 9 inch screen models are designed to be go anywhere do anything personal computers To fit in such a small package keys on the Eee PC are smaller than those found on a typical laptop keyboard right around 83 percent of normal After you get used to the small size it s possible to touch type with some practice ASUS also offers several Eee PC models with larger c
6. Eee PC 900 16G This model comes with a single 16GB SSD initial reports seem to indicate the drive isn t as speedy as the SSD found in the base model 900 Linux and Windows XP models are available priced around 349 PC 900A The 900A is a Linux only Eee PC It features an energy efficient Intel Atom processor instead of the Celeron processor found in the other 900 series models 8GB and 16GB of SSD storage are available It uses a lower cost 3 megapixel camera The price of this new model has yet to be released Table 1 1 Eee PC Models Basic Specifications Model Memory Drive Processor Screen 0S Price Space 2G 512K 2GB 800 MHz T Linux 249 Surf SSD Celeron M 800x 480 4G 512K 4GB 900 MHz 7 Linux or 299 Surf SSD Celeron M 800x Wind 480 ows XP 4G 512K 4GB 900 MHz Linux or 349 SSD Celeron M 800x Wind 480 ows XP 701SD 512K 8GB 900 MHz 7 Linux or SSD Celeron M 800x Wind 30GB 480 ows XP exter nal 900 1GB 12GB 900 MHz 8 9 Linux or 499 SSD Celeron M 1024x Wind to Wind 600 ows XP 549 ows 20GB SSD Linux 900 1GB 16GB 900 MHz 8 9 Linux or 349 16G SSD Celeron M 1024x Wind 600 ows XP 900A 1GB 8 or 1 6 GHz 8 9 Linux id 16GB Intel Atom 1024x SSD 600 Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC 7 Model Memory Drive Processor Screen os Price Space 901 1GB 12GB 1 6 GHz 8 9 Linux or 499 SSD Intel Atom 1024x Wind Wind 600 ows XP ows 20GB SSD Linux
7. RAM and a small 2GB Solid State Drive It doesn t have a Web cam and uses a fairly low capacity battery expect about 2 hours 45 minutes of run time It is available in white black blue green and pink Retail price is 299 ASUS formerly called the Eee PC 2G Surf the 700 model and designated the Eee PC 4G 4G Surf and 8G mini laptops as the 701 models If you see references to these numbers on the Internet you ll know what people are talking about Eee PC 4G Surf 4G These models have the same case keyboard screen and processor although running at a slightly higher clock speed as the Eee PC 2G but offer expanded hardware at a higher price point The Eee PC 4G series have socketed RAM which means memory can be expanded from the default 512K up to 2GB Multiple colors are available and you have your choice of either Linux or Windows XP Models in the series include Eee PC 4G Surf Similar to the 2G Surf including the low capacity bat tery but with a 4GB Solid State Drive SSD and expandable memory Eee PC 4G 4GB SSD Web cam and higher capacity battery with run time of around 3 hours 30 minutes Retail price is 349 Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC 15 M If you see references to Eee PC 8G model on the Internet this is a discontin ued Eee PC 4G that comes with an 8GB SSD IGB RAM Web cam and higher capacity battery gener The Eee PC is like most computers in that advertised hard drive
8. When the Eee PC was first introduced in the fall of 2007 only a handful of models were available Now a year later you can choose from over a dozen Eee PC models and according to the rumor mill even more are on the way 14 Part I Getting Started with the Eee PC MBER KV amp ASUS has been incredibly aggressive in announcing and releasing new models and it can be a little bewildering trying to keep track of them all To help you sort through what s available here is a brief overview of all models currently on the market For quick reference Table 1 1 provides the basic specifications and prices and Table 1 2 lists key features by model Be sure to check the ASUS Eee PC Web site at http eeepc asus com for the latest information on available models and specifications just in case some new mini laptops are introduced after this book goes to press The prices I list are in U S dollars and are current as of the summer of 2008 I wouldn t be surprised to see prices drop because of increased competition in the mini laptop market These days just about everyone is offering his own version of an Eee PC type laptop Eee PC 2G Surf The Eee PC 2G as in 2GB for the drive Surf is the most basic and inexpen sive Eee PC It runs Xandros Linux check out the Linux Xandros KDE and Windows sidebar in Chapter 11 for more information and comes with a 7 inch screen a 900 Mhz Celeron processor 512K of non expandable
9. ases weighing around three pounds that feature more usable keyboards around 95 percent of normal size 0 Part I Getting Started with the Eee PC NM To see how the Eee PC compares in size to other laptops visit a great Web site called sizeasy http sizeasy com that compares physi cal dimensions of various products Do a search for Eee PC 1 Easy to use The Eee PC comes with a version of Linux that features a simple Linux user interface it s great for kids or adults with limited computer experience Don t let the big icons and child like appear ance fool you however because the full Linux operating is available under the hood Eee PCs with Microsoft Windows XP are also available Although it s possible for a user to load her own copy of Vista on an Eee PC the current models just don t have enough processor horsepower to run Microsoft s latest operating system Quick power up and shutdown With the preinstalled version of Linux the Eee PC boots up and is ready to use in less than 30 seconds and shuts down in about half that amount of time The laptop accomplishes this by doing two things Using a Solid State Drive SSD Instead of relying on spinning platters found in standard hard drives an SSD uses memory to store data SSDs don t have any mechanical parts making them more robust and less prone to failure They start up and power down very quickly are quiet and have fast read and write ti
10. ee PC and a growing number of similar computers expressly developed for kids and education Your primary computer The Eee PC isn t a replacement for your primary desktop PC or laptop On most Eee PC models the screen and keyboard size slower processor and limited internal storage space pale in com parison to current PCs Think of the Eee PC as a secondary or accessory laptop versus a primary computer even new Eee PC models with larger keyboards screens and drives are limited by a relatively slow processor performance of the Intel Celeron and Atom chips are comparable An oversized PDA An Eee PC is a real computer Unlike Palms Pocket PCs and smart phones it can run most Linux and Windows programs Yet another cheap laptop I ve often heard Why buy an Eee PC when I could get a real laptop for the same price or a little more Yes in the same general price range you can buy a cheap full size laptop that has a DVD drive more memory a real keyboard a large screen and more storage But this is like comparing apples and oranges The Eee PC is designed to be used in places where lugging around a six pound plus full size laptop is a hassle A high horsepower workstation or gaming machine The processor and graphics card inside the Eee PC really don t have enough oomph to play graphics intensive games or perform tasks such as video editing or complex image rendering Eee PC Models
11. here you want kitchen patio bedroom wherever It s also convenient to toss in a bag or purse when you head to the coffee shop If you re on a tight budget recom mend an Eee PC 4G followed by a Eee PC 900 or 901 if you have a little more to spend the larger screen is better for browsing If you don t mind a bigger case an Eee PC 904HD offers a more usable keyboard Senior citizens For seniors I recommend an 8 9 inch or 10 inch screen model they re much easier on the eyes A larger keyboard might be a plus depending on the person If you re going to be using the mini laptop mostly around home you can opt for a lower priced model with a Celeron processor because a power outlet is always nearby 2 2 Part I Getting Started with the Eee PC ar Techies Take your pick depending how much you ve got to spend in your wallet or purse The Eee PC s hardware and software both lend themselves to tinkering and customization You ll still need to decide whether you should get a model that runs Linux or Windows XP I offer some advice on that decision in Chapter 11 Purchasing an Eee PC ar If you ve made up your mind that you want an Eee PC and are all set to buy a mini laptop where should you go to get one You ve got a few options The easiest way is to have your credit card ready and use the Internet Eee PCs can be purchased from a number of large online retailers including the following
12. mail Browsing the Web Watching videos Listening to music 1 Instant messaging and Skyping Working on word processing and spreadsheet documents when away from a primary computer Viewing digital photos Traveling especially on airplanes trains and buses Popular Eee PC Misconceptions If you read the preceding section you should have a pretty good idea of what the Eee PC is But how about what it isn t To set the record straight I d like to spend a moment or two discussing popular misconceptions about the mini laptop In no particular order here is what the Eee PC wasn t meant to be Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC Eee PC and the OLPC XO The origins of the Eee PC can be traced to the One Laptop Per Child OLPC initiative started by Nicholas Negroponte OLPC s www laptop org goal was to design an educational laptop that would cost 100 and make it available to children throughout the world especially those in developing countries The result was the OLPC 1 a technologically advanced Linux mini laptop with a user interface called Sugar Unfortunately the 100 price point has yet to be realized and various politics have mired down OLPC s ambitions the project may get a jump start however with Microsoft s recent announcement that Windows XP would be available on the 1 On a positive note the OLPC project spurred interest in small func tional inexpensive laptops which led to the E
13. mes SSDs are the wave of the future for laptops but at present they are more expen sive than traditional hard drives ASUS has also recently added conventional hard drive models to its mini laptop line Loading a simplified user interface version of Linux The simple Linux interface doesn t require very many system resources and loads rapidly In addition some processes are still loading in the background when the interface comes up and is ready to use Expandable The Eee PC features three USB 2 0 slots a Secure Digital SD card reader and a VGA video out port On most models internal memory can be expanded Internet enabled The Eee PC has an 802 11 b g wireless card some models feature 802 11 b g n wireless and an Ethernet jack that makes accessing the Internet a snap Entertainment ready Sound card built in speakers and microphone as well as jacks for external speakers and microphone a Web cam on most models and a processor and graphics chip capable of playing videos turn the Eee PC into a portable entertainment device Lots of useful preinstalled software The Linux version of the Eee PC comes installed with all the software you need including Open Office Firefox Web browser Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC Thunderbird e mail Acrobat Reader PDF viewer Amarok a music player e Pidgin an IM client e Skype Internet phone calls e MPlayer a media player
14. ome colors tend to be more available than others Getting Started with the Eee PC Part I 20 u100jenig 19 GOL 54 964 009 9 192 9 S8A S8A 8 4 117208 dN EL GH 0001 u 6 q aS LX GLX GOL 54 66 009 9 199 9 59 59 11208 0001 u 6 q GOL 541 C E 009 9 199 9 S8A S8A 11208 diN E L 0001 GLX GLX GOL 541608 009 9 199 9 S8A ON 117208 QHt06 u 6 q we L X29 68 54 eve 009 9 199 9 ON S8A 11208 106 we l X19 6 8 89161 009 1189 ON ON 117208 006 we L X29 6 8 541612 00979199 ON ON 117208 dW l 991 006 we L X29 68 Sqi erc oor p 1189 ON ON 117208 dW l 006 Wl G9 x 68 54166 1 00979199 ON ON 117208 0510 WL x G9 x 68 sqiv0 00 8 10 00b t 1189 v ON ON 11 08 9r WL X G9 x 68 54 YOZ oor 1189 ON ON B q 117208 9UON pns 9r WL X G9 x 68 54 YOZ 00979192 ON ON B q 117208 9UON pns 96 SUOISUOUII pseoghay 136127 1g SS3 8JIM weg 1 310 SJ PON Jd 994 2 1 Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC 2 Selecting an Eee PC With the wide array of available models if you re interested in an Eee PC all the choices can leave you a little bewildered My first suggestion is to review Tables 1 1 and 1 2 to get a handle
15. on features and specifications of different models Figure out which features are impor tant to you and narrow down your list from there If you re still feeling overwhelmed here are some general suggestions for selecting an ASUS mini laptop based on who will be using it Children The Eee PC 2G and 4G models make a great introductory computer for kids They re relatively inexpensive and are fairly immune to minor bumps and drops The smaller keyboard is perfect for little hands 1 Students The first generation Eee PC 4G is still popular with students because of its small size and low price If your budget allows look at the Eee PC 901 or another model that uses the Atom processor because of its longer battery life and bigger screen Bluetooth is also a plus if you ve got a compatible cell phone Second choice would be the lower priced Eee PC 900 model Business people The Eee PC 1000 series and the Eee PC 904HD offer more usably sized keyboards and screens Keep in mind that with these models you re trading away size and portability refer to Figure 1 2 to see the difference between the Eee PC 1000 and 901 models If you want small opt for an Eee PC 901 Go for an Atom processor for increased bat tery life Home computer users The Eee PC is a great second computer If you have a wireless access point at home the Eee PC s light weight and size make it perfect for accessing the Internet anyw
16. rs the mainstream subnotebook realm These laptops are more expen sive than their smaller ASUS siblings but are still priced considerably less than traditional subnotebooks just keep in mind they also don t have the performance and features typically found in costlier subnotebooks Three 1000 series models are currently available Eee PC 1000 This is the top of the line Linux only model that comes with a 40GB Solid State Drive With the larger screen and same size bat tery expect run time to be a bit less than the 901 It s priced at 599 Eee 1000 The stands for hard drive and this was the first Eee PC to come with a traditional hard drive 80GB to be precise It s cheaper than the Eee PC 1000 model with the Solid State Drive is a little heavier and only comes with Window XP or Linux preinstalled 1 Eee PC 1000 HD The third model in the 1000 series is called the 1000 HD It s just like the 1000 H with an 80GB hard drive but instead of an Atom processor it uses a 900 MHz Celeron CPU and an 802 11 b g instead of b g n wireless card Battery life isn t as long but the less expensive hardware components mean a lower retail price Eee PCs come in a variety of colors including basic black ASUS calls it Galaxy black and a Macintosh inspired white Hues of blue green pink and purple are available with some models Unlike other laptops your choice of color doesn t influence the price although s
17. with the Atom chip expect battery life in the 4 5 to 5 hour range with WiFi on For the extra features of an Eee PC 901 expect to pay around 499 Figure 1 2 901 left and 1000 right model Eee PCs Eee PC 9OGHD During the summer of 2008 ASUS announced plans for a new Eee PC that is a cross between the Eee PC 901 and 1000 models I discuss the 1000 series next The Eee PC 904 HD is an Intel Celeron powered laptop that combines Chapter 1 Meet the Eee PC 9 ar the 8 9 inch screen of an Eee PC 901 with the case and larger keyboard of the 1000 series The mini laptop comes with an 80GB hard drive and is available in Linux and Windows XP models A price has yet to be announced Eee PC 1000 series Although the 900 901 models addressed the original Eee PC s small screen size there was still the issue of the undersized keyboard For some users the small keys just didn t work Responding to customer demand ASUS upped the ante again and during the summer of 2008 it announced the Eee PC 1000 shown in Figure 1 2 next to an Eee PC 901 for size comparison This model is similar to the 901 but sports a larger 10 inch screen and a bigger more usable keyboard about 92 percent the size of a normal PC keyboard The 1000 series departs from the small form factor of the original Eee PC and ente
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