http://www.ausgamers.com/images/features/EeePC4G-4.jpg If you're into hardware at all, you've probably seen the Asus eeePC, which is taking the world by storm with its ultra-portable lines and low price (helped in no small part by its choice of Linux as the operating system - so no Microsoft tax). A lot of people have been hanging out for the next version - the 900 edition - which features a bigger screen as well as a few other bells and whistles (including a MacBook-style multi-touch trackpad). It also comes in two flavours - Windows (12gb storage) or Linux (20gb).

Asus have confirmed the tech specs for the upcoming device, and Engadget have mentioned that we should be able to expect it out here in Australia next month.

why in the hell is there an 8gb difference between windows and linux?

Maybe so they can sell them at the same price? Not sure why else they'd do it (unless they're really trying to push Linux just to annoy MS).

The lack of licensing fee on the linux version allow them to increase the storage space?

yeah, not bad..

I'd still take a hp 2133 all day over the eeepc

The lack of licensing fee on the linux version allow them to increase the storage space?

Well I'm sure MS aren't giving it away... thing is... If you buy the linux version, you have to use linux!

Or install your own copy of windows :D

thing is... If you buy the linux version, you have to use linux!

Sweet! Where do I sign up?

Looks like a good platform to do wardriving on.

last edited by parabol at 17:17:57 16/Apr/08

last edited by trog at 15:21:46 24/Jun/08

The Microsoft Windows version allows more experienced users to seamlessly utilize the Eee PC through the familiar Windows interface, and incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging; and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user´s desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.

let me see, windows for the clued up peoples

The Linux version is useful for users who desire an icon-driven and easy point-and-click interface. Well suited for children or users without any computer experience, it provides a fast boot-up time– ideal for fast Internet access while waiting for public transport, or taking notes on-the-go.

linux for the ones with mental retardation

sounds spot on

Anything about price? I know its going to be cheap but a figure is good.

I dont believe retailers have the prices yet

Cainer: I'm an idiot or a troll

I'd take the linux based one with Open Office, Gaim and Firefox over the Windows one any day. There aren't less features on the Linux one (in fact I'm sure it's the opposite), there just less branded programs they can refer to in their press blurb

They seem to have pulled the press release. update or not, its back now

Its a weird ol' world when Linux is being flamed as the operating system for people who can't use computers.

Update 2: Here's a review http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/review/2008/04/16/Asus-Eee-PC-900/p1

I'll definitely be counting my pennies if it comes in at (my guess) $599

last edited by Nathan at 18:33:49 16/Apr/08

last edited by trog at 15:22:29 24/Jun/08

f***, looks awesome

commoditizing laptops is A Good Thing™

I'd still take a hp 2133 all day over the eeepc

Yep. WXGA 1366x766 is damn high for that size screen + vista = noice

thing is... If you buy the linux version, you have to use linux!

hehe - geeks are buying these things as if they were they last remaining bottled oxygen on earth.

honestly - I can't blame 'em. I've grabbed an E for work to replace my desktop (we've ported pretty much everything to a webpage now =), I want one for the car, and if I could afford to duct-tape one to a 40" lcd I would.

the only downside I've encountered: when you run out of power.. you *really* run out. HD is blank, and a time consuming reinstall is required. As much as I've tried, I can't find a version of Ghost, Acronis (or similar) that will back/restore the ram hdd on these things. Hopefully this will change. I don't want to fark around with scripted installs. It's way too much effort for my needs.

BTW - Asus EeePC running 720p content thru to the telly via wireless on Windows MCE2005 (Media Centre) flawlessly here. I need to ditch this embarrassing crt telly and get a cheap ~30 inch lcd or ~40 inch plasma.

it's a damn shame the Asus EeePc doesn't deserve the Intel ViiV sticker.. it's better that a genuine Intel Media Centre Spec

hmmm should I upgrade to this model, that is the question.

I can't find a version of Ghost, Acronis (or similar) that will back/restore the ram hdd on these things.

Ahh why not? It's a HDD, it shouldn't matter. Try this: http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

there's nothing stopping one installing a different flavor of linux on it either if you want something a bit more complex. I was a little disappointed they stuck with the same CPU as the 700 model. I was toying with going for the HP but since I need a basic laptop of travel, weight is one of the biggest factors for me now.

These new intel Atom processors in the works could prove pretty interesting for the mini laptop market, would been nice if it made this model eeepc, celeron's make me feel so dirty.

I'm so tempted to get one. Maybe I should wait for this one, get it before end of financial year..

I don't know why they didn't use a Via eden processor

Ahh why not? It's a HDD, it shouldn't matter. Try this: http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

think back to imaging Maxtor PATA 133 drives. It's not the image, it's the hardware's ability to write to the media without error.

a new Ghost update fixed this issue way back when, but dos Ghost is just a memory now :(

even a network Ghostcast fails to deliver

*sniff*

I don't know why they didn't use a Via eden processor

licencing issues. If you want a Via cpu you have to go the crapola via chipset.

that's kinda sad considering the old C3 Via processor s***s all over the 900Mhz Mobile. I see that the latest bios supports newer Intel cpus however. There's nothing wrong with twice the performance with half the power consumption =). Maad props to the guys with the hardware to unsolder the old CPUs in favour for newer Intels.


This machine is quite the eyebrow raiser. Why would anyone be stupid enough to purchase a new entry level office desktop ever again. The classic 'thin client' spec has changed forever.

last edited by koopz at 21:45:21 16/Apr/08

Maad props to the guys with the hardware to unsolder the old CPUs in favour for newer Intels.

^ I'm almost tempted to buy one an see if I can :)

Hey koopz, can I take a look at your Eee tomorrow at work :p

Hey koopz, can I take a look at your Eee

I've never heard it called that before.. but the answer is no.


I stopped experimenting with my sexuality when I was 19. There are plenty of hetrosexually curious guys at night-clubs and raves Hermy.


:P

I'd rather waste 2199 on a samesize viao able to play hd and run vista in aero (phwoar rly?!) and have way higher res screen :)

last edited by ³dee at 06:25:10 18/Apr/08

I'm an EeePC hater. I think they're overpriced s***. You can buy (albeit s***ty brands) Lenovo or Acer laptops for sub $800 now, which come with normal parts and a decent size screen. f*** this stupid 7" screen which I could barely see half of a 2 sentence email on.

Weight is nice, but it's s***house hardware. The idea that the hard drive isn't expandable to large volume drives also sucks the big one. And the major thing for me is, I hate the colour. It looks like someone's used cum to paint the thing. And I don't fancy having some other dude's cum in my lap.

That's my rant.

Solid state, small, light, cheap ...

Perfect student machine.

You know it comes in Black as well? if you don't like white. This whole thread is about the new 9" model so I'm not sure why you bought up the 7", it's still nowhere near the size screen of a regular laptop but these aren't designed to be a regular laptop.

This new model allows for a removable flash chip so you can upgrade the drive space. Yes, the maximum you can get at the moment 16Gb, but 32Gb is due out very soon as well as 32Gb SDHC cards so in theory you'll be able to walk around with 68Gb in one of these things very near future with no noticeable addition to the weight. Of course if you still need extra disk space, get a USB key/hdd. These laptops definitely aren't for everyone, if it doesn't suit your needs, don't get it.

Perfect student machine.

Not really.. Dumb arse student has mission critical data on drive, forgets to plug it in an recharge - bang, battery goes flat - cya assingments

Other than that, I can see them being useful as a diagnostic unit for onsite techs

Because students never have usb drives ...

I'm an EeePC hater. I think they're overpriced s***. You can buy (albeit s***ty brands) Lenovo or Acer laptops for sub $800 now, which come with normal parts and a decent size screen. f*** this stupid 7" screen which I could barely see half of a 2 sentence email on.

Weight is nice, but it's s***house hardware. The idea that the hard drive isn't expandable to large volume drives also sucks the big one. And the major thing for me is, I hate the colour. It looks like someone's used cum to paint the thing. And I don't fancy having some other dude's cum in my lap.

That's my rant.

congratulations....you missed the entire point of the eeepc

I'm an EeePC hater. I think they're overpriced s***. You can buy (albeit s***ty brands) Lenovo or Acer laptops for sub $800 now, which come with normal parts and a decent size screen. f*** this stupid 7" screen which I could barely see half of a 2 sentence email on.

I'll have to agree. I thought that the Eee PC might be awesome from the small size, but I find the screen is way too small to do anything useful on. A friend of mine wanted to get one for uni just due to the portability and I convinced him not to.

And yes, for just under $650 you can get yourself a Dell laptop with a CPU almost twice as fast, double the diagonal screen size, 10-20x the hard-drive space, etc. The price gap between a tiny laptop (Eee PC) that can't do much, and a portable laptop that can actually do stuff is really small. Guess the only factor that's left over is small size ... and I don't actually see that as an advantage.

Guess the only factor that's left over is small size ... and I don't actually see that as an advantage.

I think its a massive advantage if portability is your ultimate concern. I want something that size/weight for traveling with - last time I took my M1210 Dell and even though its the smallest laptop I've ever owned/used, it was still too big/heavy for traveling purposes. Plus I don't like having something that valuable getting kicked around with the rest of my luggage, so I have to take it as carry on everywhere, which makes it painful.

The other advantage is the (alleged) ruggedness - as its all solid-state, you can (apparently) throw it around a lot more casually than you can a regular HDD.

So I'm definitely looking at it from that perspective. The only thing against it from a travelling POV is the small storage - I like having a place I can dump photos on. But if you take an iPod that concern is obviated.

^ ok for travelling i can certainly understand.

But I see heaps of people interested in it and I don't know why. A friend of mine has one for use primarily at home (also has 2xPCs and a laptop). I wasn't able to extract any sort of explanation as to why they bought one or what for. Hence I'm curious ...

small size isn't an advantage for something that is designed to be portable? are you serious? plus that entry level full size laptop probably weighs a tonne and has a battery life of 30 minutes.

as for your friend, he sounds like a moron.

i considered getting one a while ago cause it would be handy for uni, but found the 7" screen too small. 9" looks like it could be ok, guess i'll have to see it in person

small size isn't an advantage for something that is designed to be portable? are you serious?

No, I'm saying up to a point there is an advantage to shrinking the size. But after this point I believe other diminishing factors can start taking hold. For example, if you need a laptop for casual use at uni .. it would be great shrinking it down. But after you get about a 12.1" screen, shrinking it even further could actually make the laptop difficult for uni use and writing documents.

But, I'd like to stress this is application-specific. Hence I'm trying to find out what applications people would use an EeePC for.

plus that entry level full size laptop probably weighs a tonne

I don't know about weighing a tonne. I take my 14.1" laptop with me everywhere and it's not a burden for me. For people with other uses and priorities, it may be a little too big and heavy. As I said, application-specific.

and has a battery life of 30 minutes.

Um, have you actually used a laptop? Even some cheap laptops can give you 2-2.5 hours use on full load on a regular 6-cell battery.

last edited by parabol at 14:39:28 19/Apr/08

i saw one of these things in JB's yesterday ... you guys have gotta be kidding me.

Those things are stupidly small.

Hence I'm trying to find out what applications people would use an EeePC for.

that's a fair question Para.. if your App can run on an old sub-1Ghz processor then any old entry level pc will do it.. this is, and always will be the leading spec for the biz. Companies just don't see the sence in buying more power than they feel they need.

if anything, bodgy antivirus software is the only thing I can see demanding more giggidyhurtz in the average office.

still - business level consumers are slowly waking up to Terminal Server solutions. Again, all you need is a thin client (and an admin who knows how to implement it).

I don't know about weighing a tonne.

old battery technology is heavy.. it's old, outdated, and the likes of Asus, Dell, HP, etc, etc are still trying to get rid of all those old units they overbought to get a good price years ago.

Um, have you actually used a laptop?

they looked a little different back in the 80's - but yeah, I've used a few now.

Even some cheap laptops can give you 2-2.5 hours use on full load on a regular 6-cell battery.

I'm lucky to get 3 hours out of my EPC... if Asus would see the sence of ditching the 900Mhz cpu for a current processor that will increase the operation time to about 6 hours. I'd like to see the Via C3 cpus do that

Asus have said that they plan to replace the CPU in the 900 series with an Atom as soon as they can (June-ish ?). Hopefully HP do the same with the 2133...

A comparison between the 701 and 900 models.