Asus Eee PC 4G Surf (7-Inch Display, Intel Mobile Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Pure White Reviews

• More than a great little gadget

  
  By A1W70ZUQFOOPWQ on 2007-12-11
  After a little over 24 hours of using this item, I have to say this little gadget is much more than just a fun must-have. Set-up was quick and easy. It connected instantly to our corporate network without any input by me. With our Windows-based units, it normally takes about 10-15 minutes to get everything up and running. At home, I had it connected to my home network in about 10 minutes, most of that time was spent getting my other computer configured.
  
  I do have a few complaints though and they are minor. One, it seems to be a little picky about how it connects to the wireless network. I had to shut it down and restart it several times before it would connect. After it connected once though, it had no problems. Two, the windows (tabs) at times are not visible completely - I maximized a window a couple of times and could not scroll to all of the edges and actually had to close out the window (tab). Setting up my mail was a chore because all of the options at the bottom were not visible, so I just had to hit enter on the keyboard and hope the right button was highlighted.
  
  All-in-all this is a great product. Aside from the screen size, it is every bit as functional as my work laptop. Open Office works great with only minor formatting issues. The keyboard is an acceptable size. I have the 4G Surf model, which at the time I ordered it Asus only listed one model on their website and that was the 4G model. I thought I was getting the webcam and the higher capacity battery. The 4G Surf model does not have those items, but I can purchase them separately. I successfully downloaded the beta version of Skype for Linux, which includes video conferencing capabilities. I have not tried it yet, but it looks like it should work. If you visit some websites, it will tell you that Skype for Linux will have that capability in 2008 - it is available now. I like this computer for what it is - a lightweight travel companion that I can take anywhere and use anywhere. For the price I paid, you cannot get a quality laptop that runs this fast and is this practical. The 900mhz processor and 512mb RAM runs faster than our 1.6ghz Windows-based desktops.
  
  Update: After a little research I learned that you can hold down Alt and left-click anywhere on the window to move it around. Also, wireless works a lot better now - I have no problems connecting anywhere I go. The problems I had before must have been a fluke. The other day I wanted to find certain store, so I parked in front of a restaurant with Wi-Fi and connected to the internet to find where I wanted to go. What a great deal!
  
  

• The Eee PC Excels

  
  By A28VKN5438TI7L on 2008-02-05
  The Asus Eee PC certainly doesn't look as sleek as the ultra portable Macbook Air, but most laptops are not as sleek as Apple or Sony products. Still, the Eee PC is a genuinely ultra-portable everyday workhorse with features, performance, and value that make it a terrific machine. I think the Eee PC is probably one of the best values in computing technology you will ever find.
  
  I bought the black 4 G Surf, which means it has a 4 Gig SSD (drive) and does not come with an onboard web cam. I like this machine. It boots up fast and quietly; when I turn it on its ready for me in 20 seconds. No Windows machine I am aware of can deliver that kind of performance on the hardware the Eee PC runs on.
  
  It comes pre-installed with all the software you need to be productive, which is good since this machine does not have an optical disc drive. To install additional software, you do not have to buy a disc drive; instead, you can connect the Eee PC to a network or the internet using the built-in wifi 802.11 b/g connection and download additional software; downloading is also a good way to access updates for the pre-installed software. A BIOS update from AsusTek is already waiting for users of the 4G model.
  
  Since this machine is genuinely ultra-portable, I carry it with me nearly everywhere I take my knapsack. At 2 lbs, it is hardly noticeable. Unlike most notebooks, the Eee PC's power cord is light weight and the SD card I use for extra disc storage weighs less than a penny.
  
  
  In the office, I use a Windows XP desktop, at home I have a Macbook Pro, and for travel integrating the Linux-based Asus has been seamless and easy even though the Eee PC is the third operating system I am using. Thanks to the open source software that runs on the Eee PC, I can create documents that are compatible with anything on my Macbook Pro or Windows PC. Although I might be considered a "power user," believe me anyone can pick up the Eee PC and use it out-of-the box without any prior experience with Linux;you simply point and click your way to whatever you want. And, for the power user, you can do virtually anything on this machine with the flexibility of installing whatever you want on this machine including installing a new operating system or entirely changing the original set up. With all of the choices open to computer users and the bargain basement cost, I am not sure why the Eee PC has not received more media attention in the U.S.
  
  This is a terrific machine for everyday tasks like web browsing, emailing, document creation, and even writing this review. I highly recommend the Eee PC as a second computer for adults, a first computer for a child or an ultra portable computer for anyone.
  
  A Few Issues that Matter
  
  Keyboard Size:
  
  Some folks may not like the keyboard. The Eee PC uses a small key board; it is probably one-fifth to one-fourth the size of a typical laptop keyboard. I can type fast on this keyboard, but the keyboard is not as responsive as my MBP keyboard and the right-shift key is too small - - it is too easy to mistakenly hit the larger enter key instead. Having said that, I think the keyboard is very usable, but be prepared to spend some time adapting to the small keyboard before you are able to type quickly and accurately on it.
  
  Screen:
  The 7-inch display is crisp and sharp, but not as bright as some laptops and the resolution is only 800x480 pixels. You are going to scroll the screen more than you would on a 15-inch desktop or laptop. To alleviate this problem, be prepared to buy one accessory: a wireless mouse. The touchpad is responsive, but I think touch pads are particularly poor pointing devices when a lot of scrolling is required.
  
  Disc size and Memory:
  The solid state hard drive is fast and responsive. Applications load quickly and disc access occurs with a breeze. Although nearly half of the 4 GB SSD is used by the pre-installed software, you can use SD cards to extend your storage capacity. I have over 1 GB of space available on the internal SSD with nearly 50 data files installed. Unless you are installing large video or music files, your data files are not likely to occupy a lot of storage space. Remember, the Eee PC is for productive work, data communications, and Internet access, it is not your game PC and I wouldn't use it like an iPod either.
  
  Battery life:
  I have been able to get slightly over 3 hours of battery life out of the Eee PC when I turn wifi off.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Good For Kids, Frustrating For Adults

  
  By AWPODHOB4GFWL on 2008-04-25
  My desktop crashed and was going to be gone for 3-6 weeks. This notebook was recommended to me as a good travel and home use laptop. The start-up is very fast and the 7" screen is vivid. It also nice to know that it was durable and did not have a `hard drive' but was solid-state disc. The keyboard is very small and is slightly uncomfortable unless you are a child or have small hands. The finger pad can be adjusted for sensitivity, but I found it to be less sensitive than I needed. I took it on a long trip and found that I had great difficulty getting it to connect to its Wi-Fi. I was in the San Francisco Airport, Phoenix, Charlotte, Orlando and friends home who had Wi-Fi. I was only able to connect in Phoenix. It was fast but it was also very frustrating to not get connected.
  
  The Linux software is very easy to understand and has all the programs you need for work or play and it is all compatible with Microsoft Office. Do be aware that although some of the ASUS notebooks come with Windows XP, it is VERY difficult to install Windows XP on your own. Once connected, it is great for Email and basic word processing. There is a port if you want to view your work on a larger screen. There are also 3 USB ports, jacks for microphone and headphones and a slot for a memory card (I used mine for photo transfers). The battery claims it will last for up to 3.5 hours, but mine only lasted 2.5 hours and if you use the Wi-Fi you'll use up a lot more power. The speakers are very small but give a perfectly adequate sound. This device also includes SKPE, so you can view and speak to others by using the built-in camera and microphone.
  
  It is all very nifty and easy to learn, but I was very frustrated with the lack of connection through WI-Fi. Considering that this unit is less than $400-$500, it is a good bargain and I would expect better used for kids who are going to bang it around and use it for less complicated uses with less memory. I did end up returning mine to save up for a larger laptop with Windows, so I can only recommend this for teenagers or younger.
  
  
  
  
  

• I wanted what they advertised, not what they actually shipped.

  
  By A2BD0FLN0O18IM on 2008-04-07
  Be very careful when ordering one of these; Asus has been changing the spec on the 4G without notifying vendors such as Amazon. I ordered and returned two units to Amazon that were missing the mini-pcie expansion connector in the expansion bay, and a third unit that I inspected at a local store was missing the expansion bay entirely, so I couldn't even upgrade the memory. The units that are shipping, unlike the units that have been reviewed all over the web, are NOT EXPANDABLE.
  
  

• A handy mobile notebook for the money

  
  By A1RPTVW5VEOSI on 2008-03-19
  For the last year or two I've been using two computers for mobile web access and note taking. One is an aging iBook that's starting to develop keyboard and battery problems, and is heavier than I'd like to carry in a backpack or camera bag. The other is my Nokia 770, which is cute, but slow and very limited when it comes to typing or writing notes. I thought about buying a Nokia 810, but the reviews I've read suggested the Eee would be better for my uses. I decided to risk a purchase.
  
  So far, I'm pleased. The Eee boots fast, it's quiet, the screen is more than adequate, and it's very light and compact. True, the keyboard isn't great, but I found it reasonably easy to adjust to. Installing other apps isn't easy, and the 800MHz processor doesn't support graphic editing, but that's not what this machine is intended for; if you want to run the Gimp, get a faster machine. The same goes for running Windows. I thought about installing XP, but that's really stretching the capabilities of this machine, and trying to make it into something it's not.
  
  The Eee is at its best providing a light, inexpensive and very portable platform for basic web activities and simple office tasks. The screen is bigger than any of the pocket-sized computers, the keyboard is better than anything you'll find on a web-enabled phone or Nokia WiFi terminal, and it's a fraction of the price of the more powerful hand helds. As a student computer it's the perfect combination of portability, function, and low cost. If you keep its limitations in mind, and use it for what it's intended for, I think you'll be very happy with it.
  
  
• Great computer!
  By A1DJY8Y281GCMK on 2007-12-16
  Pros: Small, portable, fast boot-up, comes with great programs
  
  Cons: Keys are smaller than normal
  
  This is a great computer. It is small and portable. I was skeptical at first because I thought that the screen would be too small to read. I was wrong. Sure it is smaller but still can be read easily at arms length away (just as if you were typing on a regular laptop) I am actually writing this review on it right now. The keyboard does take some getting used too. The keys are smaller but I am sure after a few weeks, everything will be ok. I am a student and this is great to take to class because it boots up fast and is very light weight and portable. It is half the size of a manila file folder.
  
  This computer is great for internet usage and writing papers. It is not a computer for playing a bunch of games or if you need to install major programs.
  
  Openoffice program is great for writing papers. You can also save as a .doc file so it will not affect the file if you need to transfer a file to Microsoft word. I bought the white surf version without the webcam or the extended battery. To me, the webcam and an extra half-hour of battery life is not with an extra $50.00. Just get the surf model.
  
  In conclusion if you want something lightweight, portable, and will be mostly using it for word processing and internet, this is the computer for you!
  
  
• 4G Surf ONLY
  By A3J2UO9611K5PR on 2008-02-03
  This is concerning the 4G Surf models only. Amazon throws all the reviews (and product specs) under one heading, even thought here are some differences between them. That isn't Asuss fault; it is Amazon's, but I wanted to point his out.
  
  Here are some things to keep in mind with this:
  There is no web cam with the 4G Surf. (no big deal to me, but others should know)
  
  The 4G Surf memory is upgradeable, but it is a project compared to the 4G. It isn't impossible, but it is more in depth and I am putting that off for another week or so. The extra memory is inexpensive though, and I definitely would encourage picking up 1G.
  
  After being on for a while (maybe an hour, maybe two) the touch pad loses all sensitivity. The design seems to have heat sinks under the touch pad (just a guess) and it heats up just enough to make it useless. I recommend you also purchase a USB mouse so you aren't stuck.
  
  It arrives with Linux installed, and it is wonderful. I am keeping my system Linux, though I may install Ubuntu. The only problem I found with Linux is it isn't compatible with my Canon software. Therefore, I also bought a small compact flash card reader so I can transfer my photos. The image editor included doesn't support Canon's RAW format, which is what I shot, but it does support most others.
  
  Pick up a SD card to use for extra space. I bought the 8G Amazon has for less then $40. The laptop recognized it right away, but my two other systems weren't able to.
  
  All things considered, I believe this will be the next wave in computers. I would recommend this to almost every one.
  
  
• Very capable, inexpensive computer for size and weight.
  By A3G16JQ438WG9H on 2008-01-03
  This is exactly what I was looking for. More than a PDA but 1/4th the size of most laptops. Great for the web and editing documents on the road. The Linux OS is very easy to use and comes with lots of software. Unless you know Linux well it is hard to add additional software. I loaded XP with n lite (instructions on EEE PC user group) and it works great. I loaded all the software that I need while traveling and I have a portable USB HD if I need more space when I am home. If you don't care about size and weight then get a budget, full size laptop. If you have carried a regular laptop for a few hours, and you know what a pain it is then you will like the EEE PC. You give up some capability but you get a very portable laptop that isn't very expensive.
  
  
• Not bad for what it is
  By A20K6DVJTIW82W on 2008-03-08
  I tried both the 2 GB surf and the 4 GB surf. For the extra $50, the 4 GB is a better investment, with a much larger cache and a faster processor, plus the memory can be upgraded. If the 2 GB was say, $229, I'd agree is was a good investment for modest web browsing, email, and Skype VOIP if you and your friend have a fast connection.
  
  Unfortunately, the 2 GB barely played my MPEG4s, which was very disappointing since even a cheap player can usually play videos at a reasonable bitrate without a hitch.
  
  The 4 GB unit played MPEG4s much better, and even tried to play videos from the NBC website, but unfortunately didn't quite have the power to keep the video playing smoothly. But at least it tried, something my wife's Nokia n800 couldn't do at all.
  
  I also use ORB for remote viewing of my media center recordings, and with the 4 GB Asus, this was a little hit or miss.
  
  If I could have watched online videos (NBC, TNT, CBS, FOX) without the buffering I would likely have kept one. But they're just under the wire for enough processing speed to satisfy. Still, the used market for these should create great value later when Asus comes out with their new units.
  
  I think the niche for these devices is probably overall about $50 lower than they have set them, though certainly for someone looking for basic features and ultra portability, these are nice units. The web browser works better and is larger than a PDA and the cost is less, too.
  
  The included OpenOffice software is very reliable, and even the 2 GB unit is compatible with a number of printers. I plugged one into an Epson R200 and it installed the needed drivers and pages printed quick and clean.
  
  To me the ideal market for these is families needing something for their kids for homework research and even texting (Pidgin) and free VOIP (Skype). Sound with Skype is a little "tinny" but can probably be overcome with a decent quality headset.
  
  Bottom line is, you're not getting a laptop, you're getting an extremely portable web browser with basic communication and productivity software, and don't expect a lot of power.
  
  
  
  
• The Eee does its job.
  By A1UV8E5DK5H83F on 2008-04-07
  The Eee is not a full lap top. It has no drives and I wouldn't want to subject it to much abuse. IT DOES excell at what it is; a small light travel companion for getting on the WEB, wireless ready right from the box, and doing light tasks. The Linux based system, which has yet to crash, is not compatable with Windows or Apple, keeping us from networking with our computers at work. Since the system is so stable we are apprehensive about installing the Windows XP disk that came with the Eee, and are becoming converts to Linux. I have bullet pointed features we discovered after two "vacations" and an extended stay in the hospital, unrelated, totaling I guess well over 100 hours of use.
  - VERY Light weight and compact - size of most portable DVD players
  - Keyboard layout and touch pad functions diffrent from PCs or Apples
  - Keys are light weight almost "toy like", so no pounding
  - Battery life short lived, will need two for a transcontiental flight,
  recharges quickly though
  - Screen is clear and crisp
  - WEB pages load quickly
  - The amount of preinstalled software is amazing
  - Ready to go right out of the box, on line in less then 10 minutes,
  mostly spent typing in my codes.
  We, the whole family, highly prize our Eee and show it off when ever possible. And will buy others in the future. Sorry, but I have not tried using external drives, loading software nor using external keyboards/monitors, as we have yet found the need to do so.
  
  
  
• Know what you are buying.
  By A39WU0IP6ZSUVT on 2008-04-07
  If you understand what the eee pc is then you (SHOULD) love it!! In my opinion its the perfect secondary, take it anywhere computer. The pre-installed Linux is great for beginners and hobbyist. I found out Linux is nothing to be intimidated by. The word processor, data base, slide show presentation(Power Point like) ect. is all compatible with MicroSoft Office. It even looks and feels like Microsoft Office. It's basically the same thing but its free! I feel almost guilty using it, its crazy!!
  
  I know its a Microsoft world but if you keep an open mind you MAY see that the Version of Linux that comes with the EEE pc is just as easy as Windows but without all the 100,000 plus viruses to worry about. Oh yea and it hardly ever locks up.
  
  The only complaint that I have is that I wish the battery would last a little longer but for $350 I can live with it.....
  
  
  
• eeexcellent pc!
  By A2O2X569BSKQTX on 2008-01-09
  I purchased this machine as a travel pc and have to admit that it's a fun little pc to use. The start up is quick - really quick. We needed quick directions. Got them in less than 3 minutes. The other laptop and desktop were still booting up. I was wary of Linux operating system having never used it, but it is so user friendly. It's just like windows - only different icons. I connected it to my home and office network in a snap. In less than 10 minutes I was browsing the web. I thought the small 7" screen would not allow full screen view and scrolling, but it does. I have only had a few sites where I have to horizontal scroll but i can live with that.
  
  The pc comes preloaded with very usable applications. I love OpenOffice. I can work on WORD and Excel docs. on the fly. and i dont have to carry the heavier laptop as much. It fits in my travel bag. I am typing this review on it. The keyboard is a little small and takes a little getting use to. But having used small notebooks before it is very workable. It may be a problem for men with large fingers.
  
  I let a 7 and 12 year old use it and they love it. The small keys are perfect for them and it is very durable. It has been knocked around a few times and is solid. They love carrying it around because of the wireless. They have gone to all their favorite sites and I have yet to hear of audio or video not playing.
  
  All in all this is a great little lap top. Ideal for kids, travel, fun. Great to have in car with kids. It's light, durable and a great addition to home or office. It even allows for you to convert to Windows operating system. But why would you? It even looks cool. People ask all the time is it a real laptop? Get one, you wont regret it.
  
  
• Fun PeeWeee!
  By A17OR6G6WSD07 on 2008-03-21
  I have been using my Palm tx as a second internet device for a couple of years- it is great, but always wished the screen was just a little bit bigger and often wondered why plam didn't make a slightly larger device- it is such a simple little thing- pops open quickly, etc. When I saw the asus eee, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted. Just big enough. My tx still is good for lounging and just reading, but the eee can do a bit more. I will not add xp to it- I have an xp desktop and tire of the constant slowing down over time. However, that does leave a few options out, such as using netflix watch now with the eee- would like to be able to hook this little thing up to my projector. But that is only a slight disappointment. (BTW, you CAN use it with a projector- just can't use it to watch Netflix or Amazon Unbox.)
  
  All in all, this is a great little computer- fast, quiet and capable of pretty much anything you can do on a bigger/windows based machine. I upgraded it to the advanced desktop mode on the second day. Was able to set up shared files, printers, etc with no problem- in fact setting up my Brother laser on the network was easier than setting it up with my older Dell notebook. It just worked without needing to install drivers from CD.
  
  Of course, the price was the main factor in just getting it as a secondary device- I know they will be selling the ones with slightly larger screen, but read that they would be closer to the 600 dollar mark and that is getting a little too pricey for what we want to use it for.
  
  Get one. You'll love it!
  
  
• ASUS Eee PC 701
  By A147VB8T01F61I on 2007-12-20
  A nice implementation of what a sub-notebook computer ought to be.
  The keyboard takes some getting used to, as it is small, but that is a minor issue which will take care of itself over a bit of time.
  
  The great thing about it is how easy it is to configure for your home network, and for your printer. I'm going to use mine for email, and connectivity on the road. The screen is really easy to read, and the Linux Apps supplied are more than equal to general business tasks. Did I mention it weighs nothing at all. A good machine for portable computer, I wouldn't recommend it as a primary machine.
  
  Regards
  
  
  
• Little Noted Features of the EEE
  By AQ1WGZK7ASNC7 on 2008-01-20
  Much of the great stuff is in the Advanced Desktop mode. Unfortunately, the Advanced Desktop mode is hidden, and, if you don't get to it in the right way, you end up with a double boot at startup which takes twice as long, and I have yet to find a way to get straight to the single boot.
  
  If you get into the Advanced Desktop mode, you will find many amazing programs.
  
  1. There is a function plotting program. You can enter an equation for any single variable function and the program will display a plot of the function. It will also find the minimum or maximum of the function between any two points. It will also find the area under the curve between any two points. Very nice.
  2. There is a fascinating geometry program I haven't had the time to use. You can draw all kinds of geometric figures such as circles, arcs, polygons, vectors, conics, etc and make transformations like harmonic homologies (???). Could be useful and possibly a lot of fun for kids taking geometry who might have an idea about what a harmonic homology is.
  3. There is a interesting chemical periodic table with all sorts of information about all the chemical elements. I know just about everything about chemistry, so i don't need that. I know that if you mix Chemical A with Chemical B you get Chemical C
  unless the temperature is above 50 degrees Celcius in which case you get Chemical D
  or if the relative humidity is above 50%, then you get Chemical E
  or if the pressure is above 1.3 atm., then you get Chemical F,
  or if it Thursday, forget about it. You don't get anything on Thursday.
  4. Then, there is the super neat "Desktop Planetarium - I mean super neat. First, you have to tell it where you live, and it seems to know where just about every little dinky town on the planet is. I live out in what used to be country before there was sprawl, and it has both of the small towns near me. It seems like it has every town with at least one stoplight. The EEE knows the date, so you just tell it what direction you want to look, and it will show you where every star is. You can specify that you want to know where visible constellations are and it will show the constellations in any specified direction. There is a "What's Up Tonight" function - meaning in the sky, I assume.
  
  The EEE is an amazing computer. You just can't go wrong with it.
  
  
• This is no Toy. It's a powerful laptop for on the go professionals.
  By AQMK5UYH9TTA8 on 2008-03-09
  With the size, all the different bright colors, and the low cost, I thought this Eee PC might be more gadgit than a usable tool. I was completely wrong.
  
  The Linux software loaded on the Eee PC has a look of a child's game, but it's actually powerful and well put together. It can read and save in MS Word and Excel. I was very surprised. The draw back is the internet Firefox would not open secure WEB sights like my Bank Accounts.
  
  The fix was easy enough. I loaded Windows XP Home Edition and upgraded to Explorer 7. It did take me a few times to do this process correctly so everything worked properly, as the User Guide, like most, is not written clear enough. I was able to complete the change over without any major problems.
  
  Once I did this, and Windows XP completed all it's updates from the internet, all worked like my other laptops. I could connect to all my secure WEB sights, like my banks. I was also able to watch movies on line from my Netflix account, with the Watch Instantly service Netflix provides.
  
  It was worth the extra to by the 4gb version rather than the 2gb version of Eee PC. The 4gb has enough room for Windows XP Home edition and Explorer 7. I then put in a 8gb SD Card in the built-in slot for my other programs. I have Office 2003 and 2007, but I chose to put the 2003 version on this computer, just thinking it was simpler and less use of memory. I'm sure Office 2007 would work. So with the 4gb hard drive and 8gb SD card I have all my functional and productive software ready to go all the time.
  
  This computer is meant for travel, so my working files are on thumb drives, with the Eee PC 3 USB ports, they work great. I also use a laptop micro wireless mouse that works nice and it was a simple plug-in and use. All completely compact and rugged, idea for travel. It is the size of a paperback book that is an inch thick, measuring about 6x9 inches. This is a dream for travelers who are tired of carring normal laptops around in airports, subways, buses, and trains. You won't be dissappointed.
  
  The speakers are ok, but I find using my earphones offer a much better sound in stero. The wireless internet connection seems to be even stronger (more powerful) than one of my normal laptops. So it works great in hotspots while traveling.
  
  Yes the screen is small, and I would rather it had a bigger screen than the speakers on the side if it were my choice. But the screen is bright and clear and the type (font) is about the same size as a normal paperback book, which is bigger than my Palm or Blackberry.
  
  The keyboard is small, but agian for travel it is big enough. It's much bigger than a Palm or Blackberry. I sure can live with it for the savings in pure carring weight alone.
  
  My only negitive is the ASUS customer service. Their WEB page is of little help. I had to contact Amazon to get a Customer Service phone number (812) 282-2787. As you can see you have to pay for the phone call, a big negative with me. It should not cost a customer money to contact a company about their product. I did call, and I will say I did not have to wait to talk to someone and they were pleasant and well informed. I had a question on setting up Windows XP that the user manual didn't explain. The person was very helpful and they solved the problem. They still should have paid for the call.
  
  This is a great and powerful machine for portability and ruggedness. If you want bigger and are willing to carry it around, than get a normal size laptop. If you want to give your arms, shoulders, and back, as well as your wallet, a well deserved rest when your on the go - this is the machine to get.
  
  My children are all grown up, but this would be a great computer for a elementry school student. I wish they had this when my children were going to school. At a cost of less than XBOX 360 or PS3, they would have a fully functional computer to do their school work and the internet. Plus there is little worry that they would break it, even if they dropped a few times as those with children know all about. It would be money well spent and they would love it.
  
  
  
• I am very impressed
  By A3J633LW0UR6OD on 2008-03-29
  I bought this as an experiment to see if I really had a need for it. I have been using Linux for 8 years so I knew that wouldn't be a problem. I already have laptop I paid over $1000 for, but it sits around the house gathering dust. Regular laptops are too big to carry around. This size of laptop will likely be very popular. I really don't need much storage on a laptop but I did buy a 8G SD card to add to the 4G internal. I will carry around a mouse but I can do everything with the touch pad. I'm just not good at it. The thing that will improve this the most are a 9" screen and longer battery lie. It's great for surfing in bed too. It's small enough to put under your pillow. There are some good websites supporting this device. My experiment was a success. I'm keeping it.
  
  
• I do not work for ASUS, THIS IS A MUST BUY!!
  By A2M3LRK0ODF3RD on 2008-01-17
  Look at the title and my disclaimer is that I am a Linux user, however, I also use XP user and the fact is the following, with either Windows or Linux, it would be a mistake to pass this up. I almost bought a MAC and I would have bought a Vista laptop, because I doubted the reviews. I am typing this review on the ASUS micro laptop! I have only used it less than two hours and I already can see that I made the right choice!! I will tell you that at first the keyboard is small, but you really get use to it, and tactile on it is great. I said I was a Linux USER. This version of the SURF is great, no need to mess around tar and xg'ing,media is available and works perfectly. Then there is the speed, the portability, make no mistakes folks, this is the laptop to getI I am using an 8gb card for my removable media. I intend to further upgrade, only if needed. Great job ASUS! I also got the Nokia Internet tablet, but not from AMAZON,(sorry Amazon) at the time they had the higher price, but,not any more! Its a great companion with the Asus, to counter act the battery life. BTW, looking forward to a time that they have a longer lasting battery. Take my advice, try it for yourself! PS, the price on this machine went up since I last bought it, I would certainly get it while they have these models at this price!
  
  
• Very happy with this computer - finally!
  By A2BR8C5NK1CR7S on 2008-02-25
  This computer took me a while to get set up how I wanted it, but I finally did it! Please be aware (as I was not) that the 4GB Surf model does not have a memory drive door in the bottom that you can just screw open and add memory. (You can't even add memory at all to the 2GB models). I had already ordered a 2GB memory chip to go in the computer, so I started searching for instructions online. I found some good written instructions and also a video on YouTube about how to open up the computer and install the memory. It involved unscrewing the case, removing the keyboard, finding "hidden locks" around the edges of the casing, and pulling up the mother board to install the memory. The first time I did it, I didn't set it in there firmly enough, so I after I had the whole thing put together, I had to take it back apart all over again!
  I about had a heart attack because I thought I had "killed" it by opening it up, but it was only that I hadn't pushed the memory chip in firmly enough..whew! Anyway, then I had to make a compressed installation of Windows XP using nLite (you can download nLite for free, just search for it). Once I had the new installation CD, I put Windows XP and Office XP on the 4GB and I still have almost 3 GB free. Everything works great! Internet is fast, startup time, programs open up at lightning speed. I also purchased an SDHC card to go in it - and so I'll have plenty of space to store my files, pictures, etc. I'm going to be traveling a lot soon and I just hope I can find wireless access in Europe - we'll see!
  
  
• Rugged and VERY light!
  By AJ0XANDMK645Q on 2008-04-12
  I'd have given this little puter five stars, but now Asus is coming out with a new model that has a larger screen and this knowledge has made me a little sulky. On the up side, the new model will cost a bit more and I liked the $350 price tag.
  
  This little wonder fits in my average-sized purse with room to burn and hasn't shown any problems with the jostling. I take it everywhere, which has proven to be very handy.
  
  While part of the excuse for getting it was my desire to learn about Linux, I am tempted to put Windows XP on it so I can install Dreamweaver to work on my websites easily while on trips.
  
  This model doesn't have a camera built in--it wasn't worth $50 to me.
  
  
• amazing, especially at this price
  By ADTW3GRYVKPIR on 2008-04-13
  This computer is fantastic. I was worried about the Linux OS, and I was going to wait until the Windows OS came out. I'm glad I didn't - the Linux isn't a problem at all. The computer has no problem reading my Word files, or converting them back to Word. And the set-up was really easy. I even had the wireless Internet working in about ten minutes. I like this little light computer as much as my old Fujitsu lifebook (also around 2 pounds), but this Asus was about one fifth of the price!
  
  
• Good concept but didn't work for me
  By ALO7PEIIIGXA9 on 2008-05-09
  I was going on a trip to Japan, and so was anxious to get the 2 lb. Eee-pc rather than lugging around my 7 lb Lenovo. For the most part the eee-pc worked fine. It boots quickly, has a good user interface (except the file manager takes some getting used to), connects to the Internet (wire or wireless like a charm). However, I don't like Mozilla as a browser because it doesn't provide some of the services when used with Microsoft exchange server mail I tried and failed to find and install an alternative browser like Netscape. Also, I needed a SFTP program, and failed to find one I could install. I guess I just don't get along well with Linux when it goes beyond pre-installed software.
  
  The software included with the Eee-PC is worth the price of the machine itself -- The word processor opens and writes almost every format, the Presenter Program is compatible with PowerPoint, although has a limited number of designs (2). However, when I hooked the machine to an LCD projector we could get the screen to switch resolutions to give a full projection (may have been my lack of understanding, but we had to switch the presentation to a full-size laptop). I wanted to install the Open Office Database, but could figure out how to do that.
  
  All the USB peripherals I used with the Eee-PC worked fine, including an HP all-in-one printer, external USB hard disk, and USB mouse. The weakest part of the machine and the reason I returned it, was the keyboard and the mouse buttons on the touch pad. The USB mouse solved the mouse button problem, but the keyboard was annoying, often missing letters or adding in double letters (bounce). I could have used a USB keyboard but that defeats the purpose of buying a 2 lb machine. So, I understand there is a slightly larger format machine coming out in the summer -- maybe that will do the trick if they can keep the weight down and install a Windows XP operating system, I'd buy it.
  
  
• I love my little Asus Eee
  By A3DD8ZB9FBIJ1L on 2008-02-26
  I had been thinking of picking up a laptop after Vista's next service pack comes out this spring, but read about this little unit and decided it was time to get a machine using open source software. There is not a stitch of Microsoft gumware on it. What a delight to be on-line on my wireless network in about 15 seconds after turning it on. I was surprised by how well I can read the 7" screen. The small internal flash memory in lieu of a hard drive is not a problem for me, as I use a portable flash memory stick to store and transport files. The only drawback might be the tiny keyboard. I am not a touch typist but do pretty well in general; I do find myself making more mistakes with this keyboard. All in all, I think Asus has managed to cram an incredible value into this inexpensive, little bitty box.
  
  
• ASUS eee
  By A2J2OKEMXMPQJB on 2008-02-28
  Very happy with the computer. I used it on a recent trip to Germany and had great success with it. It connected easily to WIFI hotspots and a lot of interest from folks who walked by as I was using it.
  
  The OS is Linux but very easy to use. The hardest thing to get used to is the keyboard, it's about 2/3 the size of a standard laptop. I ended up reverting to 2 finger typing.
  
  
• EeePC Laptop
  By A2O1I8SSK3ULBQ on 2008-03-06
  I am very happy with my purchase. I made some tweeks to it, to customize the desktop and to enable VPN usage as well. All of which were easy to find help for doing so, just by searching google for EeePC info. It works very well for my needs. I am a systems administrator and enjoy the ease of ability to carry this laptop around at my work place to do my work functions. It connects seemlessly to our corp wifi and allows me to work very comfortably in the bash shell administering multiple liux servers. The fact it weighs basically two pounds makes it very nice for going from meeting to meeting. My wireless mouse worked with it right out of the box as well. If you lower the screen brighness a bit. The battery life is increased quite a lot.
  
  
• Asus eeepc 4G
  By AGQB1S6KIL2ST on 2008-03-26
  i have to say that i am pleased with my 4G. it performed out of the box as expected. i had an issue with touch typing on the keyboard but i am getting used to its smaller footprint. i would recommend it highly as a second computing device because of its small size and light weight rather than hauling around a notebook computer for travel or sitting in a coffee shop. but also, if all you do is email, surf, and want to do some light word processing, spreadsheet, or other office work,offload digital pix off of your memory card or digital camera, or even listen to your music or video, this will fit the bill nicely as your main computing device. it really is a sweet machine and was what i would have wanted my PDA to be when i used one in the past. it is a functional device that works well, i highly recommend the 4G.
  
  
• Weeee! eee pc
  By A1MESV0EJLC5NL on 2008-04-07
  This is a wonderful little pc. It's not for major work, but it does what most want, and it's light enough to slip into a purse or backback. I can use it to surf the net, as well as some writing. It's a very small keyboard, but I've had no problem writing... I'm a touch "typist," and it just took a while to get used to the keyboard. While you'll need a full PC for more complex tasks... this is a great portable laptop. I'd highly recommend it to people with good desktops or notebooks who want something easier to carry for simple tasks.
  
  
• above and beyond
  By A1W8Y84BNHYJB0 on 2008-03-04
  They say great things come in small packages and this is no exception. I'm not now or have I ever been a Linux user so the first thing I did was install windows xp and still had 2gb left. I slapped in a 16 gb SD card and away I went. Not only is it an excellent conversation piece AND puts you in the envy of all your friends but it is everything you could ask for in a laptop.
  
  I love the size when I'm working at lunch because it takes up very little space and then slips nicely into my purse...yes my purse. This is great as well because I don't have to worry about someone seeing a laptop in my car and trying to break in, it's always with me. It's my photo album, day planner, Rolodex, mailbox and work station, not to mention my way to unwind with a few games. The battery last longer than I expected because basically there are no moving parts.
  
  I don't do a lot of typing on it but I can see where that could be a problem if that's what you plan to do with it. The keyboard is quite small. Personally I just plug in a wireless usb mouse and navigate that way.
  
  It's fast to boot up and shut down and preforms better than I had envisioned it would. I am so pleased with this purchase that I'm telling everyone I know. If you want discrete, petite with high performance then you won't be disappointed. Great for coffee shops or anywhere there is wireless internet. Easier to go through the airport security with than a full size laptop, and great for long waits to help the time go faster.
  
  
• asus eee pc 4G linux
  By A3SDNC04D6FIVX on 2008-03-23
  i love the asus eee pc 4G linux.. the basic applications and networking are easy to run right out of the box. just
  a few questions.. also the log-in to all included applications 25 seconds
  
  asus eee easily finds the network here at home.. and finds
  most networks away from home.. i compare that with my vaio
  desktop which i also have available.
  
  my basic purpose is to go online to our online database,
  create a store audit file.. enter pricing, etc. and import
  the audit file back into the online database. the open office calc application works great for opening the excel file for that purpose.
  
  my second purpose is to have a lightweight internet device
  which i can use at meetings, trade shows, etc. my goal is to have a limited number of files.. about 30 or so.. hard-drive space not an issue.. and it reads the usb stick great
  
  i can get overtired travelling and have dropped the eee from my hand onto the parking lot in front of a store.. since the eee has no moving parts, it worked perfectly.. obviously i do not recommend dropping any device.. not even a cellphone but it does happen and the eee worked great...not something to try with a regular laptop.
  
  added 1G memory for $60 in hopes that it would make eee run faster.. truthfully the extra memory has helped only with listening to radio online without buffering.. not a bad goal but not really all that necessary for me.
  
  linux opens not only my online files.. but also the ms calendar created by my desktop machine running ms vista.
  to me.. this is very, very cool.
  
  a lot of my salespeople and my girlfriend also really, really like the asus eee just as is... if fact she would
  be very happy even with the 2G surf (she also has a sony vaio).. i highly recommend the eee 4G surf as a 2nd laptop or 2nd mobile internet device.. ok why 4 stars rather than 5 stars..
  
  a) the touchpad really is hard to use.. i have tried to
  adjust sensitivity numerous times.. ok, i am fussy but the mouse does want to lock up at times.. the newer 9" will have a larger touchpad to address this issue.. the
  single mousepad left/right was and is not an issue.. it
  works great..
  
  b) i could not get my verizon wireless modem to run...
  i entered code in terminal and it recognized pantech 150
  running on address 4.. but could not get vendor #, item #.
  to run the 10 lines of linux code.. the eee 4G surf has another solution.. install windows xp over the xandros linux. if i did this, the wireless modem would
  definitely work...
  
  c) i believe that the newer eee 9" running windows xp might solve those issues.. also phone companies having 3G might solve that issue as well...
  
  d) keyboard is a bit cramped for my long fingers but is quite serviceable for short emails, notes...
  
  that being said, eee is really a well-crafted machine which does what it says it does.. i wholeheartedly recommend as a 2nd laptop when carrying the larger laptop is just inconvenient.. also this can be a primary laptop for short trips.. i give it 4 stars... thanks asus
  
  
• Great portability
  By AH4MVKFX2AXAP on 2008-03-25
  Great little portable and much faster than I expected.
  It connects easily to wireless networks especally in airports. I highly recommend it as a portable.
  
  

• Targus TLE400 17 Deluxe Leather Notebook Case
• SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black)
• SwissGear Computer Backpack (Blue)
• SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black)
• SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black)

• OCZ 2GB PC2-5400 667MHz DDR2 Value SoDIMM Module (OCZ2MV6672G)
• Transcend TS4GSDHC6 4GB SDHC SD 2.0 SPD Class 6 Card
• ASUS Eee PC 2G Surf (7-Inch Display, Intel Mobile Processor, 512 MB RAM, 2 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Pure White
• ASUS Eee PC 4G (7-Inch Display, Intel Mobile Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Pearl White
• Crucial 1 GB DDR2-667 Sodimm