Submitted by “One of the biggest news stories out of this year’s Computex wasn’t of a new chipset, GPU, or graphics card, but rather of the announcement of the ASUS Eee PC, a small, slim, and light portable computer that is priced at USD 199. Introduced by Jonney Shih, Chariman and CEO of ASUS at Intel’s keynote address the first day of the show, the Eee PC has already made headlines world wide. Not only have we had the chance to actually use the ASUS Eee PC, we can also confirm some important new specifications of the notebook.”
No internal bluetooth. So either its external or usb cable for the mobile using road warrior. But maybe thats a good thing, as one can just as well get a dedicated usb 3g ‘modem’.
Browser: Opera/8.01 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/3.1.8295/1690; nb; U; ssr)
An external bluetooth dongle is no big deal to get.
Oh, and by the way, I couldn’t care less what browser you use. Most people probably don’t.
fyi: its the osnews comment code that puts in the browser info. its only done when a mobile device is used. why it does this you have to ask eugenia about.
I already know what I want for Christmas… an Eee & a Wii!
wait: this USD$200 pc comes with CrossOver??
http://www.hothardware.com/articleimages/item981/big_a48.jpg
Nice catch, it sure does look like Codeweavers Crossover is installed…interesting they didnt advertise that. Wouldn’t new want to run something as big as office, but at 900mhz and 512mb of ram it could work fro peopel dead set on using is, or for people who have propr. apps. Would eb great for use in datacenters and labs.
I will absolutely be buying at least one of these, and maybe 2 or 3. The possibilities are endless what you could do with them for that price.
Edited 2007-07-02 22:23
I don’t know if Crossover will be included or not, but given the slowness of Crossover Office installed on a fast P4 with 2GB of RAM, I doubt that it would be very usable on such laptop.
1. I will buy one.
2. Why do companies copy the Windows Start menu? Quite frankly, the Windows UI isn’t all that great. Don’t understand it with Solaris, don’t understand it here.
3. 2 doesn’t matter too much to me as it is Linux and I can change it because I know how.
I’m not sure why anyone is comparing it to Windows XP. It’s just KDE. The only thing that’s windows-like is the Launch button graphic.
Anyway, can’t see much to complain about for a $200 PC. Looks like a lot of fun.
2. This device has to interface options, one with tabs and the later with the more common KDE.
3. You know how? wait a little, this device uses an unknown chipset/processor at this time… changing maybe not be so easy at first… maybe some kernel patches to you favorite operation system… just don’t count on it by the time you get it in your hands…
FTA:
The Eee PC is running a version of Intel’s 910 mobile chipset, it uses a 900MHz Intel Dothan based Pentium M CPU, it has 512MB of DDR2 memory, full 802.11g wireless capability, and a flash-based hard drive. There will be at least two different models of the Eee PC, with the $199 version using a 4GB flash hard drive and the $299 version using a 8GB drive.
1. intel chipsets have great linux support
2. hacking it will be dead easy since I bet it’s on
linuxbios (or a very simple/cheap bios)
The kernel/CPU is irrelevant to whether you can change the “Start” menu graphic, since that’s all handled in userspace.
Why on Earth would you need a kernel patch to change a UI element of the Desktop Environment?
You’ve never even been in the same room as a computer running Linux, have you?
It already runs Linux. So running Linux on it should be pretty easy.
And I want it NOW
Not only will I buy one, but I might buy one for my mother who keeps managing to “nuke” her windows box that she only uses for e-mail. The rest of the laptop manufacturers are going to lose sales. No, this will not do a lot of things, but a large section of the computing population barely do more than surf the net and send e-mails. I wonder if this will be the first sucessful video phone?
Sorry to state the obvious, but I’m sure you could just put Linux on her ‘Windows box’.
Sorry to state the obvious, but I’m sure you could just put Linux on her ‘Windows box’.
It is an old computer that is in need of replacement anyway. This just happens to be the right hardware at the right time. I am a Linux fan, but there is nothing any version of Linux can do to make failing hardware better. Moving her onto new hardware with Linux running on it will keep her from causing herself problems. She does not know/understand user vs. admin. and I don’t give her the admin. password.
I can get 3 for the price of an iPhone…
It’s sounding more and more like a great deal. 900Mhz is faster than the previous expectation of 600Mhz on the low-end and 800Mhz on the high-end. Those Pentium M’s are no slouch either, though I wonder how the smaller cache will hold out.
I had a Dell 700m with roughly the same sized keyboard which I used for class and did a fair amount of programming on. Its not too small, provided your hands aren’t meat-hooks.
One thing I’d really like to know is whether the Flash is soldered to the mainboard, or if it’s in a standard form, such as a 1.8″ drive, which could be upgraded with a larger (possibly magnetic) drive.
Believe it or not, I’d actually like to give a go at Windows XP on one of these things.
Only thing is a spinning hard drive would probably suck quite a bit of the battery.
You’re probably better off getting some cheap SD cards and using them like floppies.
I know the Foleo isn’t being marketed like this one as a “PC for everyone” but let’s try comparing the two. The Foleo wins in terms of battery life (5hrs) and chic factor, it’s got the instant on feature, which is nice, it’s got Bluetooth, plus it has a 10″ screen compared to the Eee’s 7″ .
The Eee’s processor, on the other hand, is likely significantly faster than Foleo’s (epecially if we are to go by the “no video on the Foleo” claim), it comes with 4GB of flash memory compared to the Palm’s pathetic 256MB, it has a webcam, it has 4 USB ports to the Foleo’s one, it has ethernet, it weighs .234 kg less than Foleo, and of course, it’s less than half the price.
For my money, I’d go with the Eee. It’s cheaper, faster, has more memory and can even run Windows if you’re so inclined. …looks like Palm might need to rethink their specs.
Edit: Fixed my own misinformation; I thought that the Foleo had a touchscreen.
Edited 2007-07-02 21:03
I had been looking for some sort of small subnote book, but they’re always quite expensive, until the Foleo, and it did look interesting, but now I don’t think I’d consider it compared to teh EeePC, though the Foleo’s Linux implementation does look more interesting to me.
XFCE was made for this computer. Put that on top of a lightweight distro (Arch, most likely) and you’re golden. I’m not too keen on the tiny HDD space, but if it’s used primarily as a terminal and browsing machine, it should function great.
Damn right. Will be interesting to see how easy it is to put your own OS on there. If it’s easily doable I think Xubuntu would end up being the distro of choice, or at least XFCE would be the WM of choice
i’d be interested in buying one if it weren’t for that ugly windows key on the keyboard. i know that may sound trite… but seriously, i’m sick of seeing it…
but anyway, besides the lack of adequate storage space, this looks like a pretty cool little machine. considering it’s often still pricier to buy a similarly specced used portable on ebay, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
You’re right: your post sounds stupid.
It’s just another shortcut keys, which is useful, who cares how it looks!
well, now you’re just name calling. if my post ‘sounds stupid’ yours just sounds mean.
actually, *lots* of people care. don’t you find it the least bit disturbing that a corporation has become so pervasive that wholly unrelated companies feel forced to put that stupid logo on every product?
i’m not saying that an additional modifier key is stupid. i’m saying that it shouldn’t have anything to do with a company i don’t have anything to do with.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_key
did you know that there is actually a license crafted specifically because of that stupid key? it’s a bit ridiculous.
anyway, this is hardly the forum for this discussion. i was just making a joke and complimenting a product.
A notebook PC for $200 is a neat toy for geeks, but without the OLPC’s other design advancements, I don’t see it being particularly useful in its target market.
In countries where phone access much less internet access is rare, the mesh-networking capabilities alone make the OLPC a more useful computer.
You may be right about being competitive in OLPC’s marketplace, but I’m personally excited for what us geeks will see from other competitive companies in the future.
Perhaps Cheap Full Functional Hackable PCs for All Geeks was too large of an acronym to be attractive!
It’ll depend on the software support and marketing they do around it.
That thing could easily be as hot as an iPod among 10-18yrs non-geek kids and their parents who’re tired of the fights over who’ll get to use the family PC.
the mesh-networking capabilities alone make the OLPC a more useful computer.
I’m not sure, but was under the impression that the mesh-networking “router” was implemented in software. I can’t immediately imagine why a single, standard 802.11 adapter can’t function as a node in a wireless mesh if the driver and network stack are “mesh-aware.”
Since the OLPC runs a Linux kernel, it should be legal and relatively easy to port the meshing feature to the Eee or any typical Linux notebook. That would piss-off the last-mile providers, but somehow I can’t muster any sympathy for their plight.
The fact that its software doesn’t change things. Who is going to do the leg-work of integrating that software with the hardware? Asus? The neat thing about the OLPC isn’t just that it’s a cheap laptop. It’s the fact that they actually thought very hard about the real-world issues with using computers in some of these countries, and came up with a very clever, integrated solution. The hardware without the software, integration, and infrastructure of the OLPC is much less interesting in that space.
So, “underpowered” processor, flash secondary storage and the autonomy it’s only 3 hours?
wtf?
also smaller, lighter, cheaper battery…
For 200 bucks I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth
Finally an affordable laptop that doesnt look like crap!
(except for that “windows” key)And it runs linux sweeet i cant wait to get my hands on a couple of these
Yeah it’s crazy that it ships with Linux but comes with the Windows key standard. 😐 I guess you gotta keep it cheep somehow… maybe somebody will come out with a sticker for the Eee PC Windows key?
This machine looks absolutely gorgeous. It has all the specs, functionality and performance I could wish for for the money. While I like small devices that can run free and useful OSes, this looks like a serious N800/GP2X/PalmTX-killer if you’re a geek on a tight budget or a perfect complement if you have a little more to spend.
If ASUS and competitors plays nice with all the FOSS in there, I’d love to see something like this as my next computer, and my perhaps child’s first.
Thanx ASUS, now it feels even better having opted for your motherboards over the years 🙂
I was needing a cheap PC for a travel to keep up with my writing and stuff while my main PC is being delivered (I can’t carry it with me for the size). This looks tailored to my personal needs, and it will be on the street (as the article says) just when I need it.
I am getting the 4gb one as soon as it’s out. I have plenty of USB hard disks and SD cards to make up for the small built-in disk size.
This promises not only usefulness but a funny toy to play with.
“I gotta get me one of these!”
Captain Steven Hiller, Independnece day.
You put me down for two (possibly more). One for my mobile programming box and one to replace my wifes aging iBook G3. I think if I set hers up right I will have less problems than I did trying to get her to use the Mac!
900MHz is great for a Linux machine too. The first thing I would do, however, is check the kernel configuration, waste the OS and put Ubuntu on it, then configure the standard Ubuntu Kernel so it is similar to the one that comes with the EEPC OS.
Unfortunately small laptops (like the smaller VAIO’s) have always cost an arm + leg… this looks set to change that…. and what a welcome change it is.
I have to disagree on the theory that the EEPC is meant to compete with the OLPC . While its price-point is very similar and it is a laptop, that is about all these two projects have in common. That said, I would grab both given the chance.
This will make a cool great thin client box
Running linux locally while running windows OS remotely
Pairing this with the product
http://aikotech.com/our_services.htm#ThinServer
would make a fantastic combo !!
Whenever I see small and light devices with conservative specs, like the Eee PC and the OLPC, I always think of Haiku.
I know this has become a fanboyish running gag of mine, but I want Haiku running on this thing.
What I would really like is that such laptop would use the OLPC screen (with a bigger size): in black and white mode, it has a very high DPI, which would be very nice for reading books/PDF..
*And* the screen has a low power mode.
I have been looking for something like this for YEARS. Something thats small, can be used for surfing and remote sessions. Something that can be tossed in a messenger bag with my other stuff and if something happened to it…ehh I’m out 200 bucks….loads better than say 600+ bucks! Great for travel too. I don’t know how many times I looked at my laptop and though “wow, this is too much, I just need something for in the hotel room for directions and selfservice”.
I’m geeked thats for sure
I’ve absolutley no interest in openoffice and the like. I want to use these as small, portable drum machines and sequencers. I’ll strip the software back to near nothing and build a software environment that’s either Win2K plus minimal drivers (you’ll never actually see the OS or desktop) and/or Linux+ALSA+JACK (and you’ll never see the desktop). Who knows… maybe Haiku will run on this thing!
Well that’s something to save my money for. This is a great mobile device for the price. Storage is no problem as long as it supports SDHC cards, which are available in 16GB versions now. Even if it doesn’t, a 4GB standard SD card is really cheap these days…
Wait, sudden moment of reflection, this runs Linux, as long as it runs a recent version of the kernel, then of course it supports SDHC!
Unfortunately knowing the market over here in Poland, once these babies start arriving, first thing they’re gonna try doing is bend us costumers over, spread our legs… you know the rest. I bet it’s gonna cost $250 here. You know, because we’re the poor country and this is a luxury item.