There you have it, folks. The Asus Eee PC is still king of the hill for affordable ultraportables. There were rumors just recently that Apple was to release an ultra mobile computer with dual touch-screens (and not to mention the cool factor). But apparently that’s not their focus.
At the recently-concluded MacWorld Expo, the highlight of Steve Jobs’ keynote speech was the new MacBook Air. It’s razor-thin and definitely lighter than its predecessors.
Think Motorola RAZR, but this time for laptops.
Thing is, the MacBook Air is not really an ultraportable (and not marketed as such), but is a standard-sized, ultra-slim laptop. It has a 13.3″ widescreen, a full-size keyboard, and weighs 3 pounds.
I know there’s a market for ultraslim laptops. And of course, being a Mac, the MacBook Air is likely to have a cult following, too (which is to say the same for hte Asus Eee PC, isn’t it?). But the target market is different from that of the Asus Eee. So I would say the Eee is still leading the pack when it comes to low-priced consumer-grade ultraportables.
In short, it’s like comparing apples with oranges. And in this case, one of them is actually an Apple.
Oh, and one other thing. I noticed the MacBook Air has just one USB port. And even the MacBooks (non Pro) have only two. My Asus Eee has three. I rarely use them, though, but I think the sparsity of USB ports is one big complaint by certain Mac users.
It’s my first time to bring my Asus Eee PC out of the house. I went for a quick cup of coffee at a nearby cafe with the wife and kids. So it’s a field test so to speak.
I got a couple of curious glances from other patrons and passers by. Looks like the Galaxy black Asus Eee PC has that wow factor!
There are a lot of drawbacks when you choose a small device over a conventional-sized one. Well, actually you do have an option to get yourself a small but power-packed device, such as Fujitsu-branded subnotebooks. However, there is a big price to pay. So for sub-$400 prices, I would say that the Asus Eee is worth it.
Here’s a good explanation why the Eee makes for a great subnotebook, even with its limitations.
As long time laptop users, our opinion is the primary strength of the EEE PC laptop is as a 2nd unit. A mobile unit for a desktop user. A second more portable unit for a laptop user. The size and weight of this laptop allows you to put it in any bag and not feel the weight. The Price does not make the owner guilty when the item is lost, dropped or damaged. The EEE PC is more economical than the latest Nokia Communicator, yet it is easier to use. The EEE PC in our opinion matches the portability of the Blackberry, yet is easier to use because of the keyboard layout. The EEE PC is ideal for those who want something small and Wi-Fi enabled.
The EEE PC is certainly a very innovative unit. The Eee PC’s “earned” reputation as the Fastest Selling PC in the World comes from the great user expectation as a simple and portable device focused on providing users with the most comprehensive Internet applications based on three Es: Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent on-the-Go.
These are in answer to some of these pressing questions relevant to the Eee PC:
1. Processor: This unit must be slow, it comes with a Celeron-M processor.
2. Operating System: Can I load Windows XP on this laptop?
3. Hard drive:
a. Is 4Gb of Harddrive Enough?
b. Can I upgrade the Harddrive?
4. RAM: Should I increase RAM to 1Gb?
5. Can I watch DvD On this laptop?
6. Can I use the EEE PC to surf the net and email?
7. Is the keyboard easy to use?
8. How long is the Battery life?
9. Can I connect the EEE PC to a projector for presentations?
10. Can I use a mouse?
11. Is the EEE PC durable? It looks like a V-Tech Toy.
12. Can this laptop replace my desktop and existing laptop?
The CoolToyz article has great responses to each of these!
