EEE PC

[SeaKing]

Has anyone seen these or have one. I got a 4gb version with windows yesterday(gently used for $300). On board wireless, web cam, 3 usb ports, monitor port, SD card slot for extra storage. 512MB ram(expandable to 2 GB), 7 inch display and runs on 12 volts DC or 110AC or 3 hr battery life.
it is only about 9" x 6" and less that 2 lbs.

ASUS | Eee PC

Solid State Hard Drive, should be very durable. Prices start at $299 ish for a 2gb Linux no cam version. Look on ebay for general prices. You can get them up to 20 GB SSD. A 9 inch screen version has just been released too!

[sluissa]

I've been considering buying one, but it's really near the bottom of the list for things I NEED and money's a little tight right now. My only real fears about it are the keyboard being a bit small for my slightly larger than average hands, and the screen being a bit small for compatibility issues with some software.

What's your opinion SeaKing?

[SeaKing]

I haven't used it enough to review it totally. I do not touch type and do have large hands but at first "touch" it will be fine for what it is. The portability will be great. It is a single core processor and only 900 mhz but it is a 400 front side bus which means alot. Seems to surf well. I connected to my work wireless this a.m. Going to boat today for the weekend will try my high power adapter and antenna while out.

But to have access to the web and email in the small footprint should be very handy.

[sluissa]

I"m not worried about the speed, for the past 6 years or so I've been using a toshiba tecra 8100 with less power than that thing has. the eee will actually be an upgrade as far as laptops go for me

[Delezynski]

SeaKing,

We have 2 aboard. One white (mine) and one pink (Jill's). We bought ours last November and have been using them a LOT! GREAT small "netbook" computer.

I had to install windows myself on ours as they did not come with Windows until recently.

The ONLY drawback is the screen size. The 9 inch (8.?? actually) might be a better choice if you plan to use it for a nav program. But for ALL the other stuff, it's a very good tool!

Greg

[SeaKing]

Greg
I see the link you put up for portable apps on thumb drives. PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

I will have to check into that.

Thanks

[phiggins]

One of the banks here in Canada will give you one if you open an account with them :
RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account: You Could Get a FREE Eee PC - RBC Royal Bank

Got me thinking about it and I support their competition.

I have a XO computer which is about the same size. Some say its more rugged than the EEE PC. The small screen size is a bit of a problem but its other charateristics make it ideal for a boat, especially the low power draw, about .8 of a amp.

Paul

[ssullivan]

Not so sure about the value of the EEE...

I dropped my Mac while in the Chesapeake and had to buy a PC in a bind to get navigation running to get home. For a little under $400, I got:

A brand *NEW* Compaq Presari C700 with warranty

CPU: Intel Core Duo T2310, 1.46GHz / 1MB L2 cache
GPU: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
RAM: DDR2 1GB = 2x512MB, no free slots
HDD: Fujitsu 120GB 5400 RPM
ODD: DVD RW SuperMulti
LCD: WXGA 15.4"
BATT: 47 Wh
WLAN: IEEE 802.11b/g WiFi
PORTS: 3xUSB, 100Mbps Ethernet, Modem, VGA out, S-video out, line out (no SPDIF), line in, Kensington lock


Not sure the value is there the EEE, IMO.

For an extra $50, you can get a decent computer without any of the performance limitations of the EEE.

[waterworldly]

I see they now have a 12G model on Amazon for $549US

[Delezynski]

ssullivan,

That 15.4 inch screen is a deal breaker for me. That and the high power draw.
If you have the room and the power, great, but on our boat and dink on the way into town, at 2 pounds, the Eee is the best for us.

Greg

[ssullivan]

Originally Posted by Delezynski

ssullivan,

That 15.4 inch screen is a deal breaker for me. That and the high power draw.
If you have the room and the power, great, but on our boat and dink on the way into town, at 2 pounds, the Eee is the best for us.

Greg

Makes sense to me!

I have a DC refrigerator and freezer sucking down ungodly amounts of power and the 600AH battery bank to keep it humming. So... the power consumption wasn't on my list.

I also don't remove my computer(s) from the boat at any time. So...

Again, your reasons make perfect sense for your application.

[SeaKing]

Originally Posted by ssullivan

Not so sure about the value of the EEE...

I dropped my Mac while in the Chesapeake and had to buy a PC in a bind to get navigation running to get home. For a little under $400, I got:

A brand *NEW* Compaq Presari C700 with warranty

CPU: Intel Core Duo T2310, 1.46GHz / 1MB L2 cache
GPU: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
RAM: DDR2 1GB = 2x512MB, no free slots
HDD: Fujitsu 120GB 5400 RPM
ODD: DVD RW SuperMulti
LCD: WXGA 15.4"
BATT: 47 Wh
WLAN: IEEE 802.11b/g WiFi
PORTS: 3xUSB, 100Mbps Ethernet, Modem, VGA out, S-video out, line out (no SPDIF), line in, Kensington lock


Not sure the value is there the EEE, IMO.

For an extra $50, you can get a decent computer without any of the performance limitations of the EEE.

Let's see Sean, I think it is the size and portability. and it it has a Solid State Drive, more rugged for the dropsies. My wife has already said she can put that in her pocketbook. Can you do that with a 15" screen. It is not meant to replace a full powerful PC for all applications. It is more of an internet machine and basic office functions. I would not try to edit video, do cad work or any other processor intensive app.

I took it to Georgetown over the weekend , and out on the boat. My wife, nephew and myself all use it to check web based emails. I used it to look at a couple of BB's and check a couple of weather sites. Then I was lying in the salon and holding it like reading a book in one hand but surfing the net.

[Delezynski]

A nice item to add to that Eee when using it on your tummy is a trackball mouse. It's sort of like a mouse with a trackball on top. You can see it at:
Micro Trac Hand-Held Trackball--Metallic Silver

On our small boat, this is GREAT! No mouse pad needed, so you can control your computer with one hand and no table.

Greg

[44kebeck]

You might want to wait and take a look at the EEE PC 901 which was just announced. It has a 9" screen and uses the new Intel Atom processor which promises even longer battery life. To me, light weight and long battery life is the most important issue.

[sandy daugherty]

Chester et al: The OLPC XO screen has a mode for daylight use. Does that make it a better choice for looking at a chart in the cockpit?