blog.jr.com: Asus EEE is the Smallest, Cheapest Laptop Around
Dave B
· 2 years ago
Is the EEE PC on display at the J&R store? I've been really interested in it since it was announced, but would like to see one in person before buying... to see how comfortable the keyboard is, how small the screen is, etc.
Andrew Snyder
· 2 years ago
I purchased an Eee PC from JandR.com yesterday after reading The Wall Street Journal article about it and a few other entry-level portable Internet access devices geared towards children. The build quality is very good, with an excellent screen and a very usable keyboard. The sound is INCREDIBLY robust - these speakers are actually MUCH bigger proportionally than on any laptop I've ever used. The speakers are on either side of the screen, and stereo separation is surprisingly good (the Music Manager app uses the xine or Helix Engine). The three USB ports, SD port, Ethernet and VGA ports are all quite useful and well thought out.
It is a great GUI, definitely easy-to-use without being condescending. It is fun to see the Linux under the hood, like in "Task Manager" under "Shut Down", which is really a dynamic "top" of the Unix process table for fellow propeller-heads. I haven't figured out how to get to a Linux command line yet, but give me another day or two... One could also apparently run Microsoft Windows XP SP2 on the Eee as well, but - why? This KDE Linux imlpementation is very smooth and small...
I am having one problem with setting up my wireless access, though - it is complaining that my WPA-PSK key, which is a passphrase that has been working on four other computers for over two years now, is an "Unsupported key format or length!". I have not been able to resolve this issue yet, so although the Eee sees my Wireless-N home network, it will not connect. I will be testing ASUS' user support for this issue.
Browsing the web with a wired connection using FireFox is working fine, as is the "Auto Update" patching feature under "Add/Remove Software". The unit is small, fast, capable, and cheap for what it offers.
Except for my weird WPA-PSK issue keeping me from using the wireless here on my home network, I must say that I already love this Eee. The list of supported hardware included the SanDisk Ultra ][ 1 GB, but I had same in 2 GB - put it in my Eee, and sure enough, it gave me a 1.89 GB fs.
I foresee a lot of fun portability with the Eee, and I may have a hard time giving it up to my daughter once she can start using it - five months may be a little too young, and she has to concentrate on that whole "solid foods transitions" before she starts Googling and going Wiki! ;-)
PROs: Size, Usability, Quality, Price, Extensibility; CONs: WPA-PSK issue, no direct Linux CLI, more RAM in 8G.
Slim Randles
· 2 years ago
Does this thing come with a cord to recharge the battery? It doesn't say.
Andrew Snyder
· 2 years ago
Yup - comes with charger, battery (good for 3.5 hours, they say), carry slip and manuals. Everything in pearl white - nice packaging.
bc
· 2 years ago
I'm really tempted by this thing -- but only 4 GB onboard storage? That gives me pause -- how much of that is left when the OS and installed apps are taken into account? Size and weight -- fantastic -- but given that Linux doesn't permit a "sleep" mode (unless things have improved since I last tried getting a laptop to function as an actual portable machine under Linux, as opposed to a "desktop replacement" that one simply leaves running 24/7/12) I'm not sure this thing will work for me. I'm puzzled by Andrew Snyder's comment about not being able to find a command line -- is there no terminal emulator provided? No xterm, konsole...? Can one at least boot to a console? Give me a terminal emulator, elinks, nano and mplayer, and I've got about 4/5ths of what I want from a computer. If the philosophy behind this OS here is "Cli, who needs a cli?" then I can't use it.
How does one update packages? And is the OS (just which Linux flavor is it, anyway?) provided on disk --- ok, there is no optical drive, I know, still one would like to have a backup on hard media to restore the machine from a network if things get messed up... And how's the documentation?
Thanks for sharing your impressions so far -- I hope you keep us posted on your adventures. I'm glad it's white. I hate white. That'll keep me from impulsively buying it -- even though I really really really want one... (sigh)
Most buyers are buying first and asking questions later. When this went on sale in Taiwan, rumor has it that it sold out at the rate of one very four seconds.
bc
· 2 years ago
Further in the "answering my own questions dept" -- apparently there IS a standby mode! http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/review/... Ok, I'm sold. I just hope the supply shortages don't result in any carelessness in putting these things together as the company tries to meet demand. (I got burned by Apple -- which uses a lot of Asus components, I believe -- and I hope Asus quality control is better when their own name is on the box)
Dave B
· 2 years ago
Asus is coming out with an 8GB model (with more RAM as well), but probably not until January or later. (Hard to tell with the eee PC--the model that's out now was originally to be available in the U.S. in Sept.)
Thanks for the comments from those who've used the eee PC. I hope to get into J&R this weekend to try it out in person.
RE: Colors: I've heard Asus is making the eee PC in other colors, such as black, green, etc., but don't know when they'll be available. You might find more info on this and the other models at the official Web site, www.eeepc.asus.com/en/
Jim B
· 2 years ago
Andrew Snyder, I had the same Wi-FI problem with Laptop last summer. Use the Hex key NOT the passphase. You can look at a working system to find the 10 digit hex key. -- Jim
Mobility Scooters
· 2 months ago
The deign is very sleek and elegent. The small size of the machine make it more like able to business people. But there might be typing problem in this.
Jim B
· 2 years ago
Andrew: I believe I found the 10 digit hex key in the router. Linux dies not use the passphase. It took me several days to figure this out last summer when trying to connect to my son-in-laws system with my Linux laptop. Hope this helps. -- Jim
Anna
· 2 years ago
I plan to buy one to use when travelling. I'm a wireless newbie - how would I get the hex key if I'm at Starbucks? In a small hotel in Asia? In a park that's got Hot Spots? Thanks.
Andrew Snyder
· 2 years ago
Jim B. - thanks a lot - tried hex key, but still not working; thinking from some other posts that maybe my passphrase is too long for Linux's liking? 22 characters, all text with spaces and ending with a period - nothing fancy! Still trying... thanks for your kind assistance! Will let you know when I crack this.
Andrew Snyder
· 2 years ago
NAILED IT!! Eee PC does NOT like "space" characters in the passphrase! Replace with "underscores" _ and all works GREAT!! From post below, with MANY thanks to xeinios :
Got the EEE yesterday and joined it to a number of WEP networks right away.
I was having a hard time with WPA or WPA2 networks, but I found my problem easily enough - the "network manager" tool didn't like having spaces in the passphrase - the script underneath it would parse the spaces incorrectly and create a munged /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf.ath0. I tested this out on my home access point (wrt54g running dd-wrt), created a WPA passphrase with spaces, " ", and this resulted in the following logs:
Configuring interface ath0=lan4 (inet) run-parts --verbose /etc/network/if-pre-up.d Starting WPA wireless connection... /etc/network/if-pre-up.d/0001xandros-wireless-tools: line 307: [: too many arguments
wpa_supplicant then fails to start correctly and the connection gets stuck in "Pending" mode indefinitely.
I then replaced the spaces in the passphrase with underscores "_", and problems solved. Connected right away to WPA and WPA2. I haven't bothered testing to see what other characters are parsed poorly, but this is decidedly a software issue rather than a hardware issue.
Cheers, xeinios
Jim B
· 2 years ago
Anna - Starbucks either would not use a key or if they did they could tell you the key value.
Andrew: Ok on the passphrase with spaces. I'll bet then it would work if you had quoted the passphrase string as that would parse to one argument.
Andrew Snyder
· 2 years ago
Jim - Thanks, I'm sure you're right - I didn't think to try encapsulating the WPA key in quotes. Note to self for next time.
Anna - I will be trying some WiFi in the Wild soon, and will report back my findings: Borders, StarBucks... any other requests?
BTW, I added the two "tweaks" cited in bc's post above: Start menu and Gimp / additional software; both work great!
I was planning on buying one yesterday but it went out of stock :( But this gives me a little time to look over the specs. Some questions for those who own this machine - 1. Is it possible to remove the built-in OS and install something different, like say, Ubuntu (Gnome ) based. If so how?
2. When they say solid state memory, is it some form of a generic memory card or is bundled into the motherboard and we have no access to it. Same thing with DDR2 memory - can we add more on our own?
3. The description says that it uses a mobile processor. However I wasn't able to find the exact specs for the processor. And how is the fan performance? Three laptops I have owned in the past have had rather noisy processor fans. With such a tiny casing, does the EEEPC have good ventilation, etc.
4. Can it be made to boot from a USB drive in case we want to test drive some OS which allows you to use its features before you install it?
Any info. on these points would be wonderful.
Thanks guys!
Anna
· 2 years ago
Thanks, guys.
I got mine yesterday - it is VERY nice. Quiet, solidly built, runs a bit warm, easy to connect wirelessly to an unsecured user in my building. The info on quotes around the passphrase sounds like this is now a non-issue.
The resident Linux guru at work played with mine and fell in love. It is a customization of Xandros 4 Linux which he said is Gnome based.
There are a bunch of forums around, including how to get to the command line and what variations of Linux installs, etc. I plan have a friend hack mine to advanced mode so I can install GIMP 2.4 photo editing sw, which is very powerful. I may also delete some of the pre-installed sw, to free up space. If I find the links that were helpful, I'll post them.
People have installed XP on a removable SD card - whether you can boot from it I don't know. According to Forbes, Microsoft has a deal to sell XP to Asus buyers for $40.
I've got a triple boot EEE (using an external USB HD) and its great. Xandros for web/portability. Kubuntu for clever stuff and XP to allow me to migrate my old laptop finance package over (and games ).
Estella
· 2 years ago
The forum.eeeuser.com has a wealth of knowledge about hacking this machine and running it starting up with the full menu, or installing XP on it. I have a 16GB Patriot SDHD card working fine in the slot and I had intended to install XP, but I am enjoying the speed of the Xandros so much that I decided to keep the OS as is. You can play Linux games on it; you can access another PC via remote browser; you can listen and watch anything on an attached iPod on ithe eee's screen; the only thing I am missing is a photo editing program and the ability to download library books directly from NYPL.com and Audible (but burned MP3 from both can be played on the Eee). An awesome little machine for the price. I wish some people would stop saying it's for women and children - many executives are not tech savvy and don't do anything more extensive than e-mail, spreadsheets and internet - all of which is handled well here.
LINDA REED
· 2 years ago
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THE PRICE OF THE ASUA EEE PC 701 AND HOW I AM ABLE TO ORDER ONE, THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A PLACE TO DO THAT , PLEASE GIVE ME SOME INFO.
ALK
· 2 years ago
Linda -- Click the link in the article. It'll take you to a product page and you can order the laptop there.
Ethan
· 2 years ago
I went to JR to look at this model when it first came out. I was ready to purchase it on the spot but after asking some questions which the salesperson could not answer, i decided against the purchase. My concerns are as follows:
1) I was told that not all printers are Linux compatible which means that I might not be able to print with the printer I own.
2) I was also told that only certain flash drives are compatible with Linux so the flash drive i currently own may not operate. This is a very significant concern to me since it is important that i am able to transfer files to my primary computer.
3) I was told that this machine may or may not be able to network with my current home network. Does anyone know if I can add this device to my network at home?
4) Also does anyone know what the compatibility of the files created on the Linux Open Office is like with Microsoft office suite? I surely would need to open and edit documents with portability.
Thanks! -e
Jorge Pe
· 2 years ago
Ethan: the salesperson was just giving you the "safe" answers for your first 3 questions. The same can be replied about XP / Vista.
Compatibility issues are "native" to Linux because hardware manufacturers do not usually post drivers for other OS than Windows. On the other hand, there is a community of some million users eager to solve any issues. I recently fully switched to Kubuntu (from XP) and solved all the compatibility issues googling arround. It took me no more than 20 min. to solve anything. I now have a dual boot with XP and, among other things, I share all the configurations for Thunderbird and Firefox in the two OS. Just googling arround...
As of Open Office (OOo), it's usually "almost full" MS Office compatible (it's always evolving and getting better). Not that I can say the same from MS Office. OOo can save your work in its native, and ISO standard, Open Document Format (ODF), or it can save it in .DOC format. Even more, you can tell OOo to fully forget about ODF and just always save in .DOC if you are a MS Office regular. I've been a full user of OOo in Windows and Linux for more than 4 years now and never found nothing so "bizarre" that OOo couldn't handle.
Regards, J
Jorge Pe
· 2 years ago
BTW, I've just bought my EEE ;-)
Arrives next week...
Gail Richard
· 2 years ago
I received my EEE yesterday and it's the cutest thing. I really think I'm going to love it. It works on my LAN. But I need help. I'm not particularly computer savvy and I just can't connect to Wireless. I've tried my home network (fios), I've tried Starbucks, you name it. The connection shows up in Network Connections, but It never asks for a passcode. It just starts connecting, runs through details and ends with "No DNCPOFFERS received" No working leases in persistent database -- sleeping". It's the same on any wireless network I've tried. What am I missing? Appreciate any help anyone can provide for someone who doesn't talk techno. Thanks.
Anna
· 2 years ago
Anyone interested in a serious photo editor should have the Asus hacked to advanced mode and then install GIMP 2.4. There are instructions for hacking it on various Web sites. You can buy books on how to use GIMP.
I wonder whether my Huey would work on this - then I could calibrate my screen...
Anna
· 2 years ago
Gail:
I get those messages when the wireless signal isn't strong enough. I know that it happens when signals are below 40%. Look at the signal strength, make sure the connection is unlocked, and see if that is a factor.
I haven't tried Starbucks and I'm not wireless at home.
Mike Cane
· 2 years ago
Does GIMP work well on the Eee? You must be using a mouse with it? How much space does it take up? My photo editing needs are basic -- resize, crop, straighten, red-eye reduction, and minor color correction -- but it seems GIMP is the only package to use for Linux (I'm probably wrong... so, OK, it's the only one I've heard of!). Did it take much pain to install on the Eee?
Cary Hall
· 2 years ago
Hi, I hope someone can help or guide me.
I'm shopping for something portable for: 1. Genealogy (family history) 2. Photos (Jpeg mostly) 3. Word/Excel documents 4. WiFi & Music would be a big PLUS!
I started looking into PDA's but ran across this product. At this point I'm not informed enough about either to make a proper decision.
I currently use Family Tree Maker 16 on my desktop. It has a Gedcom feature to download my data into a genealogy program on a handheld. I've found several genealogy programs online that can be download to PDA's but I don't know if they can be downloaded to this product too. Family Tree Maker can also save my data into a PDF file.
Can anyone offer any help or suggestions? Thanks, Cary
Kyle
· 1 year ago
I am a college student and an avid coffee house reader. I love to write but I find it difficult to lug my 15 inch dell around everywhere I go, especially when the battery is so weak. I am looking for a small easily portable lap top for mainly writing and internet usage. I have grown to love the idea of the ASUS, however I am afraid the screen is too small or the keyboard is too compact. Is this the computer for me? I would love any buyers advice.
Thanks, Kyle
Arun
· 1 year ago
I'm going to India in less than 2 weeks, and I'm looking for something that will allow me to get online and blog -- this seems perfect.... BUT>>>>> I'm also wondering about uploading photos and videos....... Has anybody actually tried uploading videos to YouTube from this thing??? What about the FlipVideo camera? Is it compatible?? I have a feeling it won't work....
nana
· 1 year ago
how much is it?
br
· 1 year ago
I am looking for the smallest cheapest machine i can get for traveling,just to be able to WRITE AND EMAIL.I DO NOT MEAN MOBILE PHONES!! JUST A TINY LAPTOP. DO NOT IGNORE PLEEEEEEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Currently selling at $399.99, it performs most of the tasks of a desktop computer but is extremely lightweight and portable. Emailing and web surfing is a breeze, as well as multimedia applications such as uploading photos and streaming video. It comes with a built-in web cam for capturing and streaming photos and a built-in wireless card that allows you to connect to your local hot spots.
I really want to get this but can someone please help me understand the whole deal with having two different systems (like Linux and XP)? I do not understand this whole computer talk so can someone break it down for me? Also, I read on someone's post that not all printers and flash drives work on Eee. So I have an HP printer and I want to know if it would be able to work well. Anyone, please help me answer these questions. I really want to buy one but I am just kind of hesitant.
ANNE
· 1 year ago
does anyone know if I can use i-tunes on this thing??
RobinDC
· 1 year ago
No, Linux cannot run iTunes.
NCN
· 1 year ago
I'm on the verge of buying two of these. After carrying my 6.2 lbs laptop to school everynight, the idea of this little thing is so attractive! So I have some questions. I don't know anything about memory except that my current laptop says it has 2gb (which apparently is a lot). If this is 4gb, isn't that more than my current laptop? If it isn't, am I going to need more? Can I just take the little guy to GeekSquad and have them add more if I need it? I really just want it to take notes in class, surf the web, email, etc. I have a flash stick currently on which I have all my school stuff, am I going to be able to pull them up on the EEE? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Michelle
· 1 year ago
I am interested in the ASUS been reading about it for a week but still I was wondering can this computer play DVD's or how can you?
Yul
· 1 year ago
I have read many comments on Asus Eee PC 4G and it appeals to me for its portability, friendly interface, build quality, bundled programs and the price. To me, one question remains and I hope someone here will be kind enough to share the knowledge:
Does the U.S. version of Eee PC 4G capable of displaying and entering East Asian languages e.g., Traditional Chinese and Japanese?
I would very much like to read and write in those languages (in addition to English) in the OpenOffice documents and on the web pages.
The topic started out with Japanese text support, but in the replies I also saw the screen shots that applied to other languages as well.
Bill Bradley
· 1 year ago
I am very interested in this machine. Use alot of Office and Wordperfect Office in Windows. Has anyone had the expereince of removing the Linux OS and replacing it with Windows? Let me know since my local computer shop is looking at a charge for this and if I can do ti myself, it may be worth it.
someone help me... i've got my asus eepc installed windows xp opearting system... then the i cant play songs anymore, and i cant even use the webcam... what am i supposed to do??
Lisa
· 1 year ago
Is there a basic photo editor that can be used with Linux that doesn't require hacking knowledge? I just need to rotate, crop, and adjust contrast.
john matthew
· 1 year ago
can any one tell me how you use the @ key as in sending a e mail. the buttons not the same as normal pc
Cathy C Hall
· 1 year ago
Can I use Skype on it? I'm traveling to Europe, will need a computer and a cell...unless I can use skype on this one.
Robert
· 1 year ago
Just got one, problems connecting to a bunch of wifi spots, tech says that WPA is a known problem and to stick to WEP only...will have to see when I get it home.
So far, no luck connecting to wifi at work, or around work.....
Taking back if no luck elsewhere...it is not as portable if it can't connect!
Patrick Matthiesen
· 1 year ago
Can anyone report on their experiences as to how well XP runs on this machine and whether it is then compatable with Outlook Express and Access?
Maeve
· 1 year ago
I bought my eee for a month-long trip to France in April. I was able to get on line with it everywhere, even while riding on the TGV (train).
BUT I can't get onto my own home wireless network with it. I can get on to some nearby neighbor's, but not onto my own. It didn't work with a D-link router and it doesn't work with my new Apple Express. I have a desktop and another laptop that DO connect.
I don't know what a "pass phrase" is, so I don't know if mine has spaces. I don't see how to change any settings for WEP or WPA thingies.
Can anyone give me an easy way to fix this?
PS to Cathy C: My eee came with Skype on it.
Laptop Reviews
· 9 months ago
Not the best mini notebook around i must say, it was then but now there are 2 times better then this toy
p0ps
· 9 months ago
lapto previews - what would you recommend for a 10 inch Linux, flashdrive gnetbook?
moorepat
· 3 months ago
I have an Eeec I need to find a manual so that I can find out what all the usb ports and the other parts on each side. email me please at Shastaimages@aol.com thank you Pat Moore
All Comments
It is a great GUI, definitely easy-to-use without being condescending. It is fun to see the Linux under the hood, like in "Task Manager" under "Shut Down", which is really a dynamic "top" of the Unix process table for fellow propeller-heads. I haven't figured out how to get to a Linux command line yet, but give me another day or two... One could also apparently run Microsoft Windows XP SP2 on the Eee as well, but - why? This KDE Linux imlpementation is very smooth and small...
I am having one problem with setting up my wireless access, though - it is complaining that my WPA-PSK key, which is a passphrase that has been working on four other computers for over two years now, is an "Unsupported key format or length!". I have not been able to resolve this issue yet, so although the Eee sees my Wireless-N home network, it will not connect. I will be testing ASUS' user support for this issue.
Browsing the web with a wired connection using FireFox is working fine, as is the "Auto Update" patching feature under "Add/Remove Software". The unit is small, fast, capable, and cheap for what it offers.
Except for my weird WPA-PSK issue keeping me from using the wireless here on my home network, I must say that I already love this Eee. The list of supported hardware included the SanDisk Ultra ][ 1 GB, but I had same in 2 GB - put it in my Eee, and sure enough, it gave me a 1.89 GB fs.
I foresee a lot of fun portability with the Eee, and I may have a hard time giving it up to my daughter once she can start using it - five months may be a little too young, and she has to concentrate on that whole "solid foods transitions" before she starts Googling and going Wiki! ;-)
PROs: Size, Usability, Quality, Price, Extensibility;
CONs: WPA-PSK issue, no direct Linux CLI, more RAM in 8G.
I'm puzzled by Andrew Snyder's comment about not being able to find a command line -- is there no terminal emulator provided? No xterm, konsole...? Can one at least boot to a console? Give me a terminal emulator, elinks, nano and mplayer, and I've got about 4/5ths of what I want from a computer. If the philosophy behind this OS here is "Cli, who needs a cli?" then I can't use it.
How does one update packages? And is the OS (just which Linux flavor is it, anyway?) provided on disk --- ok, there is no optical drive, I know, still one would like to have a backup on hard media to restore the machine from a network if things get messed up... And how's the documentation?
Thanks for sharing your impressions so far -- I hope you keep us posted on your adventures.
I'm glad it's white. I hate white. That'll keep me from impulsively buying it -- even though I really really really want one... (sigh)
Ok, I'm sold. I just hope the supply shortages don't result in any carelessness in putting these things together as the company tries to meet demand. (I got burned by Apple -- which uses a lot of Asus components, I believe -- and I hope Asus quality control is better when their own name is on the box)
Thanks for the comments from those who've used the eee PC. I hope to get into J&R this weekend to try it out in person.
RE: Colors: I've heard Asus is making the eee PC in other colors, such as black, green, etc., but don't know when they'll be available. You might find more info on this and the other models at the official Web site, www.eeepc.asus.com/en/
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=775&a...
Got the EEE yesterday and joined it to a number of WEP networks right away.
I was having a hard time with WPA or WPA2 networks, but I found my problem easily enough - the "network manager" tool didn't like having spaces in the passphrase - the script underneath it would parse the spaces incorrectly and create a munged /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf.ath0. I tested this out on my home access point (wrt54g running dd-wrt), created a WPA passphrase with spaces, " ", and this resulted in the following logs:
Configuring interface ath0=lan4 (inet)
run-parts --verbose /etc/network/if-pre-up.d
Starting WPA wireless connection...
/etc/network/if-pre-up.d/0001xandros-wireless-tools: line 307: [: too
many arguments
wpa_supplicant then fails to start correctly and the connection gets stuck in "Pending" mode indefinitely.
I then replaced the spaces in the passphrase with underscores "_", and problems solved. Connected right away to WPA and WPA2. I haven't bothered testing to see what other characters are parsed poorly, but this is decidedly a software issue rather than a hardware issue.
Cheers,
xeinios
Andrew: Ok on the passphrase with spaces. I'll bet then it would work if you had quoted the passphrase string as that would parse to one argument.
Anna - I will be trying some WiFi in the Wild soon, and will report back my findings: Borders, StarBucks... any other requests?
BTW, I added the two "tweaks" cited in bc's post above: Start menu and Gimp / additional software; both work great!
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsI...
1. Is it possible to remove the built-in OS and install something different, like say, Ubuntu (Gnome ) based. If so how?
2. When they say solid state memory, is it some form of a generic memory card or is bundled into the motherboard and we have no access to it. Same thing with DDR2 memory - can we add more on our own?
3. The description says that it uses a mobile processor. However I wasn't able to find the exact specs for the processor. And how is the fan performance? Three laptops I have owned in the past have had rather noisy processor fans. With such a tiny casing, does the EEEPC have good ventilation, etc.
4. Can it be made to boot from a USB drive in case we want to test drive some OS which allows you to use its features before you install it?
Any info. on these points would be wonderful.
Thanks guys!
I got mine yesterday - it is VERY nice. Quiet, solidly built, runs a bit warm, easy to connect wirelessly to an unsecured user in my building. The info on quotes around the passphrase sounds like this is now a non-issue.
The resident Linux guru at work played with mine and fell in love. It is a customization of Xandros 4 Linux which he said is Gnome based.
There are a bunch of forums around, including how to get to the command line and what variations of Linux installs, etc. I plan have a friend hack mine to advanced mode so I can install GIMP 2.4 photo editing sw, which is very powerful. I may also delete some of the pre-installed sw, to free up space. If I find the links that were helpful, I'll post them.
People have installed XP on a removable SD card - whether you can boot from it I don't know. According to Forbes, Microsoft has a deal to sell XP to Asus buyers for $40.
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/list:othersoftware
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/11/06/eee-pc-...
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=875
Photo:
http://gimp.org/release-notes/gimp-2.4.html
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/howto:addrawphotoediting
On http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=775&a... cited above, someone writes
I've got a triple boot EEE (using an external USB HD) and its great. Xandros for web/portability. Kubuntu for clever stuff and XP to allow me to migrate my old laptop finance package over (and games ).
1) I was told that not all printers are Linux compatible which means that I might not be able to print with the printer I own.
2) I was also told that only certain flash drives are compatible with Linux so the flash drive i currently own may not operate. This is a very significant concern to me since it is important that i am able to transfer files to my primary computer.
3) I was told that this machine may or may not be able to network with my current home network. Does anyone know if I can add this device to my network at home?
4) Also does anyone know what the compatibility of the files created on the Linux Open Office is like with Microsoft office suite? I surely would need to open and edit documents with portability.
Thanks!
-e
Compatibility issues are "native" to Linux because hardware manufacturers do not usually post drivers for other OS than Windows. On the other hand, there is a community of some million users eager to solve any issues. I recently fully switched to Kubuntu (from XP) and solved all the compatibility issues googling arround. It took me no more than 20 min. to solve anything. I now have a dual boot with XP and, among other things, I share all the configurations for Thunderbird and Firefox in the two OS. Just googling arround...
As of Open Office (OOo), it's usually "almost full" MS Office compatible (it's always evolving and getting better). Not that I can say the same from MS Office. OOo can save your work in its native, and ISO standard, Open Document Format (ODF), or it can save it in .DOC format. Even more, you can tell OOo to fully forget about ODF and just always save in .DOC if you are a MS Office regular. I've been a full user of OOo in Windows and Linux for more than 4 years now and never found nothing so "bizarre" that OOo couldn't handle.
Regards,
J
Arrives next week...
I wonder whether my Huey would work on this - then I could calibrate my screen...
I get those messages when the wireless signal isn't strong enough. I know that it happens when signals are below 40%. Look at the signal strength, make sure the connection is unlocked, and see if that is a factor.
I haven't tried Starbucks and I'm not wireless at home.
I hope someone can help or guide me.
I'm shopping for something portable for:
1. Genealogy (family history)
2. Photos (Jpeg mostly)
3. Word/Excel documents
4. WiFi & Music would be a big PLUS!
I started looking into PDA's but ran across this product. At this point I'm not informed enough about either to make a proper decision.
I currently use Family Tree Maker 16 on my desktop. It has a Gedcom feature to download my data into a genealogy program on a handheld. I've found several genealogy programs online that can be download to PDA's but I don't know if they can be downloaded to this product too.
Family Tree Maker can also save my data into a PDF file.
Can anyone offer any help or suggestions?
Thanks,
Cary
Thanks, Kyle
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product...
Currently selling at $399.99, it performs most of the tasks of a desktop computer but is extremely lightweight and portable. Emailing and web surfing is a breeze, as well as multimedia applications such as uploading photos and streaming video. It comes with a built-in web cam for capturing and streaming photos and a built-in wireless card that allows you to connect to your local hot spots.
Larone Stevens
www.jr.com
Larone Stevens
www.jr.com
Anyone, please help me answer these questions. I really want to buy one but I am just kind of hesitant.
Does the U.S. version of Eee PC 4G capable of displaying and entering East Asian languages e.g., Traditional Chinese and Japanese?
I would very much like to read and write in those languages (in addition to English) in the OpenOffice documents and on the web pages.
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=14406
The topic started out with Japanese text support, but in the replies I also saw the screen shots that applied to other languages as well.
http://www.eeeuser.com/
i've got my asus eepc
installed windows xp opearting system...
then the i cant play songs anymore,
and i cant even use the webcam...
what am i supposed to do??
So far, no luck connecting to wifi at work, or around work.....
Taking back if no luck elsewhere...it is not as portable if it can't connect!
BUT I can't get onto my own home wireless network with it. I can get on to some nearby neighbor's, but not onto my own. It didn't work with a D-link router and it doesn't work with my new Apple Express. I have a desktop and another laptop that DO connect.
I don't know what a "pass phrase" is, so I don't know if mine has spaces.
I don't see how to change any settings for WEP or WPA thingies.
Can anyone give me an easy way to fix this?
PS to Cathy C: My eee came with Skype on it.
flashdrive gnetbook?