ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

a flight attendant, returned from her first trip using the ASUS 900, I had to try again to resolve the wireless issue since she was unable to connect with the internet at hotels where she has always been able to connect with her Sharp. This time when I contacted Tech support, I got a better representative, we deleted the wireless adapter from device manager and reinstalled it. That seems to have fixed the problem, since yesterday we went to a public WiFi location and were able to establish an internet connection.

Now for the more serious drawbacks. I have Network Magic installed on the unit so downloaded files, some of which can be large, can be transfered to a server on our home network. This is to preserve precious disk space on the PC900. Unfortunately, I keep getting warnings that an important update for XP is available and needs to be installed. That update is XP SP3. That is where things got messy. The hard drive is partitioned with 3.75 GB devoted to C: and the remaining 8.25 GB assigned as D: Trying to install SP3 failed due to insufficient space on C:. I began looking for items to delete or remove from C: to try making room. After several hours of trying I called tech support seeking suggestions; they offered none. Only telling me I needed to remove stuff from C: to make room. So into Control Panel Add/Remove Software I went - looking for stuff to remove.

The machine comes with OEM software installed, some on C: some on D:, however, from Add Remove Software, I could not determine on which drive the software was installed, and regardless, shared files are on C: even if the program is installed on D:. Hours later, after removing software and trying to move files and directories on C: I still encountered the insufficient disk space message. I decided to forget about SP3 and return to my prior configuration. That is when I discovered that the Restore function is turned off and cannot be activated. I had now messed up my configuration and removed programs and moved files, which would not work properly and in some cases would not reinstall. Without Restore the only alternative was to hook up an external DVD Drive and return the machine to original configuration. Good bye hours of work installing and configuring other software.

Conclusion: Things work as advertised. The installed software is questionable. There is a DVD player without a DVD drive. Who in their right mind buys a miniature computer for convenience, then carries an external DVD player. Star Suite 8 is installed, taking 866mb of disc space and seems to be identical to Open Office that uses less than 375mb, Huh!!. In addition to the DVD player and Star Suite 8, the PC900 comes with Skype and MS Works. With disc space severely constrained, why are two office type programs installed? ASUS makes a 20GB hard drive version that has Linux installed, why they don't make that drive available with XP, I cannot understand. The larger drive would allow larger partitions and solve a host of problems. Another review talks about buying that model and installing XP, if you have the XP program and the know how, that certainly seems a better option. Would I buy this unit knowing what I know now, probably not.

I hope you find this review informative.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

a flight attendant, returned from her first trip using the ASUS 900, I had to try again to resolve the wireless issue since she was unable to connect with the internet at hotels where she has always been able to connect with her Sharp. This time when I contacted Tech support, I got a better representative, we deleted the wireless adapter from device manager and reinstalled it. That seems to have fixed the problem, since yesterday we went to a public WiFi location and were able to establish an internet connection.



Now for the more serious drawbacks. I have Network Magic installed on the unit so downloaded files, some of which can be large, can be transfered to a server on our home network. This is to preserve precious disk space on the PC900. Unfortunately, I keep getting warnings that an important update for XP is available and needs to be installed. That update is XP SP3. That is where things got messy. The hard drive is partitioned with 3.75 GB devoted to C: and the remaining 8.25 GB assigned as D: Trying to install SP3 failed due to insufficient space on C:. I began looking for items to delete or remove from C: to try making room. After several hours of trying I called tech support seeking suggestions; they offered none. Only telling me I needed to remove stuff from C: to make room. So into Control Panel Add/Remove Software I went - looking for stuff to remove.



The machine comes with OEM software installed, some on C: some on D:, however, from Add Remove Software, I could not determine on which drive the software was installed, and regardless, shared files are on C: even if the program is installed on D:. Hours later, after removing software and trying to move files and directories on C: I still encountered the insufficient disk space message. I decided to forget about SP3 and return to my prior configuration. That is when I discovered that the Restore function is turned off and cannot be activated. I had now messed up my configuration and removed programs and moved files, which would not work properly and in some cases would not reinstall. Without Restore the only alternative was to hook up an external DVD Drive and return the machine to original configuration. Good bye hours of work installing and configuring other software.



Conclusion: Things work as advertised. The installed software is questionable. There is a DVD player without a DVD drive. Who in their right mind buys a miniature computer for convenience, then carries an external DVD player. Star Suite 8 is installed, taking 866mb of disc space and seems to be identical to Open Office that uses less than 375mb, Huh!!. In addition to the DVD player and Star Suite 8, the PC900 comes with Skype and MS Works. With disc space severely constrained, why are two office type programs installed? ASUS makes a 20GB hard drive version that has Linux installed, why they don't make that drive available with XP, I cannot understand. The larger drive would allow larger partitions and solve a host of problems. Another review talks about buying that model and installing XP, if you have the XP program and the know how, that certainly seems a better option. Would I buy this unit knowing what I know now, probably not.



I hope you find this review informative.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

a flight attendant, returned from her first trip using the ASUS 900, I had to try again to resolve the wireless issue since she was unable to connect with the internet at hotels where she has always been able to connect with her Sharp. This time when I contacted Tech support, I got a better representative, we deleted the wireless adapter from device manager and reinstalled it. That seems to have fixed the problem, since yesterday we went to a public WiFi location and were able to establish an internet connection.





Now for the more serious drawbacks. I have Network Magic installed on the unit so downloaded files, some of which can be large, can be transfered to a server on our home network. This is to preserve precious disk space on the PC900. Unfortunately, I keep getting warnings that an important update for XP is available and needs to be installed. That update is XP SP3. That is where things got messy. The hard drive is partitioned with 3.75 GB devoted to C: and the remaining 8.25 GB assigned as D: Trying to install SP3 failed due to insufficient space on C:. I began looking for items to delete or remove from C: to try making room. After several hours of trying I called tech support seeking suggestions; they offered none. Only telling me I needed to remove stuff from C: to make room. So into Control Panel Add/Remove Software I went - looking for stuff to remove.





The machine comes with OEM software installed, some on C: some on D:, however, from Add Remove Software, I could not determine on which drive the software was installed, and regardless, shared files are on C: even if the program is installed on D:. Hours later, after removing software and trying to move files and directories on C: I still encountered the insufficient disk space message. I decided to forget about SP3 and return to my prior configuration. That is when I discovered that the Restore function is turned off and cannot be activated. I had now messed up my configuration and removed programs and moved files, which would not work properly and in some cases would not reinstall. Without Restore the only alternative was to hook up an external DVD Drive and return the machine to original configuration. Good bye hours of work installing and configuring other software.





Conclusion: Things work as advertised. The installed software is questionable. There is a DVD player without a DVD drive. Who in their right mind buys a miniature computer for convenience, then carries an external DVD player. Star Suite 8 is installed, taking 866mb of disc space and seems to be identical to Open Office that uses less than 375mb, Huh!!. In addition to the DVD player and Star Suite 8, the PC900 comes with Skype and MS Works. With disc space severely constrained, why are two office type programs installed? ASUS makes a 20GB hard drive version that has Linux installed, why they don't make that drive available with XP, I cannot understand. The larger drive would allow larger partitions and solve a host of problems. Another review talks about buying that model and installing XP, if you have the XP program and the know how, that certainly seems a better option. Would I buy this unit knowing what I know now, probably not.





I hope you find this review informative.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

a flight attendant, returned from her first trip using the ASUS 900, I had to try again to resolve the wireless issue since she was unable to connect with the internet at hotels where she has always been able to connect with her Sharp. This time when I contacted Tech support, I got a better representative, we deleted the wireless adapter from device manager and reinstalled it. That seems to have fixed the problem, since yesterday we went to a public WiFi location and were able to establish an internet connection.







Now for the more serious drawbacks. I have Network Magic installed on the unit so downloaded files, some of which can be large, can be transfered to a server on our home network. This is to preserve precious disk space on the PC900. Unfortunately, I keep getting warnings that an important update for XP is available and needs to be installed. That update is XP SP3. That is where things got messy. The hard drive is partitioned with 3.75 GB devoted to C: and the remaining 8.25 GB assigned as D: Trying to install SP3 failed due to insufficient space on C:. I began looking for items to delete or remove from C: to try making room. After several hours of trying I called tech support seeking suggestions; they offered none. Only telling me I needed to remove stuff from C: to make room. So into Control Panel Add/Remove Software I went - looking for stuff to remove.







The machine comes with OEM software installed, some on C: some on D:, however, from Add Remove Software, I could not determine on which drive the software was installed, and regardless, shared files are on C: even if the program is installed on D:. Hours later, after removing software and trying to move files and directories on C: I still encountered the insufficient disk space message. I decided to forget about SP3 and return to my prior configuration. That is when I discovered that the Restore function is turned off and cannot be activated. I had now messed up my configuration and removed programs and moved files, which would not work properly and in some cases would not reinstall. Without Restore the only alternative was to hook up an external DVD Drive and return the machine to original configuration. Good bye hours of work installing and configuring other software.







Conclusion: Things work as advertised. The installed software is questionable. There is a DVD player without a DVD drive. Who in their right mind buys a miniature computer for convenience, then carries an external DVD player. Star Suite 8 is installed, taking 866mb of disc space and seems to be identical to Open Office that uses less than 375mb, Huh!!. In addition to the DVD player and Star Suite 8, the PC900 comes with Skype and MS Works. With disc space severely constrained, why are two office type programs installed? ASUS makes a 20GB hard drive version that has Linux installed, why they don't make that drive available with XP, I cannot understand. The larger drive would allow larger partitions and solve a host of problems. Another review talks about buying that model and installing XP, if you have the XP program and the know how, that certainly seems a better option. Would I buy this unit knowing what I know now, probably not.







I hope you find this review informative.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

is too small, I would offer that aside from the obviously smaller measurements, the laptop has several options for enlarging the font, including the finger glide option that allows you to immediately enlarge the screen as needed. I learned that this is very similar to the I-phone feature. For those of us who are 40-somethings (like myself) this is really nice. Additionally, I have been able to get 3.5-4.0 hours battery use out of this computer each day before having to recharge.

The challenge I think, for most people will be getting used to the smaller keyboard, although I have been able to adjust fairly quickly. The shift key on the right is a bit smaller and so I have made a few errors due to this, but otherwise, it has not been a big deal. Several reviewers have recommended getting a small mouse to navigate more quickly. Other than this, I do not have any concerns. The laptop is very lightweight and several people have come up to ask to look at it and are very impressed by it. I love that I can quickly put this in my purse or book bag and just go.

Some final notes...one of the other reviewers commented that the 900 will be discontinued due to the fact that the company is preparing to come out with the 901 (and now the 1000) version(s). That's true, although I do not know that this information alone merits a lower rating for this particular device. I suspect that this may mean the price of this computer will begin to come down fairly soon when the new versions are released sometime later this summer or early Fall. The processor will be faster and on the 1000 version, the screen will be 10 inches and the keyboard will be 92% of a typical laptop which will be a plus for those who have large fingers or just want a more adequate keyboard to type on. If you are thinking about waiting, then you may also want to watch for what Dell is also about to offer in this category as a release date is pending soon. Check out the CNET or Engadget web sites for more information. But for those who want a device like the ASUS Eee 900, I do not believe you will be disappointed either. Having a sub notebook allows some additional flexibility that a heavier laptop does not and the 900 certainly meets that need. Thanks.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

is too small, I would offer that aside from the obviously smaller measurements, the laptop has several options for enlarging the font, including the finger glide option that allows you to immediately enlarge the screen as needed. I learned that this is very similar to the I-phone feature. For those of us who are 40-somethings (like myself) this is really nice. Additionally, I have been able to get 3.5-4.0 hours battery use out of this computer each day before having to recharge.



The challenge I think, for most people will be getting used to the smaller keyboard, although I have been able to adjust fairly quickly. The shift key on the right is a bit smaller and so I have made a few errors due to this, but otherwise, it has not been a big deal. Several reviewers have recommended getting a small mouse to navigate more quickly. Other than this, I do not have any concerns. The laptop is very lightweight and several people have come up to ask to look at it and are very impressed by it. I love that I can quickly put this in my purse or book bag and just go.



Some final notes...one of the other reviewers commented that the 900 will be discontinued due to the fact that the company is preparing to come out with the 901 (and now the 1000) version(s). That's true, although I do not know that this information alone merits a lower rating for this particular device. I suspect that this may mean the price of this computer will begin to come down fairly soon when the new versions are released sometime later this summer or early Fall. The processor will be faster and on the 1000 version, the screen will be 10 inches and the keyboard will be 92% of a typical laptop which will be a plus for those who have large fingers or just want a more adequate keyboard to type on. If you are thinking about waiting, then you may also want to watch for what Dell is also about to offer in this category as a release date is pending soon. Check out the CNET or Engadget web sites for more information. But for those who want a device like the ASUS Eee 900, I do not believe you will be disappointed either. Having a sub notebook allows some additional flexibility that a heavier laptop does not and the 900 certainly meets that need. Thanks.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

to install software either from the internet, a USB port, or from another PC on your home network (I shared out the CD drive from another pc on our network).

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

to be honest, I type faster on my cell phone's keyboard than my EEE.
I've just had the machine for a couple of days, so I'm hoping that eventually I'll get used to it.

It's great that it really has just about everything a "full size" laptop does (webcam, built in mic, speakers). I wish it had bluetooth as well, but I can get a USB for like $30 if I really need it.

Also, I read that some people (i think in the UK) got the lower powered battery (I think 4400 mah) but this comes with the better battery (the 5800 mah one).

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

storing photos and large documents.

There isn't a thing the EEE won't do. It make take a little longer than your regular computer but this is a great computer to stick in your briefcase or even a purse.

I highly recommend it.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

storing photos and large documents.



There isn't a thing the EEE won't do. It make take a little longer than your regular computer but this is a great computer to stick in your briefcase or even a purse.



I highly recommend it.

ASUS Eee PC 900X 8.9" Sub-Notebook

...

storing photos and large documents.





There isn't a thing the EEE won't do. It make take a little longer than your regular computer but this is a great computer to stick in your briefcase or even a purse.





I highly recommend it.