Stan Beer
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 15:36
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
The Eee PC 900 range, with a 8.9 inch screen in the same
form factor as the early model, was an improvement, although the
keyboard and other problems remained. A Windows XP version was released
and finally the Eee PC 1000HD, with a 10-inch screen, 1GB RAM, 80GB
hard drive, 3 USB ports, Celeron processor, choice of Windows XP or
Linux and very usable keyboard has arrived.
Testing the Eee PC 1000HD was a tipping point
experience for me. An original 7-inch Eee PC can now be had for
somewhere between $250 and $300. However, at just over $500 (including
a $100 cash back offer) from my local computer store, the Eee PC 1000HD
is a computer for its time.
I took my new Asus with Windows XP on its first field trip to Sydney a
couple of days ago armed only with a Telstra NextG 3G USB card for
online connectivity when away from my hotel room, which had a dedicated Ethernet network connection. My new computer passed its first outing with flying
colours.
I was able to connect to the net at will and, since I do most of my
computing in the cloud these days - Gmail, Google docs, Google
calendar, Skype - I virtually had access to the same desktop I have at
my office and home.
As I said earlier, the keyboard of the new Asus netbook is now sized
perfectly and the 1024 x 600 display is also more than acceptable. I
was able to do work comfortably with the only compromise being that I
needed to wear my reading glasses (something I don't need to do with a
22 inch monitor). I can live with that.
Aside from its functionality, the best part of having a netbook like
the 1000HD is its form factor and light weight. It's certainly slightly
bigger than the proverbial paperback (about 10 inches by 7 inches) and,
at just under 1.5 kg, it's a bit heavier than its super small
predecessors in the Eee PC family. However, it really is just about
right for travelling with - especially whipping it in and out of your
bag at airport security check points and for working with on your tray
table on board a plane.
Why did I choose to buy the Windows XP version? I have nothing against Linux. It's just that I live in a Windows world.
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