[svlug] Eee shopping

[Scott Hess]

On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 1:35 AM, Bill Ward <bill at wards.net> wrote:
> So, I'm mostly decided I'll buy an Asus Eee PC.  Anyone here have one?
>   Ya like it?  Which model and where should I buy it, is the
>  question...

I have one which I use for personal travel (in preference to whatever
random virus-infected console I can find).  I like it well enough.  I
don't see it as a desktop or laptop replacement, I see it as more
comfortable than an iPhone or Blackberry for extended usage (and I
don't have an iPhone or Blackberry).  So, for instance, I'll use it to
waste time on planes or while waiting for planes, and for checking
email between whatever else I'm doing at my destination.

I'd like to have the 1024x600 version, 800x480 is a bit small.  I'm
sure that the bigger one is a bit small, too, but even with Firefox in
full-screen mode lots of sites are a bit cramped at width 800.  The
bigger screen has no cost to the form factor, which was a big element
for me.  The keyboard is adequate for what I use it for.

The form factor and weight are MUCH better than a "real" laptop.  I
have a relatively small laptop (Compaq Presario V2000Z, I think), and
when folded the eee is less than half as big.  Very easy to just tuck
in somewhere.

[All this said, I've doubt I've gotten in 50 hours of use in six
months, so I don't think it's likely to have been a cost-effective
purchase for me in the long run.  I just don't travel enough :-).]

-scott