My ASUS EEEPC purchase decision and use

Tales of Going Ultra-Mobile: My EEEPC

In February 2008, I bought what might be termed an ultra-mobile notebook PC, an ASUS EEEPC. I started using it on February 13, 2008, and I'm updating my experience on this page. Overall, I'm pleased with the hardware and performance aspects of this computer. Its user interface, although it has colorful and big icons, in operation makes some simple things seem a bit confusing, and the online support information is not easy to use.

Last updated: July 11, 2008, 3:27 pm CDT (added info about hard case).

Why Did I get an EEEPC?

Weight (less than 1 kg). I can easily take it anywhere.
Small size (22.6 cm x 16 cm x 2 cm). It fits in my backpack as easily as a book.
Simple applications and operation. I want to focus on my work rather than spending time upgrading, adjusting, or paying for software.
WiFi capability. I can get online access as I go about town (at a cafe or at a meeting) or traveling.
Extra computer. I can use the EEEPC as an alternate computer in case my main computer goes out.

I have a good desktop computer, so I can do most of my work with a bigger screen, large hard disk, and good computing power. I can run applications like Photoshop and others on my desktop computer. My needs are simple otherwise. I need mobility more than power for a notebook PC.

How Did I Decide on the EEEPC?

I have long wanted a very small and mobile computer. Back in 1997, I bought a Casio Cassiopeia A-11, because it was small (17.3 cm x 2.5 cm x 9.1 cm) and light (380 g). It could exchange files with my PC easily and even had a spreadsheet application and word processing. It took AA batteries, so I could easily carry extras or buy new batteries anywhere. It had a slot for a Compact Flash card for extra memory. I could type very fast on its small keyboard, and I took this little computer on trips around the world because it could pack so easily--everywhere from NYC, to Hawaii, Hong Kong, London, Vienna, and more.

My Cassiopeia worked very well for several years, but then it gave out because it would not stay powered, and I judged the cost of repair exceeded its value.

Handheld PDA's took the world by storm for the next several years, but I was always concerned about getting locked into proprietary batteries, parts, and operating systems. I did get a laptop (although I was not happy with how heavy it was), so I didn't feel the need for a more mobile computer for a while (the laptop eventually died after 6 years of intensive use). I did not buy another laptop for awhile. Laptop computers, rather than getting simpler and lighter over the years, bloated to gargantuan weights and sizes and were loaded with vast amounts of things I would never need, want, or use. I therefore held off buying any of them. I was very disappointed with computer manufactures who were unable to discern that a market exists for people who want simple, lightweight devices that actually work.

For a desktop computer, I got a HP Slimline computer which is smaller than standard desktop computers. My desktop PC has 2 GB of memory and a 2.40 GHz processor. I also like small keyboards--I use a Crystal Visions compact keyboard that has touchpad; it is like a keyboard for a laptop computer in size. My preference for smaller computers and smaller keyboards meant that I was very interested in a small mobile computer.

The prevalance of WiFi and my interest in flickr re-awakened my desire for a mobile computer that I might use outside to write, check email, surf the Web, and post photos around town rather than relying just on my home desktop computer. I was looking in late 2007 and by 2008, I was about ready to buy something.

At the January 2008 meeting of Web414, raster (Pete) demonstrated his EEEPC, and so I got a chance to try it out.

Pete's account was favorable, and I definitely liked the size and weight of the computer, so I ordered the 4 G model in February when once I saw the 8 G model would be delayed. No other manufacturer that I could find had a reasonably-priced notebook computer for sale under 1 kg.

First Impressions?

Although I've handled a EEEPC before, I was surprised by its size. The best way to think about it is that it is just bigger in length and width (by about 1-2 cm) than a DVD case. In weight, even with the battery, it weighs about what a full 1 liter bottle of water would weigh. It does not feel heavy at all.

My impression is that it is a compact computer that seems well-built. I also appreciate that the AC adapter is not bulky or too heavy.

The operating system interface is a window manager with big, colorful web 2.0-style icons:

Setting Up the EEEPC

The computer was easy to set up. Just follow the Quick Use Guide in the box. Put in the battery and charge it fully. I was using the computer in minutes out of the box.

Some Adjustments

Settings->Touchpad: I adjusted the sensitivity of the touchpad to be higher (so that a slighter finger movement will cause the cursor to move) and the tapping time to halfway between slow and fast and disabled "faster tapping." I played around with these sittings until it corresponded to what I'm used to on my main computer's keyboard. Adjusting these settings seemed to help me feel more comfortable with the EEEPC as it then "felt right." I played the solitaire game quite a bit so as to get used to using the touchpad for dragging and dropping.
Settings->Personalization: I chose the "Blue" Desktop theme because it seemed to offer a clear contrast.

More Memory

Instead of the installed 512KB of memory, I wanted to have more. So I also purchased 1 GB of memory with the computer.

I watched this video for an overview of how to install the new memory. This video is just a bit confusing (besides its hard-driving disco beat!) in that it shows the new (1 GB) card being installed twice. The bottom line: you need to (at our own risk, but not voiding the warranty) open the back panel, take out the old memory (512 MB), and put in the new memory (1 GB) card. I was confused by the video as it shows the new card being put in twice (I guess for emphasis--those French!).

I got the new 1 GB of memory and turned the EEEPC off and upside down.

I opened the back panel, and then I took the old memory out and put the new memory in.

After replacing the panel and powering up the computer, I went to Settings->System Info and could see that my memory size now stood at 1024 MB.

I think it seems faster, but I am also getting used to the computer itself and getting a better feel for its response. My desktop PC has 2 GB of memory and a 2.40 GHz processor versus the 1 GB of memory upgrade and a 800 MHz processor for the EEEPC. The EEEPC is going to seem a bit sluggish to me.

I was able to open several applications at once with no problem:

More Storage Space

The 4 GB hard disk on the EEEPC is pretty awesome. Many ancient Geeks remember a time when a 10 MB hard drive on a PC was something to drool over!

I also purchased 8 GB SD HC Card with the computer. To use this, I put it in the slot on the right side of the computer. When in the slot, the EEEPC will detect it. An SD Card icon appeared in the taskbar. You can then use it to store documents.

I wanted to transfer some plain text files from the EEEPC to my desktop PC:

I inserted the SD card into the slot on the right side of the EEEPC. You need to push it all the way in until it catches and stays in. Once the EEEPC detects it is in, a window comes up to ask how to handle it. I clicked on OK to use the File Manager.
On the EEEPC, I used Work->File Manager to copy the plain text files I wanted to transfer onto the SD Card. A simple copy and paste transfer worked.
When the files were transferred, I did a right click on the SD Card icon in the taskbar and selected "Safely remove."
I then pushed in on the card's edge a bit, and it sprang back out, and I gently pulled the rest of the way out of the EEEPC. This is similar to the way an SD card operates in my digital camera.
I then put this SD card into the SD Card reader on my desktop PC (Windows Vista).
On my desktop PC, I went to Computer and looked in Removable Disk (H:), and there were the files.
I copied then and pasted them to my PC's hard disk, and they were fine.
I then did a right click on the Removable Disk (H:) on my desktop PC and selected "Safely Remove."
I then could take the SD Card out.

Back in ancient times (ask your parents or grandparents), something called "floppy disks" worked this same way: you could store things on them or transfer files from one computer to another. I'm glad this SD card file transfer system works so easily (the SD Card reader built-in to my desktop PC's chassis helps) as I simply want to use the EEEPC to write plain text files and then transfer them to my main PC. This is one alternative that does not use the Internet for transfer or storage. Note that I can reverse this process to get something onto the EEEPC.

Note that another use is to use igoogle.com and work with all your documents online and avoid this old-fashioned SD card stuff.

A Hard Case for the EEEPC!

I like to carry the EEEPC, but I don't want to carry it around in my backpack loose. I want to have some sturdy, water-tight container for it. After searching for a while, I found one!

I bought a plastic food container at a Target department store that is just the right size to hold an EEEPC. The container is made by Snapware® and is called the "MODS™ (Modular Organized Durable Storage) Food Container - Large 8 Cup Rectangular by Snapware®." Its dimensions are 2 inches x 10 inches x 8 inches with a volume of 8 cups (this is 5 cm x 25.4 cm x 20.3 cm with a volume of 1.8 liters). I paid $5.99 for it in the store.

You can buy a case like this at Organize.com online or check at your local retailer.

Put the EEEPC in its protective neoprene sleeve and then inside this MODS container. I can also fit in a small mint tin that holds my earbud/microphone (for skype calls).

With the cover on, there will be no rattle. Most importantly, the airtight seal keeps your data fresh!

Note that this container cannot fit the power adapter also. I carry that in a separate plastic container.

How Did I Put it To Use?

Local User Group I started a local user group for the EEEPC to network with other people (Milwaukee EEEPC User Group on Facebook) You might check into joining or forming a local user group in your area.

I intend to use the EEEPC right out of the box as a user. I don't intend (at least for now) to install a different operating system or tweak the system extensively. I don't intend to use the EEEPC as a project in itself, but to use it for writing text and surfing the Web.

Plain Text Editing

My main attraction to a mobile PC is that I can use it for writing. I write plain text files, not marked up documents. I figured out how to meet my needs in this area after a bit of confusion with the Notes application--which I won't be using.

To edit plain text files, I go to Work->File Manager and edit an already-existing text file. For the initial one, I created a little note using Work->Notes and saved it to my home directory. Then I closed the Notes application and won't be using it again.

From Work->File Manager, I can open this text file with Text Editor. I set the preferences and adjusted the font size to be a bit larger.

I can then edit a new text file based on the one I keep in my home directory on the EEEPC. (I can get a new plain text file using File->Save As or File->New).

I save these files to my home directory and then later copy them to an SD card and transfer them to my main computer. This is the main reason I own this EEEPC and will the major benefit of it to me: I can use the EEEPC to write text and then transfer the text files to my main computer.

I used the keyboard to write for about an hour and discovered that I quickly adjusted to it. I think I easily adjusted because I use a smaller keyboard every day as well as I got used to an even smaller keyboard on the Casio Cassiopeia. I think the keyboard is fine. It is a bit hard to see the tiny fonts on the screen.

An alternate way to create text files is to use the Linux shell and the vi editor (next section).

Linux Shell

Because I'm using this as a linux machine, I might want to use some simple Unix commands (Linux is a flavor of Unix) and the vi editor. To get to the shell prompt, go to Work->File Manager and then select Tools->Open Console Window. The shortcut is to just enter Ctrl+T in the File Manager.

In the shell, I adjusted settings. I set

Settings->Font: Font Monospace Regular 12
Settings->Size: Number of Columns 75; Number of Lines 15
Settings->Schema: Linux Colors
Settings->Save As Default

You can have open more shells at the same time by choosing Session->New Shell.

You can enter Unix commands:

You can also use the vi editor:

Music Player

I transferred music I own to the EEEPC using a SD Card. The small speakers are tinny sounding but OK considering their tiny size. I plugged in my little headphones, and the sound was good. A software program, SMPLayer, on the EEEPC plays the WMA music files fine. Also on the EEEPC was Music Manager software for organizing your music library. Music Manger also includes a player with some graphics.

Local Area Internet

The EEEPC has a Local Area Network (LAN) port, so all I needed to do to get the EEEPC on the Internet was to: 1) take the Ethernet cable out of the back of my desktop PC; and 2) plug the Ethernet cable it into the LAN port on the left side of the EEEPC.

Once the Ethernet cable was in the LAN port on the EEEPC, I clicked on Internet->Web, and the Mozilla Firefox browser came up. A Web page asked for my home DSL login information. I provided my DSL userid and password, and then I was surfing the Web. The browser was responsive and fast. I was amazed that most Web pages were readable in the very small font. A few required some scrolling to the right. At DSL modem speeds, it was not too much different than browsing the Web on my desktop computer, different only because of the slower processor speed on the EEEPC versus my desktop.

Once online, I updated the anti-virus software (Settings->Anti-Virus) and visited the Asus support site. I was slightly confused in what I needed to do to update anything on the computer. I was looking for the equivalent of the update service for Microsoft Windows, but I did not find it. Features on the support Website ("ASUS Navigation Wizard") didn't seem to work, and I was confused why they made this process seem so complicated, so I was disappointed that this online update service didn't seem easy to use.

Update Server

I am concerned about keeping my computer's operating system updated. I found out the way to do this by noticing some instructions on the last page of the EEEPC Quick Use Guide. To update the software:

Connect to the Internet
Coose Settings->Add/Remove Software
Look at Settings tab for updates

I did this to find:

The cryptic instructions: "Press 'Update' for updating; Please press 'Remove' for removing it after updating." made no sense to me and still make no sense to me. Does "remove" remove Skype itself or just the update notice (I would assume the latter, as why would you remove the software after updaing it)? Why wouldn't the update notice go away if I indeed successfully update it? I did click update:

I also updated the BIOS:

This process was time-consuming because the updates required a restart of the computer. Also, I still don't know if I am updated because the "Remove" buttons still show up. Remove the software? Remove the update notice? I was very disappointed that this was not easy to use and required so many time-consuming restarts of the computer.

I was confused if this update server was checking my Web browser software, so I also opened Internet->Web to bring up the Mozilla browser. I selected Help->Check for updates. There were no new updates to get.

One of the benefits of a simple computer is that I hope I don't have to engage in endless "upgrading" of software. I would like to keep the operating system updated and keep the virus protection software updated. I would like to have a small, simple, stable set of software which I can use to do work and avoid spending time "upgrading" software.

Wireless Internet

A benefit of owning the EEEPC is that I can get online access as I go about town (at a cafe or at a meeting) or traveling. To test this, I went to a local Panera Bread that offers free WiFi to its customers. Panera also has great coffee!

To set up the free WiFi, I used the keys fn and F2 (the radio tower icon is on F2 to remind you it relates to wireless network use). The blue light on the lower right corner of the EEEPC chassis will light up. From Internet->Wireless, I was able to detect the available wireless network at Panera.

I accepted the usage agreement and was able to browse the Web right away. Panera asks that you show courtesy to other customers and not extend your use or take up tables needed by other customers.

I was pleased with the speed of the wireless Internet. It seemed very responsive enough to read email, look up radar weather, and generally browse the Web.

I also tried out the WiFi in the public library:

I am concerned about Wireless security, so I finally found a (somewhat) consumer-oriented Web site about wireless security, GetWirelessSecure.org. I will use the free WiFi hotspots for casual Web browsing only and not access password-protected sites. There is very little consumer-oriented, non-technical information on WiFi security, and I found no consumer (user-oriented, not administrator or technical developer information) on WiFi security for the EEEPC.

Web Browser

I was concerned about the EEEPC's small screen size for browsing the Internet. My fears are allayed, because, in general, the browser is designed to show quite a bit of the screen in a legible fashion. Although the font is small, by sizing the browser to the the full width of the EEEPC screen, I can see online information fairly well.

Some sites required a bit of horizontal scrolling to see the entire Web page. Horizontal scrollbars in the browser allow you to scroll horizontally across Web pages that are wide.

But in general, the way the browser and screen work together to get maximum viewing information into a small space is impressive. For comparison, here is the Web page you are reading in the EEEPC:

EEEPC + Wireless + Skype = Telephone!

When I cancelled my landline phone, AT&T also temporarily discontinued my DSL--which I had to re-order as "dry loop" DSL = DSL without a landline. Without any Internet at home for a week or landline phone anymore, I was able to make do with my EEEPC and cellphone.

Voice Command

You can use Settings->Voice Command to allow you to bring up a limited number of applications with your voice. You can't run these applications, but just bring them up. I therefore couldn't figure out anything useful about this except to impress someone.

To impress someone with this, turn on the Voice command with Settings->Voice command. Then rightclick the voice command icon on the taskbar and toggle Enable. Then close any other applications you have running. Go get a friend ask if they would like to witness your ability to command your computer by voice. If you find anyone who would do this, at the computer, fold your arms (for dramatic effect), and then say "Computer Clock!" and wait for the world clock to come up. Then say, "Computer Calculator!" and a calculator will appear over the clock. Turn to your friend and nod sagely. Your friend may (or may not) be impressed.

Miscellaneous Adjustments

Favorites->Customize: I chose to put some things that I might be using frequently here to find them easily: World Clock, File Manager, and Diagnostic Tools. This area is useful for shortcuts to things that you want to use that otherwise might be deep within the tabs. For example, Planetarium is in Learn->Science, and you could put a shortcut here in the Favorites to get through to it more quickly.
I registered through vip.asus.com and recorded the serial number of my EEEPC; this site also gave me access to related information.
I put documents in PDF form on my desktop computer and also a copy on the EEEPC in MyDocuments->MyEbooks (documents available at support.asus.com):
- EEEPC User's Manual
- EEEPC Quick Use Guide
I noted the useful power-saving "How-To Tips" on last page of EEEPC Quick Use Guide:
- Turn off WiFi <fn>+<f2> (f2 symbol = radio tower)
- Dim screen <fn>+<f3> (f3 symbol = dark sun)
- Reduce volume <fn>+<f8> (f8 symbol = down arrow speaker)
- Turn off speaker <fn>+<f7> (f7 symbol = speaker on/off toggle)
Little tips I figured out
- Click on the arrow at the bottom right corner of the screen to toggle the taskbar at the bottom of the screen on and off
- I use the 8 GB SD card I bought for the EEEPC in my digital camera. To transfer files from the EEEPC to my desktop computer, I use a 2 GB SD card which is plenty. I like having the 8 GB just in case, though.

Could I live with the EEEPC as My One and Only?

Yes, I could. I would need to install a C compiler (or find it) on the current operating system because I use C programs in my Web work. I believe I could then do everything else I would need on the EEEPC. If I were to travel and work extensively, I would be confident with the EEEPC. However, I still am worried about Wireless security, so I would have to seek out Local Area Network (LAN) access points to the Internet for regular or seek an encryped wireless network for more secure work.

I love the keyboard size and don't have a problem with the screen size although if it were a bit bigger, I would like that. If the hard drive storage were around 10 G or so, that would be nice, but I can deal with using the SD Card slot.

I would want there to be a better operating system update service, and I would remove every piece of software I didn't use. I always seek to use simple software that does not need to be continuously updated, as I don't want to spend several hours per week "upgrading" software or dealing with the problems created by "upgraded" software. I seek a stable set of simple software.

I have no need for: printer, DVD player, more software, bigger keyboard, etc.

I am going to take care of this EEEPC, as I suspect future models will bloat in size and weight and features. I make these resolutions, however:

From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any notebook computer that weighs more than 1 kilogram.
From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any notebook computer that does not fit in the MODS™ Food Container - Large 8 Cup Rectangular by Snapware® (used as hard case--put the EEEPC in its protective neoprene sleeve).

Things to Do

~~Figure out hard case and photograph~~
Internet->Internet Radio
Test web cam
Test Crystal Visions keyboard in USB port
Test external monitor
Write out strategy for mobile computer use (comprehensive, desktop/eeepc, backups, storage, security, etc.)
Perhaps remove software I won't use
Photograph with charger, accessories
Summarize little customizations
Take photos on camera, post on flickr (and do remotely to demonstrate ability to be about town and post to flickr)
Alternative window manager?
Perhaps summarize pertinent specs

Details I Appreciate

Besides the deciding factors of weight, size, and simplicity of operation, I really appreciate some details of the EEEPC:

SD card slot. The SD card for the EEEPC works in my digital camera as well as in a slot on my desktop computer. This provides an easy way to transfer files among these devices and to store extra files. SD cards are readily available from many different manufacturers at reasonable cost. This is a good example of how to have interchangeable parts.
The lightweight AC adapter. I appreciate that the AC adapter is not heavy or bulky and has a long (3 m) cord. If you have a lightweight computer, a light AC adapter to carry around (because battery life never will exceed a couple of hours) is useful. The cord is long, at 3 meters, to allow you to reach an outlet.

How Could it Be Better?

AA Batteries (I know not practical). I am always worried about proprietary batteries. I would prefer batteries that are readily available and can be charged using different chargers. Batteries that also work in my digital camera (which takes AA) would be a huge bonus. But I realize that it would take too many for a device like the EEEPC. My point is that interchangeable parts are great for mobility. I wish that manufacturers would come up with a standard battery to power mobile devices, so I don't get locked into buying expensive, proprietary batteries from the computer manufacturer, and I could count on multiple sources of batteries (even buying one in a corner store while traveling).
Simplify the user interface and updates. The big, colorful icons are great, but doing something simple, like just editing a plain text file and saving it to disk, seems more complicated than it really should be. The operating system update service should be clear, cogent, concise, and much simpler. There should be clear, user-oriented protection settings for wireless Internet use.