Going Ultra-Mobile: My EEEPC Netbook

Most recent updates:
February 6, 2009, 6:09 pm CST (The EEEPC charges a cell phone!)
February 4, 2009, 6:10 pm CST (The EEEPC saves the day!)
February 4, 2009, 6:25 pm CST (Using a Large Screen)

In February 2008, I bought what is now called a netbook (an small laptop computer), 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 Easy Mode user interface, although it has colorful and big icons, makes some simple things seem a bit confusing, and the online support information is not easy to use.

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 netbook 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 makers who were unable to discern that a market exists for people who want simple, lightweight devices that actually work. (I still am disappointed by most computer makers who remain clueless about the vast market for small, lightweight, simple computers that 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 small 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 that comes installed (called the Easy Mode interface) is a window manager with big, colorful web 2.0-style icons:

You can install a full desktop mode as an alternative interface.

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 settings 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:

1. 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.

   

2. 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.
3. When the files were transferred, I did a right click on the SD Card icon in the taskbar and selected "Safely remove."
4. 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.
5. I then put this SD card into the SD Card reader on my desktop PC (Windows Vista).

   

6. On my desktop PC, I went to Computer and looked in Removable Disk (H:), and there were the files.
7. I copied then and pasted them to my PC's hard disk, and they were fine.
8. I then did a right click on the Removable Disk (H:) on my desktop PC and selected "Safely Remove."
9. 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 choice is to use docs.google.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 in a set of Modular Organized Durable Storage (MODS) Food Storage Containers by Snapware. I also use other containers in this set to hold my camera and lenses in my backpack. These cases provide a waterproof and crush-resistant carrying case which help protect the electronics. People tell me you could carry food in these containers, but not food and electronics in the same container at once.

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?

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. This keyboard is not cramped! I wish any computer hardware reviewer who says netbook keyboards are cramped would actually use one for about an hour--it is easy to get used to. A small keyboard is faster because your fingers move less distance among the keys.

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->Custom: Font Monospace Regular 12
• Settings->Size->Custom: 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:

1. Connect to the Internet
2. Choose Settings->Add/Remove Software
3. Look at Settings tab for updates

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:

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.

Full Desktop

Although the Easy Mode interface that comes with the EEEPC is fine for most users, I prefer to have a desktop that looks more like the Unix workstations or windows interface on a PC that I've been using for decades. You can get a full desktop on the EEEPC fairly easily (the K Desktop Environment (KDE)). I followed these instructions for setting up the full desktop. There are more instructions at EEEUser, but cannot understand them--there is too much information, too many steps, too many options, and it is too confusing to follow. If you prepare or know of a clear, concise, cogent, comprehensible set of instructions, I'd love to link to them. In the meantime, here is what I did to get Full Desktop mode on my EEEPC:

1. I connected to the Internet by plugging the Ethernet cable from my DSL modem into the side of the EEEPC.
2. I went to Work->File Manager and hit Ctrl/T to get a terminal session
3. To gain root access, I entered sudo bash, and then I entered apt-get update

   

4. I entered apt-get install kicker

   

   I responded "y" and pressed return.

   

5. I entered apt-get install ksmserver

   

   I responded "y" and pressed return.

   

6. I then entered exit to exit root mode and exit again to exit the shell.

At the end of entering these instructions, I restarted the computer.

Then, when the Easy Mode interface came up, I went into Settings->Personalization and clicked the box next to Full Desktop mode.

I then restarted the computer. When I start the computer again, it enters full desktop mode to start.

Tweaking Full Desktop

I have my own little customizations that I made to the Full Desktop mode:

• Launch->Control Center->General Settings->Desktop Behavior->Desktop: uncheck show icons on desktop (I like a clean desktop! I use the launch and toolbar to access applications.)
• Launch->Control Center->General Settings->Desktop Behavior->Multiple Desktops: reduce number of desktops to 1 (one is plenty for me, thank you very much).
• Launch->Control Center->Display->Panel/Taskbar->Panel->Advanced Options: Applet Handles Hide (I don't like the look of these).
• Launch->Control Center->Display->Panel/Taskbar->Panel->Size: Tiny
• Panel Menu->Right Click->Panel Menu->Remove from Panel->Application Button->Thunderbird Mail Client (I will use Web-based mail only).
• Panel Menu->Right Click->Panel Menu->Remove from Panel->Special Button->Desktop Access (I have just one desktop).
• Panel Menu->Right Click->Panel Menu->Remove from Panel->Applet->Desktop Previewer and Pager (I'm glad I have just one desktop so that I don't have to figure out what this does).
• Panel Menu->Right Click->Panel Menu->Remove from Panel->Applet->System Tray
• Launch->Control Center->Display->Theme->Theme Manager->Choose Theme: Redmond (provides nice contrast--I find this easy to read!)

You can update the system using the Synaptic Package Manager (Launch->Applications->System->Synaptic Package Manager). But, use caution. I tried some updates, but then I had to do Factory Restore twice because the computer got locked up! I have resigned from adding anything more until I can figure out how to do it properly. I am satisfied with the simple tasks this computer does, and I am reluctant now to make it too complicated.

Updating the System

I still have to figure out how to make sure my operating system and essential applications are updated. Right now, I use Easy Mode, and Settings->Add/Remove Software.

Coping with a Small Screen

The screen is fairly small (17.78 cm diagonal; 800 by 480 pixels resolution).

The best way to deal with this is make the fonts as small as possible and use full screen mode in applications when possible. I went into Themes Manager (through the Control Center in full desktop mode) and altered the fonts to be small (10 pixels in size) and window titles to be 8 pixels in size. This shrinks everything down a bit. I have to put my face close to the screen to see things, but this makes maximum use of very small screen real estate.

Important: Sometimes a dialog box will be too long to see the bottom of it in the desktop window. If this happens, just:

• hold down <Alt> and double click the cursor somewhere in the middle of the dialog box; and
• while holding your finger down on the touchpad, slide your finger up; you should see dialog box move up into the desktop window so that you can see the lower portion of it.

While using the Web browser, I try to minimize the text on the screen and get the browser window to full screen. In Mozilla:

• I set the default fonts to be as small as I can tolerate (around 10 pixels). I set the minimum font size to be 10, also (Content->Fonts and Colors->Advanced; uncheck "Allow pages to choose their own fonts,...").
• In Mozilla, I hit <f11> to get into full screen mode.
• I have only the Navigation toolbar on in Mozilla (turning off the status bar, bookmark toolbar, etc).

Using a Large Screen

You can connect your EEEPC to an external display and get more area to view your desktop.

To do this, simply connect the line from your external display to the right-hand side connector on the EEEPC:

On the EEEPC keyboard, use <fn> <f5> to toggle among options to display the external display only, the EEEPC display only, or both the external display and the EEEPC display:

You can adjust the resolution on the external display. In KDE full desktop mode, go to Launch->Control Center->External Display.

Then choose a display size that fills the whole screen:

The result is then that you have an external display with a much more spacious desktop:

Coping with Mobile Use

• I use Web-based email and document services at docs.google.com. I therefore just find a WiFi hotspot, and I have access to my stuff. I might store a file on my EEEPC drive for a bit before I upload it, but I leave nothing critical on the EEEPC drive itself.
• I use sitemark.com to store bookmarks that I use on my desktop or EEEPC, so that I am not stuck with having my bookmarks just on my desktop computer or just the EEEPC.
• When logged in using WiFi in a Net Cafe or public place, I use https (secure http) for communicating with online sites where I have a login. For example, if you have gmail, use https://gmail.com.

Coping with the Small Disk Size

Use Web-based storage of documents and applications such as at docs.google.com. Google documents allow for online spreadsheets, documents, etc., and so you don't have to worry about disk storage or losing your documents if your hard drive crashes or if you have to do a Factory Restore. Moreover, you don't have to worry about having word processing or spreadsheet software on your computer.

Remove applications on the EEEPC that you do not need.

Factory Restore

If you run into problems with your EEEPC and it won't even start up properly, you can do a factory restore to the original system. You will loose everything else on that disk, though--you should have backups! Before you have to do this, you should be doing backups of your data or storing your data online in Web-based storage such as at docs.google.com. To do a factory restore, simply power up your EEEPC and press F9 until you get to a screen which allows you the options: Normal Boot, Perform Disk Scan, and Restory Factory Settings. Highlight Restore Factory Settings and proceed. I had to repeatedly press F9 just as I powered up the system to do this. (I figured this out thanks to this video.)

Some Field Experience with the EEEPC

I've been able to put the EEEPC to good use in various situations since I've had it.

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.

The EEEPC Charges a Cell Phone!

You can plug a cell phone into the EEEPC for charging. I did this with my Motorola W370 cell phone using the USB cable that came with my Canon camera. No driver was needed. Upon plugging in the cable, the phone beeped and began charging. This could eliminate the need to take a cell phone charger on a trip when you take the EEEPC, its charger, and the USB cable. I also have this capability on my desktop computer's USB port, but a driver (available from Motorola) was required in order to make it work.

An Extended Trip with the EEEPC

In late 2008 and early 2009, I went on a trip from Wisconsin, to Illinois, back through Wisconsin, and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula with the EEEPC. I took the EEEPC so as to have a way to check my email, browse the Web, and post some photos to flickr as I traveled. The trip was for about 20 days and consisted of travel by bus, train (Amtrak, Metra), car, and foot through urban areas (downtown Chicago) to rural areas and woods. I had to have all my stuff with me in a small backpack. With this challenge, the EEEPC worked out extremely well--so well that I would not want to take another trip anywhere without it.

Some observations from this trip:

• The EEEPC's small size and weight made it easy to pack and carry everywhere (on an Amtrak train, in downtown Chicago, up a 337 meter "mountain" and in small towns and woods).
• The EEEPC was crucial to my feeling connected to my online life during the trip. I had my own computer at the homes of relatives so as not to have to borrow theirs. I could post photos to flickr using the SD card of from the camera to the EEEPC. I had something to do (browse the Web for news, watch online videos) in the extra free time I had from not being in my regular routine and from the holidays.
• I was able to connect to home WiFi networks of relatives as well as connect to free WiFi networks at a coffee shop and public library. I used the same Google mail and documents and Web-based bookmarking that I use on my home desktop. This was an absolutely a wonderful way to travel as it provided a seamless experience for me--the EEEPC gave me the same window to the online world (only a bit smaller). I used the SD card to temporarily store documents when I had no access to a network, but then uploaded them to Google documents when I got to a WiFi network.
• The hard case that I use for my EEEPC worked well, as it protected the EEEPC during hikes, walks, and getting in and off buses, trains, cars, and going around town in all conditions including cold and snow.
• I got used to smaller size screen of the EEEPC very quickly, and it didn't bother me. I just focused on smaller tasks (one window at a time rather than multiple windows and browsers).
• I was not able to get some HDR software that I use to run on my EEEPC, so I had to borrow a laptop to post an HDR photo that I made during the trip to flickr.
• I found that I had to take 3 chargers on the trip: one for the EEEPC, one for the digital camera and one for the cell phone. I dream that one day, one charger could charge them all and there could be standard-sized batteries (varying a bit for device size) for all mobile devices (sort of like the old days when AA and AAA batteries worked in different devices).

Some photos from this trip:

The EEEPC Saves the Day!

My desktop computer went out one morning: I pressed the power switch, and nothing happened. After verifying that indeed I had electricity in the outlet, I determined that my computer's power supply was not working. Remaining as calm as I possibly could, I reached for my EEEPC. I attached the network cable from the DSL modem to the EEEPC and simply powered it up and got on the Net. I was able to get information online to solve the problem and restart my desktop computer. One of my reasons for getting the EEEPC in the first place was to have on hand as a spare computer. This came in handy on the day I really needed it.

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:

1. From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any netbook computer that weighs more than approximately 1 kilogram.
2. From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any netbook computer that does not fit easily in my backpack. It should be roughly the size of a book.
3. From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any netbook computer that has a keyboard which is too big. The keyboard should be small so as to permit fast and easy typing.

Things to Do

• Figure out hard case and photograph
• Alternative window manager (full desktop)
• Internet->Internet Radio: useless; just use many different Net Audio sites... there is no reason to have a special software program for it
• Test Crystal Visions keyboard in USB port: there is no way to do this--cable doesn't fit; perhaps a USB keyboard would work; however, I am 100% comfortable with the size of the EEEPC keyboard
• Test external monitor: yes! worked well (details to follow in the "Using a Large Screen" section).
• Take photos on camera, post on flickr (and do remotely to demonstrate ability to be about town and post to flickr): done on extended trip
• Write out strategy for mobile computer use (comprehensive, desktop/eeepc, backups, storage, security, etc.)
• Remove software I won't use
• Test web cam
• Photograph with charger, accessories
• Summarize little customizations
• 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 would be a huge bonus as I could swap batteries in a pinch and take ONE charger. 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.

Links

ASUS EEEPC

Official product site from the manufacturers of the EEEPC

Reviews:

• "Eeextremely Eeenticing: a review of the Asus Eee PC," by Ryan Paul, November 14, 2007, ars technica.
• "Unwired 14 - Asus Eee PC," a video overview of the EEEPC.

EEE User

Unofficial ASUS EEEPC blog, forum, and wiki; the coverage of this site includes advanced information a user of the EEEPC may not want to or need to do

ASUS EEEPC Owners Group

A photo sharing group on flickr

GetWirelessSecure.org

a consumer-oriented Web site about wireless security

Purchase an ASUS EEEPC and accessories at Amazon.com

• ASUS EEEPC 4G
• 1 GB of memory
• ASUS EEEPC 900 20G
• ASUS EEEPC 900 16G
• ASUS EEPC 900 XP Home
• ASUS EEEPC S101
• ASUS Box Linux
• ASUS Box XP Home
• 8 GB SD HC Card