Summary:

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Features:

  • Intel Celeron M 900 MHz
  • Wifi networking card
  • 4GB solid state flash disk
  • 4 cells Li-Ion battery
  • The price starts from £249.97

PROS:

  • Ultra lightweight (just 2lbs), and ultra thin (1.4 in)
  • 4 cell battery lasts up to 3 hours
  • Low price
  • Has intelligent wireless networking card

CONS:

  • Does not have internal CD/DVD drive
  • Memory in standard configuration insufficient for Windows Vista

Detailed Specification:

Processor Intel Celeron M (800 MHz)
Memory 512 MB DDR2 RAM
Hard disk 4GB solid state flash
Chipset Mobile Intel 910GML Express
Optical CD / DVD drive External DVD RW
Display 7″ TFT active matrix
Webcam 0.3 Mp
Weight 2 lbs
Dimension 8.9 x 6.7 x 1.4 in
Network type 802.11b/g/n WLAN; Ethernet
Graphics Intel GMA 100 integrated graphics
Audio High definition audio (Realtek ALC66218)); built-in stereo speakers and built-in microphone
I/O ports (Data) Three USB 2.0 ports, SD card reader
OS Linux
Price starting at £249

Expert Review:

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The Asus Eee PC range are ultra portable notebooks with low price developed jointly by Intel and ASUSTeK and originally meant for educational purposes but now available for the consumer market. Their appeal lies in a blend of low cost, high portability, relatively good performance, and ease of use. There are 4 models to choose from in the range.

With overall dimensions of just 8.9 x 6.7 x 1.4 in and a weight of just 2 lbs, the Asus Eee PC 701 can practically fit in any carrying case. The display measures 7″ diagonally and has a resolution of only 800 x 480 which is low for gaming, large spreadsheets etc. But the display is bright and clear with good colour reproduction. The keyboard as well as the touchpad is tiny in keeping with the overall size and it would require some practice for fast typing.

The Eee has good build that can withstand knocks and bumps to some extent. It is also comparatively shockproof with no moving parts and the keyboard base is firm and screen mounting is solid.

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The notebook is run by Intel Celeron M 800 MHz chip which is adequate for traditional office applications but not for large editing of videos and images. The hard disk is a 4 GB flash which may be found insufficient as the OS and other bundled applications themselves consumes nearly half the space. But additional flash memory space can be created through USB port.

The Asus Eee PC 701 has good external connectivity with a 802.11bg wireless card, a traditional Ethernet card and 3 USB 2.0 ports. Additional external storage via optical DVD writer can be hooked on to the notebook. The machine also has a tiny webcam in the bezel.

The Operating system is a customized version of Linux Xandros, and the interface is easy to use with Internet, Work, Play, Settings and Favourite icons lined up on top of the screen. The Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons on top of each window have a Windows like appearance which makes the transition easy. OpenOffice 2 for handling documents and Firefox 2 for emails and browsing the internet are pre installed on the laptop. Overall the machine has easy to use interface for the novice as well as the expert. The present configuration has a potential problem of lack of printer support.

The laptop is powered by 4 Li-Ion cells battery which is good for about 3 hours of normal use. It also carries a one year RTB warranty.

To summarize the Asus Eee PC 701 is an excellent machine for sending out emails and working on documents and spreadsheets on the go being ultra lightweight and ultra small. The price is also very affordable which makes it a good value buy for every day use.

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