Asus Eee 900 worth getting?

[Bob The Skutter]

I'm thinking of getting one just as a second computer, for the bedroom, and to take when I go to hospital appointments, etc. It'll just be used to browse the net, play music, occasionally videos, nothing too intensive.
Is there anything I may not be taking in to account that I should?

 

[Jim Steele]

I really want one of these. The only downside I can see to them is the drive capacity, but there's a 20gb version out which would be perfectly sufficient for your needs I reckon. The OS is pretty slick and nippy too.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

^That's the one I'm looking at. It's currently on Play.com for £289.

 

[SchwEnt]

I've had the Eee PC for a few months...no regrets, happy to have gotten it.
So I'd say go for it.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I have an ASUS R2H, which is really nothing like the Eee's, but it's a solid little machine. I've been very interested in the Eee series and will probably get one, myself. So, I'd say go for it. They are very affordable, considering your typical rock-bottom low-end notebook tends to start at $500. Sounds like you intend it mostly for light, recreational, non-gaming use. I think that's precisely the niche the Eee's are meant to serve.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Not that it's of major importance, but what's the battery life like?

 

[Robert Maxwell]

A quick check indicates the battery life of the 900 is nothing to get excited about. Asus claims you can get 3 hours, but reviews indicate 90 minutes is more realistic under a constant load, such as watching a movie. However, there are multiple battery sizes offered. This page offers a rundown, with some tips on how to get more battery life out of it.

I have to say, it's a little disappointing. I can easily get 2 hours out of my R2H, 3 if I turn the brightness down and disable the wireless.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

After reading a few things, I'm starting to think I may wait for the 1000 series to come out. Depending on the price difference.

 

[Ryan8bit]

We had one of these at work because we were doing some work for people who do work for ASUS. The thing I didn't like was how small the keyboard was. They're kind of dinky little things, but they serve their purpose.

 

[GMac]

Yep, we've bought a few for a project at college so I've had a chance to have a peek at one. The keyboard is the primary drawback for me too (it isn't much bigger than a glorified PDA) and the battery life's nothing to write home about either. The idea's sound but I'd wait and see how the next version turns out before spending any cash on one.

GM

 

[Robert Maxwell]

We really just need a breakthrough in battery technology. Right now, it's a severe weight/performance tradeoff. You can't have a really thin, light computer with a long-lasting battery. I have a massive Dell laptop that can get 3-4 hours from its battery... but the whole mess weighs probably 8 pounds.

 

[Michael Chris]

I have no experience with it, but I hear the MSI Wind is pretty good based on reviews. It's coming out soon, I think.

 

[Saturn0660]

i have a 7" eee.. it's cool... nice for internet use and youtube.. shit like that..