Features and Design

The Eee PC comes in a variety of colors and several different configurations. All of the models use a solid-state hard drive, and the main difference between the various configurations is the size of the drive, the allotment of RAM, size of the battery and the presence of a webcam. The base model features 512MB of RAM and a 2GB hard drive. The mid-range model that we received includes 512MB of RAM and a 4GB hard drive, and the high-end unit boasts 1GB of RAM and an 8GB drive. There are also Surf versions of the Eee, which are stripped down and feature less powerful batteries and lack webcams.

Under the hood is an Intel platform, featuring a low-voltage Celeron processor that’s actually down-clocked from 900MHz to 630MHz. It features an Intel mobile chipset with support for 80211 B and G and DDR2 memory. 

Expansion and Storage Options

Despite its size it still offers several expansion and storage options, though like most sub-notebooks it lacks an optical drive. It features three USB ports, which is two more than Apple’s MacBook Air. It also features VGA-out, an SD card slot and headphone and mic jacks.

Little Display

The Eee features a little 7” LED backlit display that is flanked on both sides by speakers. Asus has announced that it’s working on a 9” version of the Eee PC that will move the speakers elsewhere and use that space for the extra screen real estate.

The Eee PC features a 7” display, and Asus just announced plans for a 9” version.

The Penguin Cometh

A big reason why the Eee PC is so affordable is because it comes with Linux rather than Windows (though you’re free to install Windows on the Eee PC if you own a copy). The Eee comes with a Xandro distribution of Linux along with a software suite – if you will – of open source software such as Open Office 2.0, Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird, Pidgin for instant messaging, Adobe Reader, Skype and others.

Extras

Asus includes a small neoprene pouch for the Eee PC to keep its glossy exterior pristine while in transit.

Asus includes a neoprene carrying case with the Eee, which is a nice touch.

It also includes a very well-written manual that has entire sections on how to run Windows XP on the Eee. It even includes a recovery DVD that has XP drivers for the Eee and also allows you to re-install linux if you install XP and want to return the unit to factory condition.