I was referring to a Linux computer. I bought a used Thinkpad T30 with a great 14.1" screen and new 100 gig drive for $395 from eBay. Runs linux perfectly. And it's cheaper and more powerful than an Eeeee whatever.
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eeePC becoming a bigger competition...
- Thread starter Adokimus
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I guess the Eee PC's selling point is its size and SSD. As in the MacBook Air case, power doesn't necessarily make the computer worth more...
A ThinkPad T30 is about 2.5 times the size and weight of the Eee. That's like saying nobody would buy a MBA as you can get a cheaper and more powerful MBP for less on eBay.
OMFG, you guys are missing my point. Why spend the money of the Eeeee with it's 4 inch screen to run Linux when you can spend less on a laptop which is actually usable and viewable and has more storage for less money? That's my point. I do NOT understand how people can be productive on a screen that small.
Jesus, who's missing the point here? The point of the Eee is that it's small and light, so you throw it into your shoulder bag without thinking, and can quickly type up some notes and emails or have a video chat on the go. The fact that you find the 7 inch screen too small to be "productive" doesn't mean there's no use for it. People are not buying them to run Photoshop or write Moby Dick, just as people are not buying MBAs to run Final Cut Studio or render the next Pixar.
Duh, of course the Air is more useful. If it wasn't, how many would they sell at 3 to 7 times the cost?
Duh, of course the Air is more useful. If it wasn't, how many would they sell at 3 to 7 times the cost?
I'm aware of the price difference, I was more refering to the thread title, or most specificly "competition". I dont see how a product thats completely different can really mean competition. It's like subsituting a bath tub for a hot tub.
Well, the Eee addresses some of the same needs as the Air (very light and portable, but more capable than pocket devices like iPhone/Touch/PocketPC with better display and input), and it has just become significantly more attractive with a screen update in approximately the same form factor as previously. But I fully agree that they are not competing product to most people. The price difference alone will see to that.
EEE is not actually a laptop. It will remain a toy, no matter how muach it costs.
just a one comparison
I don't think these are actually things that could be compared
just a one comparison
I don't think these are actually things that could be compared
Again, I fully agree that they're hardly comparable, but there is a valid market for both niches, and each is useful in its own way. Trying to please everybody with one device is a sure recipe that you please nobody. Posters in the MBA forum of all people should realize this better than anyone else.
EEE is not actually a laptop. It will remain a toy, no matter how muach it costs.
just a one comparison
I don't think these are actually things that could be compared
While it's not in the same class as the MBA it's hardly a toy.
I'll be buying the 9" version.
To be perfectly honest, I wonder how many people here are genuinely "productive" on their laptops at all. Seems to me that they are mostly used for downloading from iTunes and surfing in Starbucks, well within the capability of the eeePC. While the specs are very modest compared with today's beefier offerings, a couple of years ago, people were running Photoshop and the like on similar strength machines. The eeePC has a VGA port, so you can attach an external monitor and enjoy up to 1600x1200 resolution if you need to.
With regard to the 9 inch model, the better processor and increased SSD capacity brings it closer into hackint0sh territory, but a Dothan chip still lacks SSE3 for best compatibility.
EEE hands on
I saw one today (the original, not the 9" screen coming out in April). Impressions:
Pros:
Cons:
I saw one today (the original, not the 9" screen coming out in April). Impressions:
Pros:
- Very colorful (this one had a chartreuse lid)
- Very small and cute--definitely small enough to put in any bag; pretty much same size as the book you're currently reading
- Lots of ports--USBs and Ethernet
- Bright screen (although not as bright as the backlit screens on the MacBook Air and new MacBook Pro 15")
- Comes with OpenOffice; co-worker said the Linux interface and software programs were seamless
- Co-worker said he got used to the keyboard after a few days
Cons:
- I don't like the build, for a couple of reasons:
[*]It has that "extreme mass" problem that the MacBook has (small form factor coupled with high mass)
[*]The hinge, while strong, was not smooth; it buckled a bit when opening and closing it - It really didn't feel that light
- Keyboard is crazy cramped and has lousy ergonomics
- This EEE is the 7.5" screen one (the original) and fairly cheap ($300 or so), but the April 900 release with bigger screen will be $600--not as good a value
- Battery life is lousy: even with extreme battery saving options implemented, he only gets about 3 hours
Not sure I understand this point.
OpenOffice pales feature wise when compared to MS Office (Mac or PC), almost to the point of non-compatability. So there is no seamless about it.
MS Office pales price-wise, though.
@Sandy Santra the 9" EeePC is a bit expensive -- with that, you can get a better spec'd laptop already. The Eee PC 7" is the sweet spot - for its price and features. The EeePC 701 (7") is perfect for quick surfing and emailing or Skyping whilst on the go. However, surfing and email are done with the iPhone with very much the same ease of use, except for the screen real estate. For longer typing (blogging, writing articles and papers, etc.), the ergonomics of the Eee PC 701 will take its toll.
Hmmm, I made Word documents with OpenOffice. And for FREE. How does this PALE in comparison with Office? The fact that you don't get butt ****ed at the register?
That's true.
And I can use Notepad for simple documents as well, and it is free too.
If you need to create, edit or modify complex Word, Excel or PowerPoint documents, then IMHO, OpenOffice is not they way to go. That is unless of course you want to deal with compatibility issues.
For me, I simply do not have the time. It is worth it to me to have Microsoft Office for the Mac. YMMV.
I must admit that I'm quite attracted to the size/weight of the Eee PC. With the addition of the 9" screen and more usable resolution, my interest has grown. Is it a toy? Maybe, but I just want to play with it and maybe try doing some of the mods that others have done. It could also give me an opportunity to acquaint myself a bit more with Linux.
On the other hand, I never really considered purchasing a MacBook Air. While it's a beautiful machine, I prefer my MacBook with it's ports and slightly more heft.
On the other hand, I never really considered purchasing a MacBook Air. While it's a beautiful machine, I prefer my MacBook with it's ports and slightly more heft.
You can always run the Windows version of Office via Bootcamp or Parallels/VMWare.
Personally, I like Office 2004. Of course I am running it on PPC (PowerBook G4). But it runs okay on my Intel Macs (iMac and MBP).
Office 2008 has some issues. As you say, they have dropped VBA support.
More competitors to the eeePC are lining up. Not that the manufacturer is known for quality, but if this manages to sell, it might just prompt his Jobness to bring out that 11" Macbook Pro.
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/12839/13863/ecs-hspda-broadband-laptop-notebook.phtml
Some rough edges still but otherwise very nice looking.
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/12839/13863/ecs-hspda-broadband-laptop-notebook.phtml
Some rough edges still but otherwise very nice looking.