Computer Notebook:
Observations on the EEEPC
This content is saved for historical purposes and is no longer updated.
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:
- From this day forward, I will refuse to purchase any netbook computer that weighs more than approximately 1 kilogram.
- 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.
- 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.
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.