EEE PC do you have one... Tell me

[jacks girl]

I'm thinking about buying one of these little gadgets. I'm needing to be able to write lately just where ever I am. Tommie brought up some little gadget and I can't recall the name or number and what all it did.

I don't really care ifi can get on line that would just be a plus, Hubby is hogging the puter latley and I want to be able to go out by our new pond and type away. Or to mom's or in the swing or just where ever.

Any suggestions or complaints about this model. My local store has this one in stock now and they will let me do layaway so I'm interested mostly in this model.

Jacks

[melw]

hey, i know tommie had one called a mobile pro, they don't sell them anymore, but you might find on on Ebay or something. I might just wait until i can afford a laptop. but if i am not working i will have plenty of time on the computer.

MEL

[kshsj777]

I wouldn't recommend getting the Eeepc. Most of the reviews say that the keyboard is not very good, even on the bigger models.

I'm planning on getting the MSI Wind, which has a 10 inch screen and 80 gig drive for both models. For $399 you get Linux, 512mb Ram and 3 cell battery which gets 2.5-3 hrs of battery life and weighs 2.3 lbs. For $499 you get Windows XP, 1 gig ram and 6 cell battery which you get 4.5-5 hrs of battery life and weighs 2.6 lbs.

On the Asus Eeepc 1000H which has the same specs as the Windows XP version of the Wind, they will charge $649 which is a $150 more than the Wind.

For the 9 inch version of the Eeepc, it's $549 so you're paying $50 more for even smaller screen. With Windows you get 12 GB solid state drive but Linux gets you 20GB solid state drive.

The 7 inch version of the Eeepcc is too small to use for extended periods of time, at least that is what a lot of users say, and why companies are coming out with bigger screens. The cheapest with only 2 gig of storage is $299 and then with 4gig of storage is $399 and 8 gig of storage is $499. So the Wind is the best deal.

Note the 7 & 9 inch versions of the Eeepc are out now. The MSI Wind is going to be released July and I'm not sure when the 10 inch Eepc is going to be released, probably July or August.

Here are some reviews:

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/eeepc-wind-faceoff.aspx

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/msi-wind.aspx?page=1

[jacks girl]

thanks 777 great answers. and melw i may look on ebay too

jacks

[Zanzibar]

If you check out Dell's website right now they have some amazing deals going on. I have no idea what your price range is - but they have some nice computers for around $400 after rebates (with no monitor, but you could probably get one of those for free on craigslist or something.)

They also have some great deals on laptops - but those cost a little more. If you are getting something for the long haul, I highly recommend Dell. We have always bought our computers from them and have been happy with each one.

[kshsj777]

Yes, I have a dell desktop. However, the Eeepc and the MSI Wind, are supposed to be cheap ultraportable, lighweight laptops. The smallest Dell has is 12.1 inches and that's over a $1000. Most of the other size laptops of any brand are too heavy to carry around easily. I just want something to use around the house and at college to do basic stuff.

[Tommie Lyn]

I am more than pleased with the MobilePro 790. I bought mine for $49 on eBay and it works beautifully.

It uses a touch screen interface instead of a mouse or touch pad, but it didn't take me long to get used to that. I can save my files to the internal flash ram or to a CF card -- and I can copy the files from the flash ram to the CF card and transfer them to my desktop or my laptop. It has a 56k modem, or, you can buy a wifi card for about $20 on eBay. I don't intend to use it on the 'net, but my sister uses hers on her lunch hour -- she goes to whatever restaurant has free wireless, lol.

It is about 9.5 by 5 inches and about an inch thick. It weighs 2 pounds. Even at that small size, the keyboard is 90% as big as a regular keyboard and is easy to touch-type on (I did a little writing in a doctor's office waiting room this afternoon -- it's easy to carry with me....it's smaller than my purse). The battery lasts about 4 hours and it takes about that long to charge.

[srussell]

I am more than pleased with the MobilePro 790. I bought mine for $49 on eBay and it works beautifully.


I've been eying the Asus EEE for a while now. However, the MobilePro, especially for the price, looks extremely appealing. Especially the price :D.

I only saw the 780s on eBay, and the $49 ones didn't have power supplies. Is the power supply on yours proprietary? Or is it something I could by off the shelf?

Thanks.

Sam

[Gravity]

I've been looking into an AlphaSmart Neo. I've good things about them, mainly that they're rugged.

[Tommie Lyn]

I only saw the 780s on eBay, and the $49 ones didn't have power supplies. Is the power supply on yours proprietary? Or is it something I could by off the shelf?


My sister didn't get a power supply with hers. I think she got her power supply from Radio Shack, but I'm not certain. There are a number of websites with info about the various Mobile Pros, and some of them give technical info and specs, which should give you an idea what power supply would be appropriate.

[Tommie Lyn]

I've been looking into an AlphaSmart Neo. I've good things about them, mainly that they're rugged.

My sister and I had each been considering an AlphaSmart -- but are so much happier with the Mobile Pro because of its portability and ruggedness. She carries hers everywhere, attached to her purse strap. I take mine when I have appointments -- it's so small I can prop it on my lap, yet it's easy to touch type on. The carry case has plastic loops on two opposite corners, so you could actually attach a strap and suspend it from your shoulders to type on it while you're standing (I've heard that some journalists have used it that way in certain news briefings, have even velcroed it to belts, etc.).

Another thing I like about it is the instant on/off feature -- no boot up required, unless you especially want to reboot (I've never yet rebooted mine). Plus, it is an actual computer, not a word processor, and comes with pocket versions of Word, spreadsheet and other software installed. And the files are portable and compatible with my software on my desktop and laptop computers.

[jacks girl]

Tommie sounds like the thing for me been looking on line. I knew a while back you talked about this one but couldnt recall what you called. i seen several on ebay and used is fine with my empty pocket book.

i heard you mention the key board was okay with you. Do you have trouble with it in typing does your fingers cramp or anything. Have you measured it with a ruler from like a to enter so i can know how small it is.

thanks much for all the great replies.

Jacks

[srussell]

My sister didn't get a power supply with hers. I think she got her power supply from Radio Shack, but I'm not certain. There are a number of websites with info about the various Mobile Pros, and some of them give technical info and specs, which should give you an idea what power supply would be appropriate.

I just got a MobilePro 790. Can't wait to get it. It cost $55, but the delivery cost was $20. But it also is coming with the power cord, CDs, manual, and a CF card.

Sam

[Tommie Lyn]

I just got a MobilePro 790. Can't wait to get it. It cost $55, but the delivery cost was $20. But it also is coming with the power cord, CDs, manual, and a CF card.

Sam

Cool! I hope you like yours as much as I like mine. Let me know when it arrives...

[jacks girl]

Hey there Im getting a mobilepro 780 it comes with the cord and batter and case not sure other than this... i may have to buy a pen, the guy had 100 feed back on ebay and i got it to the door insurance and all for 41 44 so i was happy.

now i just hope it works as he says. Can't wait.


Jacks

[srussell]

I've been playing around with my MobilePro 790 for a few days now, and here's my thoughts.

General:
For me, it is exactly what I needed. I am thrilled with it, especially for the price.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:


It's small and very portable.
It's a PDA, so it powers on instantly.
The keyboard is small, but large enough to touch type.
Easy for me to use.
It ports for both a compact flash (CF) card and PC card. So if I wanted, I could get more storage for it, or even a wireless card to connect to my home wifi.

Cons:


It is older technology, sort of the equivalent of a Windows 95 or 98 computer. It is hard to find applications for it that work. In addition, the Internet Explorer is so old, it doesn't support cascading style sheets, making most Web pages look odd. Also, you cannot use it to access sites that require any sort of modern security, like gmail.
It is a PDA (which is fine with me). Thus it is a great addition to a PC, but it is not a replacement for a PC. For example, you can't use it to print from, etc.
To connect it to a computer, your computer must have an infra-red port. If it doesn't, you need to search eBay for a serial cable connector that is specifically for the MobilePro. In addition, your PC must have a serial port to connect to. Because serial ports are older technology (most computers use USB ports), newer PCs might not have them.

Conclusion:
If you have a PC with an infra-red port or a serial port, and you want something cheap, small, and portable to write with; something that provides no distractions like games, Internet, or email; and you don't need top of the line, brand-new technology, the MobilePro 790 is for you.

If you need a replacement for your PC and still want something small, I suggest that you invest in a something that provides full functionality, like some of the UMPCs mentioned earlier in this thread.

With regard to the Asus EEE, I suggest that you avoid the Linux version with a 7-inch screen.

First, my MoblePro has an 8.1-inch screen. That is barely usable. I cannot imagine trying to work on a 7-inch screen.

Second, and this is hard for my geek-like heart to admit, many printers are not designed to work with Linux. For example, I have a Brother HL-1435 laser printer, and have not been able to find a Linux printer driver for it. As a writer, you will eventually want to print your manuscript. If you cannot find a Linux driver for your printer, you will have to do something like convert your manuscript to a PDF and pay to print it Kinkos or your country's equivalent.

Hope this helps,

Sam

[Tommie Lyn]

You are exactly right on all points, Sam. The MobilePro has a niche which it fills beautifully. I bought it just for writing, I transfer my files to my desktop via the flash card and do my printing from the desktop. And I don't use it for internet access (my sister does, but I use my MobilePro to get away from the internet and just write, lol).

[PepperGardenMan]

Sam,

I saw Jacks got hers from ebay. Where did you make your recent purchase? Did you end up on ebay, or elsewhere?

Thanks!

[jacks girl]

Yea there are several on ebay right now. thanks for the info Russel.

Jacks

[srussell]

Sam,

I saw Jacks got hers from ebay. Where did you make your recent purchase? Did you end up on ebay, or elsewhere?

Thanks!

I got mine from eBay too.

Sam

[jacks girl]

It came today. We are trying to figure out how to get on line. tommie can you ask your sister, what she had to do to get on line. i have a wifi card but not sure what to do to get it on there. i may have to buy some kind of a a cord or something.

thanks

jacks
so far i love it.

[Tommie Lyn]

It came today. We are trying to figure out how to get on line. tommie can you ask your sister, what she had to do to get on line. i have a wifi card but not sure what to do to get it on there. i may have to buy some kind of a a cord or something.

thanks

jacks
so far i love it.

Okay, I'll check with her for you. I haven't gotten online with mine, I used it strictly for writing, so I don't know what's involved.

I just came from a doctor's appointment this morning. I took my MobilePro with me and got two scenes written on the Tugger's expansion, written during time that would have been wasted otherwise -- yeay! I love my MobilePro!

[srussell]

It came today. We are trying to figure out how to get on line. tommie can you ask your sister, what she had to do to get on line. i have a wifi card but not sure what to do to get it on there. i may have to buy some kind of a a cord or something.

thanks

jacks
so far i love it.

Here's a link to the NEC support page for the 780:
http://support.necam.com/mobilesolutions/hardware/handhelds/mobilepro780/

Maybe that will help?

[jacks girl]

Thanks russell, for the link went out today and tried to find a sync cord but the local shop didn't have any. So will have to wait on the net unless i can down load some drivers by dial up for my mobilepro

I do love it all ready sat quickly down on the couch and wrote about 500 words popped it shut and fixed supper. I'm in love. LOL

Jacks

[PepperGardenMan]

You convinced me! I just bought a MobilePro 900 from ebay. Hope it shows up soon!

[Tommie Lyn]

You convinced me! I just bought a MobilePro 900 from ebay. Hope it shows up soon!

Great! You can fill us in on the features, compared with the earlier MobilePros -- we might later want to upgrade.

It's interesting to me how writing on that little machine comes so easily -- not just physically, but somehow, there's less of a barrier to word flow, like there's nothing standing between me and my words. I know I'm not explaining this well, but, the stuff I write on my 790 seems to be just a hair better than what I write on the desktop or laptop -- as though there is less distraction, less inhibition. I don't see it while I'm writing, even sometimes feel it's a little mundane, too matter-of-fact while I'm writing, but once I transfer the files to the desktop and read them, what I've written surprises me.

[jacks girl]

I had mine outside on sat and sunday and wrote a few words. not sure how to get the word count on the 780 not sure if it has one can't find it. Don't have anyway to transfer mine just yet. I know i need to buy a sync chord or some kind of a card.

Right now short of cash so it will have to wait. I'm writing shorter chapters one on the puter and then one on the mobile pro. I love mine.

jacks

[srussell]

I had mine outside on sat and sunday and wrote a few words. not sure how to get the word count on the 780 not sure if it has one can't find it. Don't have anyway to transfer mine just yet. I know i need to buy a sync chord or some kind of a card.

Right now short of cash so it will have to wait. I'm writing shorter chapters one on the puter and then one on the mobile pro. I love mine.

jacks

I haven't tried this, but would it be possible for you to connect to the Internet via dial-up (there's several free ones out there, but you might have to pay long distance) and email them to yourself?

Sam

BTW, I just wrote 1557 word on mine today, to complete my first draft. I happened to mention that on another post (Procrastinator's word challenge). Hope that's ok. I'm kind of excited about that.

[jacks girl]

Thanks Russell I'll think about that email thing. It might work. All I need now is a free account or borrow my brother in laws. LOL

thanks for the reminder.
Great on the word count too. Good Work.
Jacks

[srussell]

Back to the original question about the Asus eee. I was at the Mall of America earlier this week, and happened to get there for the grand opening of the new Best Buy in Mall of America. Yes, it really was a coincidence. I really didn't know it was opening.

They had a pair of Asus eee's on display, one with a 9-in. display, the other with the 7-in. Just as I suspected, the 7-in. display is really too small to be usable. Unless, of course, you enjoy reading microscopic font sizes on your computer.

The 9-in. is really cool. And small. The keyboard is actually smaller than the one on my MobilePro.

But then, I looked at some of the other laptops. For 50 dollars more, they had a low-end laptop with literally 10 times the storage and computing power. So the obvious question is, why would one want an Asus eee? The only real answer is because you have a need or desire for a laptop that tiny. It really would not make a good workstation. You couldn't sit and type on it all day without serious eye strain. And it definitely would not be a gaming computer.

However, it would be great to have on-the-go. And unlike the MoiblePro, it is a fully functional PC, with the exception that it doesn't have a cd/dvd drive. If you want one of those, you would need to get an external USB drive.

Regards,

Sam