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Asus Eee PC 901 20G Linux Edition

Author	Andy Vandervell
Published	14th Jun 2008
Manufacturer	Asus
Price	£271.49 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed	£319.00 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price	Click here

Design
Features
Performance
Value
Overall

16 comments

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There is, however, one area where the Eee PC 901 is still usurped by its pretenders: the keyboard. Yet, it's an issue that can be really overplayed. For starters, the keyboard isn't as bad some might suggest. Key response, for example, is very good and though the small keys and slightly cramped layout don't make it ideal for writing long documents - e.g reviews - is the Eee really meant for such tasks?

If we're talking about the Eee PC 901, then the answer is a definite no. At most it is meant for writing the occasional email, notes in a lecture or seminar, or for instant messaging, not for writing long documents of import. You use a proper PC or notebook for such activities, leaving your Eee PC for those moments when you want to quickly check through something on the train, or plane, surf the Internet and watch videos.

Of course, others have taken a different approach and this is reflected in our comparative shots with the HP Mini-Note, which is considerably wider to allow for its admittedly excellent keyboard. Ultimately, whereas many recent/imminent arrivals seem more intent on trying to be a bit like proper notebooks, the 901 is content with what it was meant to be in the first place; a cheap and extremely portable computer that can fit in a small bag and be enjoyed anywhere.

And in this the Eee PC 901 is still without peer. Now, with its Atom CPU and prodigious battery life it feels like the natural culmination of what we first saw back in October. Having ironed out the edges and rectified the issues raised, Asus has produced exactly what was required of it and more. With the 10in Eee PC 1000 due soon as well, with a larger more comfortable keyboard, some might prefer to wait for that, but even with its compact keyboard the Eee PC 901 is quite superb.

Verdict
Brimming with features and with a new CPU and better battery, the Eee PC 901 personifies exactly the spirit in which the original was created. It may be a bit more expensive than the original and lack a more comfortable keyboard, but for a balance of features, size, usability and value, the 901 has once again set the standard. For the moment, at least, the (new) original is still the best.

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Latest 4 of 16 Comments

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Pat said on 14th August 2008

To Unixadmin99: Well, I bought one loaded with Windows. It's a great bit of kit but after installing a few bits & pieces (Adblocker, Firefox, AVG,Bitlord, and a few other ... more

Clive said on 23rd August 2008

Have a 900 and just bought the 901. Fabulous piece of kit and very useful when travelling. Why have Asus put Star Office on the 901 instead of Open Office seems a strange move espe... more

unixadmin99 said on 27th August 2008

My EEEPC 901 Linux arrived early last week. My Vodafone mobile connect HSPA USB Stick (E172) just works. I didn’t have to configure or do anything. Once I plugged it in, an "A... more

diane58 said on 27th August 2008

i am confused - should I buy 901 with linux or xp? if i buy xp i can download linux for free but not vice - versa. the memory for xp is 12gb flash drive? and linux 20gb flash drive... more

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