ASUS Eee PC For Dummies E-Book

Joel McNamara

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 431

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2009

Beschreibung

What can you do with your Eee PC? Find out how to get the most from this mini-laptop with Asus Eee PC For Dummies. It shows you how to get things done--using the Linux operating system and applications, navigating the tabbed desktop, adding hardware and software, backing up and restoring the Eee PC, and more. You'll learn how to set up Windows, take advantage of all the pre-installed software, ensure that your computer is secure, and even run your Eee PC on solar power. You'll find tips for configuring printers and changing touchpad settings, techniques for making Skype phone calls and listening to Internet radio, and advice for adding storage and peripherals. It also helps you: * Take full advantage of this exciting, ultra-portable "netbook" PC * Set up your wireless connection * Make free Skype phone calls and video calls * Use OpenOffice.org, Thunderbird e-mail, Mozilla Firefox, and other included applications * Use the versatile OpenOffice productivity suite, including Writer for word processing, Calc for spreadsheets, and Impress for presentations * Compare the advantages of Windows vs. Linux * Discover the science, language, math, and art functions that kids can enjoy on the Eee * Enjoy built-in games, watch videos, play music, organize and view photos, and more * Boost storage and memory with SD cards and USB drives, go Bluetooth, and add a GPS * Get the scoop on backups, explore the advanced desktop, and customize the user interface The Eee PC makes it simple to surf the Web, play games, work, and more. Asus Eee PC For Dummies makes it easier!

Leseprobe

ASUS Eee PC For Dummies®

Table of Contents

Introduction

Who This Book Is For

Setting Some Expectations

How This Book Is Organized

Part I: Getting Started with the Eee PC

Part II: Day to Day with the Eee PC

Part III: Adding Software to the Eee PC

Part IV: Hardware and Accessories for the Eee PC

Part V: Eee PC Advanced Topics

Part VI: The Part of Tens

Bonus Chapters

Icons Used in This Book

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Part I: Getting Started with the Eee PC

Chapter 1: Meet the Eee PC

Eee PC: Not Your Average Laptop

Popular Eee PC Misconceptions

Eee PC Models

Eee PC 2G Surf

Eee PC 4G Surf, 4G

Eee PC 701SD

Eee PC 900 series

Eee PC 901

Eee PC 904HD

Eee PC 1000 series

Selecting an Eee PC

Purchasing an Eee PC

Chapter 2: First Steps with the Eee PC

Powering On for the First Time

Charging the battery

Powering on

Touchpad Basics

Using a Linux Eee PC

Reviewing the tabs

Navigating the tabs and running programs

Navigating program windows and menus

Using the taskbar

Powering Down

Linux

Windows

Chapter 3: Getting Connected with the Eee PC

Connecting to the Internet

Wireless connections

Ethernet cable connections

Managing Your Connections

Connecting and disconnecting

Deleting, renaming, and copying

Getting and setting information

Finding Your MAC Address

Using the Network Connection Wizard

Connecting to a Windows Network

Accessing shared Windows folders

Sharing a directory

Accessing shared Windows printers

Changing your computer’s name

Changing your workgroup name

Part II: Day to Day with the Eee PC

Chapter 4: Cruising the Internet

Browsing the Web

Firefox features

Installing and using Firefox add-ons

Maximizing screen space for the Eee PC

Accessing Your Web Mail

Making Calls with Skype

Instant Messaging

Getting the Facts with Wikipedia

Using Google Docs

Custom Start Pages with iGoogle

Listening to Internet Radio

Keeping Track of World Time

Reading e-Books

Using the eBook icon

When there’s no eBook icon

Chapter 5: Getting Down to Work I: OpenOffice

Opening Up OpenOffice

Shared OpenOffice Commands

Getting help

Creating a new document

Saving a document

Opening a document

Opening a document on a USB drive

Writing and Editing

Installing a dictionary

Using the standard OpenOffice toolbar

Spreadsheet Calculations

Making Presentations

Working with Databases

Creating Graphics

Chapter 6: Getting Down to Work II: Other Programs

Viewing PDF Documents

E-mail with Thunderbird

Importing and exporting data

Enhancing Thunderbird with add-ons

Managing Files

Accessing external storage

Accessing network resources

Helpful Accessories

Adding things up with Calculator

Managing personal information

Capturing screens

Using the Dictionary

Posting Notes

Chapter 7: Eee PC for Kids

Studying Science

It’s elementary: The Periodic Table

Stargazing with Planetarium

Learning about Language

Teaching typing

Rearrange the letters

Learning words with Hangman

Boning Up on Math

Figuring out fractions

Tux the math tutor

Getting in line with geometry

Plotting functions

The Next DaVinci

Tux Paint for kids

Mastering mtPaint

Learning on the Web

Internet4Classrooms

Curriki

Ed Tech Review

AOL Kids Homework Help

Chapter 8: Eee PC at Play

Playing Games

Solitaire

Frozen Bubble

Crack Attack

Penguin Racer

Sudoku

Potato Guy

LTris

Watching Videos

Adding additional codecs

Watching DVDs

Managing and Playing Music

Viewing Photos and Graphics Files

Organizing Video Files

Smiling for the Web Camera

Recording Voice and Sounds

Chapter 9: Configuring the Eee PC

Viewing System Info

Personalizing Your Eee PC

Using Personalization

Adding favorites

Changing the Date & Time

Setting Speaker and Microphone Volume

Configuring Printers

Adding and configuring printers

If your printer doesn’t work

Changing Touchpad Settings

General

Tapping

Scrolling

Edge

Using the Disk Utility

Running Diagnostic Tools

System Info

System Test

Contact Us

Changing Settings for Presentations

Adding and Removing Software

Using VoiceCommand

Keeping the Viruses Out

But I thought Linux didn’t get viruses?

Performing a scan

Shutting Down

Chapter 10: Getting Help

Using Eee PC Online Help

Desktop online help

E-book online help

Eee PC Tips

Online program help

KDE and Linux help

Using the Internet to Get Help

Navigating the ASUS support site

Community-based help from EeeUser.com

Chapter 11: Eee PC and Windows XP

Windows versus Linux

Which to choose?

Preinstalled Windows XP

Installing Windows on a Linux Eee PC

Hardware and software requirements

Installing Windows XP

Installing Eee PC drivers

Optimizing Windows XP for the Eee PC

Part III: Adding Software to the Eee PC

Chapter 12: Installing Linux Software

Basic Installation Concepts

Installing and Uninstalling with Add/Remove Software

Installing with Synaptic Package Manager

Installing and removing packages

Creating desktop shortcuts

Adding a repository

All about APT

Adding More Repositories

Adding multiple repositories

Pinning repositories

Automating the process

Chapter 13: Popular Linux Programs

Editing Graphics with GIMP

Cataloging Digital Photos with Picasa

Traveling the World with Google Earth

Editing Sound Files with Audacity

Playing Media with VLC

BitTorrenting with FrostWire

Stargazing with Stellarium

Balancing Your Checkbook with GnuCash

Word Processing with AbiWord

Running Windows Programs with Wine

Chapter 14: Popular Free Windows Programs

Essential Internet Programs

Firefox (browser)

Opera (browser)

Thunderbird (e-mail)

mTorrent (BitTorrent)

Pidgin (instant messaging)

Work and Entertainment Applications

OpenOffice (office suite)

FoxIt (PDF reader)

Paint.Net (graphics)

VLC (video player)

foobar2000 (music player)

Safety and Security Utilities

Virus defenders

Firewall shields

Spyware protectors

Encryption

Part IV: Hardware and Accessories for the Eee PC

Chapter 15: Expanding Storage and Memory

Secure Digital Card Tricks

Supported cards

Formatting SD cards

Disabling the Device Detection dialog box

In a Flash: USB Thumb Drives

USB “Not That Hard” Drives

DVD Drives for Dummies

More Memory

Chapter 16: Essential Eee PC Accessories

Getting Carried Away

Mice and Keyboards

Mice

Keyboards

Bluetooth Blues

Personalizing Your Eee PC

Modem Madness

External Monitors and Projectors

External monitors

Projectors

Staying Found with GPS

Chapter 17: Power to the Eee PC

The Juice on Batteries

ASUS batteries

Third-party batteries

Universal batteries

Getting (Car) Charged Up

Cigarette lighter adapters

Inverters

Off-the-Grid Power Solutions

Solar

Human power

Part V: Eee PC Advanced Topics

Chapter 18: Backing Up and Restoring the Eee PC

Eee PC Backup Strategies

Copying files and folders

Imaging the drive

Restoring Linux Factory Settings with F9

Using the Linux Recovery DVD

USB recovery thumb drives

Recovering with the DVD

Using the Windows Recovery DVD

Chapter 19: A Real Desktop: Advanced Mode

Differences between Easy and Advanced Modes

Advanced Mode advantages

Advanced Mode disadvantages

Enabling Advanced Mode

Using pimpmyeee

Manually installing

Running Advanced Mode

Using Advanced Mode

Navigating KDE

Booting into Advanced Mode

Uninstalling Advanced Mode Files

Chapter 20: Command-Line Linux

Conquering the Console

Let the Console Session Begin

Consolation prize: xterm

Komputing with Konsole

Which console to choose?

Console Concepts

Command help

Arguments

Sudo

Directories and files

Redirecting and piping

Keyboard shortcuts

Console Commands

Chapter 21: Customizing the User Interface

simpleui.rc Explained

Adding Icons and Tabs with Launcher Tools

Changing a program’s icon

Adding a program icon to a tab

Restoring a vanished icon

Adding a new tab to the desktop

Chilling with IceWM

Tweaking the Interface with TweakEEE

Showing the Start button

Changing the taskbar clock format

Removing taskbar icons

Custom Themes with Theeemer

Using Other Customization Tools

Pimpmyeee.sh

Easy Mode Editor

Part VI: Part of Tens

Chapter 22: Ten Eee PC Troubleshooting Tips

My Icon(s) Disappeared!

My Touchpad Has Problems Scrolling

My Web Cam Doesn’t Work

My Eee PC Suspends When I Close the Lid

I Forgot My Password

Windows

Linux

My Wireless Connections Aren’t Working

My Eee PC Hangs at Shutdown

I Can’t Write to an SD Card or a USB Drive

My Eee PC Isn’t Working Right

My Eee PC Is Dead

Chapter 23: Top Ten Eee PC Internet Resources

The Official Word

Answers to Just About Any Question

Best of the Blogs

ASUS Eee PC For Dummies®

by Joel McNamara

ASUS Eee PC For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Manufactured in the United States of America

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About the Author

Joel McNamara started using computers in the Dark Ages (1980 to be precise), and if the words NorthStar Horizon, ARPANET, PDP-11, Kaypro, and Apple Lisa mean anything to you, like in the movie Zelig, he was there. Over the years Joel has worked, among other things, as a programmer, technical writer, and manager for a number of companies in the high-tech sector. He currently writes and consults on technology he finds interesting (like little Linux laptops).

Joel is also the author of GPS For Dummies, Geocaching For Dummies, and Secrets of Computer Espionage: Tactics & Countermeasures (all published by Wiley).

Dedication

Author’s Acknowledgments

First, thanks to ASUS for starting the mini-laptop/netbook revolution and providing support for this book.

Next, I’d like to thank the members of the band. On bass (my Wiley acquisitions editor) Kyle Looper, on drums (technical editor) Charlton Ho, on guitar, copy editor Mary Lagu, and on keyboard, the man who brings it all together, Marvelous Mark Enochs (project editor maximus). Also, everyone else at Wiley who did background vocals. One day I hope to have the pleasure to meet you all in person.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Senior Project Editor: Mark Enochs

Acquisitions Editor: Kyle Looper

Copy Editor: Mary Lagu

Technical Editor: Charlton Ho

Editorial Manager: Leah Cameron

Editorial Assistant: Amanda Foxworth

Sr. Editorial Assistant: Cherie Case

Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Kristie Rees

Layout and Graphics: Reuben W. Davis, Nikki Gately, Christin Swinford, Ronald Terry

Proofreader: John Greenough, Nancy L. Reinhardt

Indexer: Infodex Indexing Services, Inc.

Publishing and Editorial for Technology Dummies

Richard Swadley, Vice President and Executive Group Publisher

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher

Mary Bednarek, Executive Acquisitions Director

Mary C. Corder, Editorial Director

Publishing for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Introduction

I’ve used a lot of personal computers over the years. The Apple II, Northstar Horizons, IBM and clone PCs, Macs, Palm Pilots, and a host of other machines long gone and forgotten. (Saying all this is suddenly making me feel pretty darn old.) Having seen lots of technology come and go, I must admit I can be a bit jaded when new products hit the market; especially those that arrive with an overabundance of hype.

When I first heard all the buzz about the Eee PC, I was skeptical. The Internet is filled with vocal fanboys for just about any product you can think of, and I figured this was yet another example. Then I got my hands on an Eee PC. And after a couple of days, the jaded skepticism turned into surprise and satisfaction as I found myself using the little laptop more and more.

Light and small (right around two pounds and about the size of this book), durable enough not to mind getting knocked about a bit, and considerably cheaper than a MacBook Air or high-end Ultra Mobile Portable Computer, it boots up in less than half a minute with a solid state hard drive. Eee PC is loaded all the hardware and software (a friendly version of Linux comes with lots of programs) that you need to access the Net and do personal, work and entertainment-related tasks from home or on the road. Sweet!

But aside from all the technical goodness, one of the things that impressed me the most was the Eee PC’s functional simplicity. We are living in a time of over-complexity. The world around us is becoming ever complicated; especially the electronic gadgets we use on a daily basis. The Eee PC was a refreshing digital breath of fresh air. It is easy to use (that’s what one of the Es in Eee PC stands for by the way) and almost more of an appliance than a traditional personal computer.

Now I won’t kid you. The Eee PC isn’t a perfect computer (if such a thing even exists). On most models the keys are small and I certainly wouldn’t want to write the great American novel on it (although I did work on this book with the little laptop when I was away from home). Battery life is okay, but not stellar. Xandros, a version of Linux, has its quirks. Hard drive space is limited.

But these are really minor nits, because the Eee PC works incredibly well for what it was designed to be — an affordable, highly-mobile, easy-to-use computer you can use anywhere, inside or outside the home or office.

As you already guessed from the title, this book is about the Eee PC. I tell you everything you need to know about ASUS’ Lilliputian wonder; its capabilities, limitations, and how to get the most from it.

Who This Book Is For

If you’re browsing through this book at your favorite bookstore right now and are trying to decide whether this book is for you, ask yourself these simple questions:

Are you thinking about buying an Eee PC?

Have you recently purchased an Eee PC (or lucky you, gotten one as a gift)?

Have you owned an Eee PC for a while, but want to get more out of it?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, stop reading and immediately proceed to the cash register because this book is indeed for you. (If you’re still not convinced, feel free to continue flipping through the pages to see what I mean.)

Although the user manual that comes with the Eee PC manual covers the basics, it doesn’t go into a whole lot of depth (which is perfectly understandable from ASUS’ perspective; you don’t want a voluminous user manual when you’re interested in producing an affordable computer).

With this book I take you beyond the user guide and the online help, expanding on topics and programs, presenting a variety of subjects that aren’t covered, and pointing out places to get more information on the Internet. All in the trademarked For Dummies’ easy-to-read-and-understand style.

When the Eee PC first debuted, it was only available in models that ran a version of the Linux operating system (you could install Windows XP if you had a copy). Now Windows XP comes preinstalled on certain models.

Considering this, ASUS Eee PC For Dummies is written especially for the Linux newbie (there’s no shame in that, we all had to start to somewhere). The Eee PC is a great computer to get a taste of what Linux is all about. The icon-based Xandros version of Linux that comes installed on the Eee PC is simple to use, and you don’t need to worry about any scary command-line prompts that Linux is known for. I step you through using the operating system and installed programs, which is, honestly, a lot like using Windows. If you want to go beyond the icons and menus, I also gently introduce you to some of the more technical aspects of Linux.

Setting Some Expectations

Before getting started, I’d like to set a few expectations about the content you’ll be reading, just so we’re all on the same page:

As I just mentioned, the Eee PC comes with either Linux or Microsoft Windows XP. I am not going to take sides (remember those fanboys I mentioned earlier?), but will objectively point out advantages and disadvantages of each operating system.

Because Windows is so widely known and used, I spend more time discussing the Linux aspects of the Eee PC. If you own or are interested in a Windows model, I do have several chapters devoted to the Microsoft operating system. The chapters on hardware and Internet resources are useful for both operating systems. Even if you’re a diehard Windows user, you might be interested in reading the Linux chapters just to see how the other half lives. You might even want to try running Xandros to see what it’s like.

Although I spend a fair amount of time talking about the Linux operating system and applications that come with the Eee PC, this book is not meant to be a manual on how to use Linux. Although I introduce you to the basics of using command-line Linux (which you need to know a little about if you want to go beyond the default Xandros user interface), it’s not my goal to turn you into a Linux guru.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is conveniently divided into several different parts. The content in each part tends to be related but, by all means, feel free to skip around and read about what interests you the most.

Part I: Getting Started with the Eee PC

This part of the book introduces you to the Eee PC. I tell you all about the laptop, describing available models and where to get them, walking you through the default hardware and software, and explaining what the Eee PC is (and more important, what it is not). In addition to descriptions, I also provide you with practical advice on using the Eee PC for the first time, including navigating through the basic user interface and connecting to the Internet and Windows networks.

Part II: Day to Day with the Eee PC

Linux versions of the Eee PC have a simple tabbed desktop user interface. You click a tab and available programs in a category are displayed. The tabs are Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings, and Favorites. For example to browse the Web, you click the Internet tab and then click a browser icon. In Part II, I devote chapters to each of the tabs and their associated programs. I describe the programs and give you helpful tips for using them and where to find more information. I close the part with a discussion of Windows XP on the Eee PC, including how it differs from Linux, what comes preinstalled on Windows models, and how to install your own copy of Windows XP on an Eee PC running Linux.

Part III: Adding Software to the Eee PC

After you have a grasp of the basics from the previous sections, you may be interested in installing different software titles on your Eee PC. I’ll walk you through the installation basics in the first chapter of Part III. Chapter 13 covers popular Linux programs and how to install them. Chapter 14 is devoted to what I consider the best free Windows programs around (along with a few Eee PC specific utilities).

Part IV: Hardware and Accessories for the Eee PC

With a cutting-edge solid-state drive, 802.11 wireless, an Ethernet jack, and Web cam (on most models), you might think the Eee PC is all ready to go. Au contraire. You’ll definitely want to expand the storage with SD cards, maybe add a DVD player/writer, perhaps charge the laptop in a car or plane, or connect any number of different peripherals to the USB and VGA ports. Part IV is about add-on Eee PC hardware and accessories, and I discuss everything from adding internal memory to appropriate carrying cases to using solar panels to powering the laptop off the grid.

Part V: Eee PC Advanced Topics

Up to this point in the book, I haven’t really gotten all that techy, but in this part I do. Here you find chapters on backing up and restoring the Eee PC, how to install Advanced Desktop mode in Linux (which gives you more of a Windows-like desktop environment), the ins and outs of using the console and the Linux command line, and customizing the Xandros user interface.

Part VI: The Part of Tens

All For Dummies books have a part called The Part of Tens, and this one is no exception. In Part VI, you find a chapter devoted to troubleshooting tips and a chapter listing what I consider to be the best Eee PC Web sites, blogs, and forums on the Internet.

Bonus Chapters

In addition to the chapters you have here in the book, there are two bonus chapters on the companion Web site (www.dummies.com/go/asuseee pcfd). The first provides information about installing other Linux distributions on the Eee PC. The second bonus chapter offers a handy collection of power-saving tips to keep your Eee PC going, and going, and . . .

Icons Used in This Book

If you’ve ever read a Dummies book before, you probably know that all sorts of icons are scattered through the book. This one is no different and some of the icons you’ll encounter include:

This is just a gentle little reminder about something of importance. Because I can’t be there to mention it in person, this icon will have to do.

You can easily use only the programs that come with the Eee PC and be perfectly happy (I’m a self-admitted geek, and after much experimenting, I found myself going back to using the default Easy Mode just like it came out of the box). However, because the Eee PC is running Linux, sometimes technical stuff does creep in. In such cases I’ll either give you a plain-English explanation or point you off to a Web site where you can get additional details.

This is good stuff designed to make your life easier; usually gained from practical experience and typically not found in the user guide or online help; or if it is there, it’s buried deep in some obscure paragraph.

The little bomb icon signifies some potential bad juju. When you start tinkering with Linux, especially if you don’t know what you are doing and just blindly start typing in commands, there’s a chance you can mess things up. (The good news is the Eee PC is quick and easy to restore.) When you see the bomb, pay attention! There might be something lurking in the shadows that causes mental, physical, emotional, or monetary suffering of some degree.

When I started writing this book, ASUS only offered a few Eee PC models. But very quickly many more models became available, and with the Eee PC 901, ASUS rolled out their second generation of mini-laptops. The 901 and later models have a few differences compared to their predecessors (first generation models are still valuable by the way, and are great values). When you see this icon, I point out noteworthy differences between newer and older models.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Before you get going with the rest of the book, and I know you can’t wait, I’d like to mention a couple of things:

Although this book has a whole lot more information in it than the Eee PC user manual, it’s a good idea to read through the manual to get the official ASUS word on things.

Linux Eee PCs come bundled with a lot of software. Many of these programs have entire books devoted to their use. My goal is to introduce you to the programs, get you going with them, and show you where to go to get more information.

There are lots of references to Web sites in this book. Unfortunately Web sites change just about as fast as the latest celebrity scandals. If for some reason a link doesn’t work, you should have enough information to find what you’re looking for by using common sense and Google.

You’re not going to find every Eee PC–compatible program in existence mentioned in the book. I’ve tried to list and describe many of the more popular programs, but the realities of page-count constraints prevents this book from turning into an encyclopedia. So please don’t get upset if I didn’t mention a program you use or feel slighted because I ended up talking about one program more than another.

When it comes to technology, it’s a given that after you commit something to paper it changes. I personally think there’s a conspiracy by hardware and software manufacturers to immediately make changes to their products the minute a book or two is published about them. So if what’s on your Eee PC screen doesn’t match how I describe it a couple of months after this book comes out, remember, it’s a conspiracy. I’ll take my tinfoil hat off now, thank you.

Finally, the Eee PC is a wonderful little computer for kids and adults of all levels of technical proficiency. I’ve written this book so that if you have an Eee PC, you can easily follow along, doing the things I describe. But don’t spend all your time with your nose glued to the book. Use it as a guide to learning about the Eee PC and then, as my mentor told me years ago when I first started working with computers, “Get your fingers dirty on the keyboard.” Discover, experiment, and have fun!

Part I

Getting Started with the Eee PC

In this part . . .

In the fall of 2007, a small laptop appeared on the market that took the world by storm. Manufactured by Asian computer powerhouse ASUS and dubbed the Eee PC, the Lilliputian laptop ushered in a new era of affordable and ultra-mobile personal computing. Go-anywhere, do-anything PCs had been around for years, but ASUS found the just right, magic combination of size, price, and performance; and customers eagerly opened their wallets and purses.

This part introduces you to the Eee PC and explains why the laptop is so popular. You learn all the basics about the Eee PC, including differences between available Linux and Windows XP models, navigating the Linux user interface, and how to get started using the computer. Because the Internet and the Eee PC go together like Bogart and Bacall, I also provide everything you need to know about connecting the laptop to the Net.

Chapter 1

Meet the Eee PC

In This Chapter

Not your average laptop

Popular Eee PC misconceptions

Reviewing Eee PC models

Selecting an Eee PC

Purchasing an Eee PC

This chapter introduces you to the ASUS Eee PC. (Eee PC is pronounced with a single E, not multiple EEEs, as in “Eeek, a mouse!”) If you’re wondering where all those Es came from, it’s from a marketing campaign that states the computer is “Easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to play.”

In this chapter, I tell you what the Eee PC is — and just as important, what it isn’t. I then list available models, describe their specifications, and conclude by giving you tips on selecting and purchasing an Eee PC.

Eee PC: Not Your Average Laptop

The Eee PC (see Figure 1-1) has been called a mini-laptop, a subnotebook, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), and a netbook (a catchy marketing buzzword for small, Internet-centric laptops). Whatever you call it, the Eee PC is a shrunk-down, lightweight laptop that has these key features:

Small — At just a bit over two pounds and roughly the size of this book, the 7-inch and 8.9-inch screen models are designed to be go-anywhere, do-anything personal computers. To fit in such a small package, keys on the Eee PC are smaller than those found on a typical laptop keyboard — right around 83 percent of normal. After you get used to the small size it’s possible to touch type with some practice. ASUS also offers several Eee PC models with larger cases (weighing around three pounds) that feature more usable keyboards — around 95 percent of normal size.

To see how the Eee PC compares in size to other laptops, visit a great Web site called sizeasy (http://sizeasy.com) that compares physical dimensions of various products. Do a search for Eee PC.

Easy to use — The Eee PC comes with a version of Linux that features a simple Linux user interface — it’s great for kids or adults with limited computer experience. Don’t let the big icons and child-like appearance fool you, however, because the full Linux operating is available under the hood. Eee PCs with Microsoft Windows XP are also available. (Although it’s possible for a user to load her own copy of Vista on an Eee PC, the current models just don’t have enough processor horsepower to run Microsoft’s latest operating system.)

Quick power up and shutdown — With the preinstalled version of Linux, the Eee PC boots up and is ready to use in less than 30 seconds — and shuts down in about half that amount of time. The laptop accomplishes this by doing two things:

• Using a Solid State Drive (SSD) — Instead of relying on spinning platters found in standard hard drives, an SSD uses memory to store data. SSDs don’t have any mechanical parts — making them more robust and less prone to failure. They start up and power down very quickly, are quiet, and have fast read and write times. SSDs are the wave of the future for laptops, but at present they are more expensive than traditional hard drives. (ASUS has also recently added conventional hard drive models to its mini-laptop line.)

• Loading a simplified user interface version of Linux — The simple Linux interface doesn’t require very many system resources and loads rapidly. In addition, some processes are still loading in the background when the interface comes up and is ready to use.

Expandable — The Eee PC features three USB 2.0 slots, a Secure Digital (SD) card reader, and a VGA video out port. On most models, internal memory can be expanded.

Internet-enabled — The Eee PC has an 802.11 b/g wireless card (some models feature 802.11 b/g/n wireless) and an Ethernet jack that makes accessing the Internet a snap.

Entertainment-ready — Sound card, built-in speakers, and microphone (as well as jacks for external speakers and microphone), a Web cam (on most models), and a processor and graphics chip capable of playing videos turn the Eee PC into a portable entertainment device.

Lots of useful, preinstalled software — The Linux version of the Eee PC comes installed with all the software you need including:

• Open Office

• Firefox (Web browser)

• Thunderbird (e-mail)

• Acrobat Reader (PDF viewer)

• Amarok (a music player)

• Pidgin (an IM client)

• Skype (Internet phone calls)

• MPlayer (a media player)

• A photo manager

• Graphics programs

• Educational programs

• Several utilities

The Windows XP version comes with everything that’s normally included with Windows in addition to Microsoft Works, Star Office, and a few other utility programs.

Affordable — Even with all its features, the Eee PC is designed to be a low-cost, affordable computer. Depending on its features, models are available from around $250 to $600.

Figure 1-1: The Eee PC.

Who’s ASUS?

Eee PCs are manufactured by ASUS (pronounced ah-sooss). ASUSTek (www.asus.com) is a Taiwan-based company that makes computer components, peripherals, cell phones, PDAs, and notebook computers. The firm has been around since 1989, and its name comes from Pegasus, the mythological winged horse. In addition to its own products, the company also produces components for Sony (PlayStation), Apple (iPods and MacBooks), HP, and Compaq.

When you see an Eee PC for the first time, don’t let the toy-like appearance of the mini-laptop fool you. This is a real computer, and for the most part it can do just about anything a normal PC can (with a few exceptions, which I discuss later).

Because of its small size and portable nature, the mini-laptop can get a lot of use while on the road or around the house. I find the Eee PC especially useful for the following:

Checking and sending e-mail

Browsing the Web

Watching videos

Listening to music

Instant messaging and Skyping

Working on word processing and spreadsheet documents when away from a primary computer

Viewing digital photos

Traveling (especially on airplanes, trains, and buses)

Popular Eee PC Misconceptions

If you read the preceding section, you should have a pretty good idea of what the Eee PC is. But how about what it isn’t? To set the record straight, I’d like to spend a moment or two discussing popular misconceptions about the mini-laptop. In no particular order, here is what the Eee PC wasn’t meant to be:

Eee PC and the OLPC XO

The origins of the Eee PC can be traced to the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative started by Nicholas Negroponte. OLPC’s (www.laptop.org) goal was to design an educational laptop that would cost $100 and make it available to children throughout the world; especially those in developing countries. The result was the OLPC XO-1, a technologically advanced Linux mini-laptop with a user interface called Sugar, expressly developed for kids and education.

Unfortunately, the $100 price point has yet to be realized, and various politics have mired down OLPC’s ambitions (the project may get a jump start, however, with Microsoft’s recent announcement that Windows XP would be available on the XO-1). On a positive note, the OLPC project spurred interest in small, functional, inexpensive laptops, which led to the Eee PC and a growing number of similar computers.

Your primary computer — The Eee PC isn’t a replacement for your primary desktop PC or laptop. On most Eee PC models, the screen and keyboard size, slower processor, and limited internal storage space pale in comparison to current PCs. Think of the Eee PC as a secondary or accessory laptop versus a primary computer — even new Eee PC models with larger keyboards, screens, and drives are limited by a relatively slow processor (performance of the Intel Celeron and Atom chips are comparable).

An oversized PDA — An Eee PC is a real computer. Unlike Palms, Pocket PCs, and smart phones, it can run most Linux and Windows programs.

Yet another cheap laptop — I’ve often heard, “Why buy an Eee PC when I could get a real laptop for the same price or a little more?” Yes, in the same general price range you can buy a cheap, full-size laptop that has a DVD drive, more memory, a real keyboard, a large screen, and more storage. But this is like comparing apples and oranges. The Eee PC is designed to be used in places where lugging around a six pound plus, full-size laptop is a hassle.

A high-horsepower workstation or gaming machine — The processor and graphics card inside the Eee PC really don’t have enough oomph to play graphics-intensive games or perform tasks such as video editing or complex image rendering.

Eee PC Models

When the Eee PC was first introduced in the fall of 2007, only a handful of models were available. Now a year later, you can choose from over a dozen Eee PC models — and according to the rumor mill, even more are on the way.

ASUS has been incredibly aggressive in announcing and releasing new models, and it can be a little bewildering trying to keep track of them all. To help you sort through what’s available, here is a brief overview of all models currently on the market. For quick reference, Table 1-1 provides the basic specifications and prices, and Table 1-2 lists key features by model.

Be sure to check the ASUS Eee PC Web site at http://eeepc.asus.com for the latest information on available models and specifications — just in case some new mini-laptops are introduced after this book goes to press.

The prices I list are in U.S. dollars and are current as of the summer of 2008. I wouldn’t be surprised to see prices drop because of increased competition in the mini-laptop market. These days, just about everyone is offering his own version of an Eee PC-type laptop.

Eee PC 2G Surf

The Eee PC 2G (as in 2GB for the drive) Surf is the most basic and inexpensive Eee PC. It runs Xandros Linux (check out the “Linux, Xandros, KDE, and Windows” sidebar in Chapter 11 for more information) and comes with a 7-inch screen, a 900 Mhz Celeron processor, 512K of non-expandable RAM, and a small 2GB Solid State Drive. It doesn’t have a Web cam and uses a fairly low-capacity battery (expect about 2 hours, 45 minutes of run time). It is available in white, black, blue, green, and pink. Retail price is $299.

ASUS formerly called the Eee PC 2G Surf the 700 model and designated the Eee PC 4G, 4G Surf, and 8G mini-laptops as the 701 models. If you see references to these numbers on the Internet, you’ll know what people are talking about.

Eee PC 4G Surf, 4G

These models have the same case, keyboard, screen, and processor (although running at a slightly higher clock speed), as the Eee PC 2G, but offer expanded hardware — at a higher price point. The Eee PC 4G series have socketed RAM — which means memory can be expanded from the default 512K up to 2GB. Multiple colors are available, and you have your choice of either Linux or Windows XP. Models in the series include

Eee PC 4G Surf — Similar to the 2G Surf, including the low-capacity battery, but with a 4GB Solid State Drive (SSD) and expandable memory.

Eee PC 4G — 4GB SSD, Web cam, and higher capacity battery with a run time of around 3 hours, 30 minutes. Retail price is $349.

If you see references to an Eee PC 8G model on the Internet, this is a discontinued Eee PC 4G that comes with an 8GB SSD, 1GB RAM, Web cam, and higher-capacity battery.

The Eee PC is like most computers in that advertised hard drive size doesn’t mean you have that much storage available out of the box. For example on a Eee PC 4G loaded with Linux, I had around 1.3GB of free space available, with the operating system and installed applications taking up the remainder of the space.

Eee PC 701SD

The Eee PC 701SD has the same specifications as the Eee PC 4G, but comes with an 8GB internal SSD and a 30GB USB external drive. If that’s not enough space for you, ASUS also provides 10GB of online storage.

Eee PC 900 series

One of the downsides to Eee PC 2G, 4G, and 701 models is the tiny 7-inch (800-x-480) screen. Sure it’s usable, but a little more screen real estate is nice, especially when browsing the Web.

ASUS bumped up the screen size in the 900 Eee PC series. The 900 models have an ever so slightly larger case, but retain most of the same features as the 7-inch screen models (including the small keyboard) with these notable exceptions:

An 8.9-inch, 1024-x-600 screen

1GB of RAM

Expanded drive space

Higher resolution Web cam (1.3 versus .3megapixel found in the 701 series)

Larger surface touchpad with MultiTouch support

Three Eee PC 900 series models are available:

Eee PC 900 — This is the base model. It comes with a 4GB primary SSD and a second SSD for storage (20GB for Linux models, 12GB for Windows XP models). Retail prices range from $499 to $549 depending on model.

Eee PC 900 16G — This model comes with a single 16GB SSD — initial reports seem to indicate the drive isn’t as speedy as the SSD found in the base model 900. Linux and Windows XP models are available, priced around $349.

Eee PC900A — The 900A is a Linux-only Eee PC. It features an energy efficient Intel Atom processor instead of the Celeron processor found in the other 900 series models. 8GB and 16GB of SSD storage are available. It uses a lower-cost .3-megapixel camera. The price of this new model has yet to be released.

Table 1-1 Eee PC Models — Basic Specifications

Model

Memory

Drive Space

Processor

Screen

OS

Price

2G Surf

512K

2GB SSD

800 MHz Celeron M

7", 800x 480

Linux

$249

4G Surf

512K

4GB SSD

900 MHz Celeron M

7", 800x 480

Linux or Wind-ows XP

$299

4G

512K

4GB SSD

900 MHz Celeron M

7", 800x 480

Linux or Wind-ows XP

$349

701SD

512K

8GB SSD, 30GB external

900 MHz Celeron M

7", 800x 480

Linux or Wind-ows XP

*

900

1GB

12GB SSD (Wind-ows)

20GB SSD (Linux)

900 MHz Celeron M

8.9", 1024x 600

Linux or Wind-ows XP

$499 to $549

900 16G

1GB

16GB SSD

900 MHz Celeron M

8.9", 1024x 600

Linux or Wind-ows XP

$349

900A

1GB

8 or 16GB SSD

1.6 GHz Intel Atom

8.9", 1024x 600

Linux

*

901

1GB

12GB SSD (Wind-ows)

20GB SSD (Linux)

1.6 GHz Intel Atom

8.9", 1024x 600

Linux or Wind-ows XP

$ 499

904HD

1GB (Wind-ows)

2GB (Linux)

80GB HD

900 MHz Celeron M

8.9", 1024x 600

Linux or Wind-ows XP

*

1000

1GB

40GB SSD

1.6 GHz Intel Atom

10", 1024x 600

Linux

$599

1000 H

1GB

80GB HD

1.6 GHz Intel Atom

10", 1024x 600

Wind-ows XP

$475

1000 HD

1GB (Wind-ows)

2GB (Linux)

80GB HD

900 MHz Celeron M

10", 1024x 600

Linux or Wind-ows XP

*

* ASUS hasn’t announced prices for these new models as this book goes to press. See the “Purchasing an Eee PC” section at the end of this chapter for several online retail sites you can check for current prices.

Eee PC 901

Shortly after ASUS released the Eee PC 900 model in late spring of 2008, the company announced the Eee PC 901 (see Figure 1-2). This is a second generation Eee PC with the same basic features as the 900, but with these additions:

A new case (similar dimensions, but with a more upscale look including metal trim and a redesigned hinge).

Built-in Bluetooth.

1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor (lower power consumption with roughly the same performance as the 900 MHz Celeron).

802.11b/g/n wireless card (faster speeds, greater range, better connectivity).

Improved speakers.

Enhanced touchpad.

Additional function keys.

20GB of online, Internet storage

Power-mode control (Super Hybrid Engine) that allows you to change the processor’s speed to increase battery life.

High-capacity battery. (Coupled with the Atom chip, expect battery life in the 4.5 to 5 hour range with WiFi on.)

For the extra features of an Eee PC 901, expect to pay around $499.

Figure 1-2: 901 (left) and 1000 (right) model Eee PCs.

Eee PC 904HD

During the summer of 2008, ASUS announced plans for a new Eee PC that is a cross between the Eee PC 901 and 1000 models — I discuss the 1000 series next. The Eee PC 904 HD is an Intel Celeron-powered laptop that combines the 8.9-inch screen of an Eee PC 901 with the case and larger keyboard of the 1000 series. The mini-laptop comes with an 80GB hard drive and is available in Linux and Windows XP models. A price has yet to be announced.

Eee PC 1000 series

Although the 900/901 models addressed the original Eee PC’s small screen size, there was still the issue of the undersized keyboard. For some users, the small keys just didn’t work.

Responding to customer demand, ASUS upped the ante again, and during the summer of 2008, it announced the Eee PC 1000 (shown in Figure 1-2 next to an Eee PC 901 for size comparison). This model is similar to the 901, but sports a larger 10-inch screen and a bigger, more usable keyboard (about 92 percent the size of a normal PC keyboard).

The 1000 series departs from the small form factor of the original Eee PC, and enters the mainstream subnotebook realm. These laptops are more expensive than their smaller ASUS siblings, but are still priced considerably less than traditional subnotebooks — just keep in mind they also don’t have the performance and features typically found in costlier subnotebooks.

Three 1000 series models are currently available:

Eee PC 1000 — This is the top-of-the-line Linux-only model that comes with a 40GB Solid State Drive. With the larger screen and same size battery, expect run time to be a bit less than the 901. It’s priced at $599.

Eee PC 1000 H — The H stands for hard drive and this was the first Eee PC to come with a traditional hard drive — 80GB to be precise. It’s cheaper than the Eee PC 1000 model with the Solid State Drive, is a little heavier, and only comes with Window XP or Linux preinstalled.

Eee PC 1000 HD — The third model in the 1000 series is called the 1000 HD. It’s just like the 1000 H with an 80GB hard drive, but instead of an Atom processor, it uses a 900 MHz Celeron CPU (and an 802.11 b/g instead of b/g/n wireless card). Battery life isn’t as long, but the less-expensive hardware components mean a lower retail price.

Eee PCs come in a variety of colors including basic black (ASUS calls it Galaxy black) and a Macintosh-inspired white. Hues of blue, green, pink, and purple are available with some models. Unlike other laptops, your choice of color doesn’t influence the price; although some colors tend to be more available than others.

Selecting an Eee PC

With the wide array of available models, if you’re interested in an Eee PC, all the choices can leave you a little bewildered.

My first suggestion is to review Tables 1-1 and 1-2 to get a handle on features and specifications of different models. Figure out which features are important to you and narrow down your list from there.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, here are some general suggestions for selecting an ASUS mini-laptop based on who will be using it:

Children — The Eee PC 2G and 4G models make a great introductory computer for kids. They’re relatively inexpensive and are fairly immune to minor bumps and drops. The smaller keyboard is perfect for little hands.

Students — The first generation Eee PC 4G is still popular with students because of its small size and low price. If your budget allows, I’d look at the Eee PC 901 (or another model that uses the Atom processor), because of its longer battery life and bigger screen — Bluetooth is also a plus if you’ve got a compatible cell phone. Second choice would be the lower-priced Eee PC 900 model.

Business people — The Eee PC 1000 series and the Eee PC 904HD offer more usably sized keyboards and screens. Keep in mind that with these models you’re trading away size and portability — refer to Figure 1-2 to see the difference between the Eee PC 1000 and 901 models. If you want small, opt for an Eee PC 901. Go for an Atom processor for increased battery life.

Home computer users — The Eee PC is a great second computer. If you have a wireless access point at home, the Eee PC’s light weight and size make it perfect for accessing the Internet anywhere you want — kitchen, patio, bedroom, wherever. It’s also convenient to toss in a bag or purse when you head to the coffee shop. If you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend an Eee PC 4G, followed by a Eee PC 900 or 901 if you have a little more to spend — the larger screen is better for browsing. If you don’t mind a bigger case, an Eee PC 904HD offers a more usable keyboard.

Senior citizens — For seniors I recommend an 8.9-inch or 10-inch screen model — they’re much easier on the eyes. A larger keyboard might be a plus, depending on the person. If you’re going to be using the mini-laptop mostly around home, you can opt for a lower-priced model with a Celeron processor because a power outlet is always nearby.

Techies — Take your pick — depending on how much you’ve got to spend in your wallet or purse. The Eee PC’s hardware and software both lend themselves to tinkering and customization.

You’ll still need to decide whether you should get a model that runs Linux or Windows XP. I offer some advice on that decision in Chapter 11.

Purchasing an Eee PC

If you’ve made up your mind that you want an Eee PC, and are all set to buy a mini-laptop, where should you go to get one? You’ve got a few options.

The easiest way is to have your credit card ready and use the Internet. Eee PCs can be purchased from a number of large online retailers, including the following:

Amazon — www.amazon.com

NewEgg — www.newegg.com

Buy.com — www.buy.com

If you want to check out an Eee PC in person before purchasing, your options are bit more limited. As of yet, ASUS doesn’t have an extensive retail distribution network and, depending on where you’re located, it may be tough to find an Eee PC for a hands-on evaluation. Larger retailers such as Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com) may stock the mini-laptop, but check around.

Before you buy, I’d suggest using Google to search for other local or online retailers that carry the Eee PC.

Almost a year after the release of the Eee PC, because of their extreme popularity, a fire in a manufacturing facility that makes batteries for ASUS, and a shortage of Atom processors, the diminutive laptops can be scarce in certain markets. Internet retailers frequently sell out quickly and waiting lists are common. With a tight supply and big demand, don’t expect to find below-retail bargains. That may be changing in the very near future though. The surprise popularity of the Eee PC has caused just about everyone and their brother to start offering their own mini-laptop models. Competition is already starting to drive prices down and likely will into the future.

Table 1-2 Eee PC Models — More Specifications

Model

Cam

Wireless

BT*

Larger Keyboard

Battery

Weight

Dimensions

2G Surf

None

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

2.04 lbs.

8.9" × 6.5" × 1.4"

4G Surf

None

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

2.04 lbs.

8.9" × 6.5" × 1.4"

4G

.3 MP

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 or 5,200 mAh

2.04 lbs.

8.9" × 6.5" × 1.4"

701SD

.3 MP

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

1.99 lbs.

8.9" × 6.5" × 1.4"

900

1.3 MP

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

2.19 lbs.

8.9" × 6.7" × 1.3"

900 16G

1.3 MP

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

2.19 lbs.

8.9" × 6.7" × 1.3"

900A

.3 MP

802.11 b/g

No

No

4 cell, 4,400 mAh

2.19 lbs.

8.9" × 6.7" × 1.3"