Home > Consumer Reviews > Asus Eee PC 4G Surf (7-Inch Display, Intel Mobile Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Pure White

I'd have given this little puter five stars, but now Asus is coming out with a new model that has a larger screen and this knowledge has made me a little sulky. On the up side, the new model will cost a bit more and I liked the $350 price tag.

This little wonder fits in my average-sized purse with room to burn and hasn't shown any problems with the jostling. I take it everywhere, which has proven to be very handy.

While part of the excuse for getting it was my desire to learn about Linux, I am tempted to put Windows XP on it so I can install Dreamweaver to work on my websites easily while on trips.

This model doesn't have a camera built in--it wasn't worth $50 to me.

Very happy with the computer. I used it on a recent trip to Germany and had great success with it. It connected easily to WIFI hotspots and a lot of interest from folks who walked by as I was using it.

The OS is Linux but very easy to use. The hardest thing to get used to is the keyboard, it's about 2/3 the size of a standard laptop. I ended up reverting to 2 finger typing.

This computer took me a while to get set up how I wanted it, but I finally did it! Please be aware (as I was not) that the 4GB Surf model does not have a memory drive door in the bottom that you can just screw open and add memory. (You can't even add memory at all to the 2GB models). I had already ordered a 2GB memory chip to go in the computer, so I started searching for instructions online. I found some good written instructions and also a video on YouTube about how to open up the computer and install the memory. It involved unscrewing the case, removing the keyboard, finding "hidden locks" around the edges of the casing, and pulling up the mother board to install the memory. The first time I did it, I didn't set it in there firmly enough, so I after I had the whole thing put together, I had to take it back apart all over again!
I about had a heart attack because I thought I had "killed" it by opening it up, but it was only that I hadn't pushed the memory chip in firmly enough..whew! Anyway, then I had to make a compressed installation of Windows XP using nLite (you can download nLite for free, just search for it). Once I had the new installation CD, I put Windows XP and Office XP on the 4GB and I still have almost 3 GB free. Everything works great! Internet is fast, startup time, programs open up at lightning speed. I also purchased an SDHC card to go in it - and so I'll have plenty of space to store my files, pictures, etc. I'm going to be traveling a lot soon and I just hope I can find wireless access in Europe - we'll see!

Look at the title and my disclaimer is that I am a Linux user, however, I also use XP user and the fact is the following, with either Windows or Linux, it would be a mistake to pass this up. I almost bought a MAC and I would have bought a Vista laptop, because I doubted the reviews. I am typing this review on the ASUS micro laptop! I have only used it less than two hours and I already can see that I made the right choice!! I will tell you that at first the keyboard is small, but you really get use to it, and tactile on it is great. I said I was a Linux USER. This version of the SURF is great, no need to mess around tar and xg'ing,media is available and works perfectly. Then there is the speed, the portability, make no mistakes folks, this is the laptop to getI I am using an 8gb card for my removable media. I intend to further upgrade, only if needed. Great job ASUS! I also got the Nokia Internet tablet, but not from AMAZON,(sorry Amazon) at the time they had the higher price, but,not any more! Its a great companion with the Asus, to counter act the battery life. BTW, looking forward to a time that they have a longer lasting battery. Take my advice, try it for yourself! PS, the price on this machine went up since I last bought it, I would certainly get it while they have these models at this price!

I tried both the 2 GB surf and the 4 GB surf. For the extra $50, the 4 GB is a better investment, with a much larger cache and a faster processor, plus the memory can be upgraded. If the 2 GB was say, $229, I'd agree is was a good investment for modest web browsing, email, and Skype VOIP if you and your friend have a fast connection.

Unfortunately, the 2 GB barely played my MPEG4s, which was very disappointing since even a cheap player can usually play videos at a reasonable bitrate without a hitch.

The 4 GB unit played MPEG4s much better, and even tried to play videos from the NBC website, but unfortunately didn't quite have the power to keep the video playing smoothly. But at least it tried, something my wife's Nokia n800 couldn't do at all.

I also use ORB for remote viewing of my media center recordings, and with the 4 GB Asus, this was a little hit or miss.

If I could have watched online videos (NBC, TNT, CBS, FOX) without the buffering I would likely have kept one. But they're just under the wire for enough processing speed to satisfy. Still, the used market for these should create great value later when Asus comes out with their new units.

I think the niche for these devices is probably overall about $50 lower than they have set them, though certainly for someone looking for basic features and ultra portability, these are nice units. The web browser works better and is larger than a PDA and the cost is less, too.

The included OpenOffice software is very reliable, and even the 2 GB unit is compatible with a number of printers. I plugged one into an Epson R200 and it installed the needed drivers and pages printed quick and clean.

To me the ideal market for these is families needing something for their kids for homework research and even texting (Pidgin) and free VOIP (Skype). Sound with Skype is a little "tinny" but can probably be overcome with a decent quality headset.

Bottom line is, you're not getting a laptop, you're getting an extremely portable web browser with basic communication and productivity software, and don't expect a lot of power.