Home > Consumer Reviews > ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, 20 GB Eee Storage, Linux, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White

This gadget was on my amazon wish list for a few weeks. I kept looking at the online information, and visited a local computer store which had a display of a few Eee models, in order to handle them and translate the written specs into 3D for myself.

Finally, the price here dropped a little and on the last day of a rebate offer, I ordered it. I've had my Eee 901 for a few days now and so far, so great! I got the black one, with Linux. Don't have any experience with Linux so I'm on a learning curve; I figured that if I really want Windows, I can always buy an XP OS and install it. But since I mostly will use this to access the Internet, blog, download photos and upload them to my online photo service, and to work with documents and spreadsheets, I think the Linux software preloaded on this sweet little machine will be just fine.

The reviews here prepared me for the small keyboard on the Eee, but I don't have large hands and I'm adjusting to it faster than I had expected. The touchpad is not so great, but I hate touchpads generally and I can't say I dislike it any more than any other touchpad I've used. Today I'm taking the Eee to my office where I left my USB notebook (small sized) mouse and will probably use that instead of the touchpad.

I just completed my first charge/discharge battery cycle, and was impressed by how long the battery lasted. I charged it up on Friday when I unboxed it, then unplugged it. I used it a bit on Saturday and a lot on Sunday, and finally the battery capacity dropped below 25% on Sunday night. All of that was with wireless enabled, which I understand drains the battery faster.

So far, this is a very portable (and cute, I have to say it) mini-notebook that boots up like lightning, has a user-friendly interface for this total Linux newbie, connects to wireless networks smoothly, and has a display that's big enough for serious internet browsing as well as working with documents and spreadsheets. I bought this to take with me when I travel, but I can see it's going with me around town as well.

Bottom line: if you are not a geek, but a reasonably informed PC user who doesn't need to run specialized software on it, don't be afraid to consider the Eee PC 901 with Linux. You'll get more GB of storage in the machine than comes with the Win XP version of the 901, and a user-friendly interface. Some things about Linux are different but not enough to make me regret this purchase. Not at all!

UPATED TO ADD: The outside surface of the lid is shiny black plastic, which shows smears and fingerprints, and collects scratches. I got this protective decal/skin for my 901: Cruising Design Asus Eee PC 901 Skin Decal Protective Sticker. It fits well, looks nice - no more smears - and protects the lid.

SECOND UPDATE: My Eee came with a cushy fabric slipcase. But the fabric assiduously collects lint, and as a slipcase it doesn't have a carry strap. I prefer carrying a shoulder bag and having my hands free. I've found two bags with shoulder straps which are good solutions for carrying my Eee and accessories, with room for other things as well:

1. The Sumdex MT-3 Series Vertical Messenger - which I have been carrying as my main handbag ever since I got it. It's big enough to be useful but still on the small side. It has a padded compartment with a side pocket into which the Eee 901 fits perfectly (and when my Eee isn't in it, my Kindle usually is).

2. The Asus Eee Pc 7-10 Inch Laptop Case by Case Logic, which I think is a good deal for the money and a nice solution for carrying the Eee and other necessities around in something handier than a standard sized laptop case or backpack.

With linux and without windows.

Twice the RAM and twice the disk space - duhh. But if you want to slow things down with Windows - buy this one - install windoze - and have the faster box.

Voice recognition is a lot of fun. And this linux package with office, mail, wifi, firefox and free patches and upgrades - means you quit paying after you buy it. But if you choose windows you are just beginning your buying spree.

I like the programming tools of perl, python, ruby and java - access to the command line with a ctl-alt-t sets up the terminal.

I plan to slip this into my backpack (2 pounds) and surf my way between large cities in europe by train. The small keyboard takes time - I am 6'3" have large hands, and am up to about 30 wpm.

What I really like is the 6+ hours batter life. I put this on my headboard and when I want the net, I just reach back and boot - about 30 seconds. With wifi I am up and surfing in a lot less than a minute. When I have done what I wanted, it will shut down in about 20 seconds.

It is about as easy as reaching for a book to read.

You can't go wrong with this little linux jewel - if you want everything - and have the ability to travel easily too - 5 stars *****

Having and loving an 8 GB Asus PC, I ordered a 901 a couple of months ago. I was impressed with the size of the larger keyboard; however, the keyboard functioning was a disappointment. Each key had to be pounded in order for a character to register. Additionally, the computer frequently froze, requiring the user to restart the machine. After trying to overcome these issues for a couple of weeks, I returned the 901 for another. Unfortunately, the same problems occurred with the replacement computer, and I had to return it also. I will be watching for a later version of the Asus, one superceding the 1000.

Bottom Line Up Front:
Unless you use a computer for light tasks (net-surfing, email, school work, connecting to other computers, etc.), the 901 is NOT meant to be your only PC. If going back and forth between the two machines is a problem, learn how to make your 901 connect remotely to your main machine. That's one of it's strengths. Use it.

The 901 is a NETBOOK:
That means it's highly mobile--and highly-connected--enough to be either a "smart terminal" for work, or a basic "media station" for personal use. Although it may have the processing power to do more, it lacks the massive storage capacity. (You can use an external, USB Hard-Drive to overcome that).

Why I Purchased One:
Starting a month or two back, I actually had to be mobile at a moment's notice. That's when I realized my 3 year-old, 5-pound "luggable" laptop (I believe it was once called a "Desktop Replacement") was too cumbersome to be of use to me. So I purchased the 901, and all is well again.

The luggable still handles all of my heavier tasks. The 901 handles my software development and network-admin duties.

Your Concerns May Vary:
If you're truly concerned, try out one of these things before buying. (I bought mine sight unseen.) Initially, I was worried about the size of the keyboard. I even tried to "prepare" for that by typing on one of those small, folding keyboards for PDAs. At 8.5 inches x 3.25 inches, the 901's keyboard was even smaller by comparison. So much so that I almost sent the computer back without trying it, but I'm glad I didn't. I got used to typing on the thing inside of 10 minutes. Yes, the right-shift key is in the wrong place. (You can go to eeeuser.com for a remedy.) True, the right-control key is gone completely. (You're on your own for that one.)

Or to be completely fair, look into the competition. A friend of mine--also a computer professional--saw my netbook and liked the concept. However, he didn't like the keyboard. He purchased the Mini 910 from Dell. (It has nearly the same specs, and it's cheaper.) Meanwhile, my boss is looking at the Eee PC 1000, which has a 10-inch screen and a larger(?!), laptop-sized keyboard. Suddenly, every laptop manufacturer has at least one netBook model in its lineup. You've got a great selection to choose from.

On A Lighter Note(book):
If you're a guy, you might take exception with the pearl-based color options. Seeing pics did not prepare me for how "cute" the 901 looked in white. I certainly didn't enjoy my girlfriend's reaction. (Ow, my pride.) But, to my surprise, I quickly got used to the 901's apple-esque styling. (In fact, I consider this to be the Apple IIc I couldn't have back in high school. Shut up.)

One thing I will NOT suffer, however, is the included 901 "carrying case". Come on ASUS, that's not a case, it's a freakin' purse! (And a cheap-looking one at that.)

Here's my solution. Buy a book/Bible cover. It should immunize you from purse-snatchers and gay-bashers alike. But more importantly, you'll get better styling in a case that doesn't scream, "Hey! I'm carrying a NETBOOK! Please steal me!"

Yeah, I've used Amazon for years, but this is my first review. Take it for what its worth.

UPDATE:
Depending on how you use the 901, you may get tired of the default Xandros OS (even in its so-called "advanced mode"). That's when you'll want to switch to WinXP (I wouldn't be brave enough to install Vista), or a different flavor of GNU/Linux. In my case, I choose Ubuntu 8.04 -- Hardy Heron -- with the eee-optimized kernel from array.org

And I can't stress enough: When it comes to anything Eee PC, the forums at www.eeeuser.com will be your best friend.

Have had the 901 in black for 4 days and have to say that it was worth the wait. Fast, simple interface - boots in 20-25 seconds. Bright screen; Great battery life - surfed for about 5.75 hours before we dropped to under 15%. The only downside whatsoever is the lack of management tools in this version of Linux.

In general, I would highly recommend this PC. Great job - ASUS!!