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

The 901, out of the box, is a great little toy. But if you're willing to do some inexpensive modifications and embrace a real Linux operating system you can turn it into a tiny full fledged powerhouse. In stock form the 901 Linux has 1 gig of RAM memory and 20 gig of solid state memory. It runs an optimized version of Xandros Linux, and is a good net appliance/PDA. The 20 gig solid state hard drive is actually 2 solid state drives, 1, a fast 4 gig where the operating system is installed, and a slower 16 gig used for storage.
But if you're up to it, there is plenty of information out there to enable you to turn the 901 into a serious computer. You DON'T have to be a Linux expert, I've learned that there is a great support network out there very willing to help out the neophite. In my case, I removed the 1 gig ram chip and installed a 2 gig replacement. I removed the slow 16 gig solid state drive and replaced it with an ultra-fast 32 gig SATA solid state drive. I then installed Eeebuntu on the 32 gig drive. Eeebuntu is a version of the Ubuntu Linux operating system that has been custom tailored for the Asus EeePC line of netbooks. I wiped and repartioned the 4 gig solid state drive and now use it as additional storage. The addition of Eeebuntu turns the 901 into a 'real' computer. The Eeebuntu 'Standard' edition includes a full office suite, can create PDF files, import and export Word and Excel files, and the best thing about it is that it's FREE. After installing Eeebuntu and the hardware upgrades I have a very small, very light, very fast and capable computer able to connect to WiFi 'N' systems, that boots in 35-40 seconds, and has 5 to 6 HOURS of battery capacity. I'm very pleased with it.

This is a good introduction to the use of a Linux product. For a long time Windows user, there is a lot to be learned, but the EEPC Users Wiki is full of instruction. Straight out of the box it accesses a wireless network, connects with Skype, and does everything else I expected. Adding new programs and removing pre-installed programs is a challenge, but I expect that with a new-to-me operating system.
Memory is of two types: the 4 gb for programs is faster than the 16 gb for data. Unfortunately with the hidden restore partition, and the update that occurs with first connection, almost all of the 4gb is filled, leaving precious little room for new programs. The flip side of that is that restore to factory state is easy when my inexpert Linux manipulation fails. Battery lasts a full 5 hours of use.

The Eee PC is almost perfect. The boot time (for the Linux model) is very fast. Wireless networks are found and listed for you soon after boot-up. The tabbed interface for Linux is simple and straightforward. Really a nice little machine. For those of you that want full fledged Linux, the standard Xandros desktop can be enabled, with a little work. Star/Open office is included and works fine with Microsoft Office documents. Firefox and Skype are included and web surfing is a joy.

The only real 'cons' I have are the sensitive keyboard and touchpad. If you have large "Fred Flintsone" fingers and hands like I do, there is a definite learning curve if you want to type on the Eee PC. After a week, I find that my fingers and hands are getting used to the smaller keyboard, and I now subconsciously know not to rest my wrists on the touchpad while typing.

I am crazy in love with this cute little gem of a netbook! But it took a bit of work on my part to get it just right for my needs.

I bought the Linux version with the intention of trying it out, and if I didn't like the Xandros OS, converting the Eee to Windows. And I didn't like it. It's too basic, and my other programs are all Windows-based. I tried creating my own stripped-down version of XP using nLite and installing that in place of the Xandros, but that disabled several of the Eee's functions. Fed up with the limitations of the nLitened version of XP, I reformatted both hard drives, installed a full XP on the 16GB one, and edited the BIOS to make the 16GB the boot drive. I installed all the programs I need onto the 16GB (with mucho space left over) and am using the 4GB for storage. The Eee is now running like a dream, but unless you're already into Linux, you're better off just buying the 901 with XP pre-installed.

However, if you're not planning on installing any Windows-based programs, the Xandros OS may suit you just fine. It comes with Firefox, Star Office, a nicely-compact media player and several other apps already installed, so you can surf the net, email, chat, work on documents and even call your friends on Skype right out of the box.

I haven't had any problems with the keyboard at all, and I'm typing a novel on it! Maybe it's because I have small hands. I actually am more comfortable using the Eee for typing than my full-size keyboard. I didn't have much experience using a touchpad, but it took less than a day to get used to, and now I love it. Keep in mind that you can always add a mouse and turn the touchpad off if you don't like it.

The built-in wireless also works great right out of the box, but I recommend getting a mobile broadband card if you want reliable access virtually everywhere. The Eee is so small and light, you can just pop it into your bag and go. Mine's been turning heads all over town!

I would like the preface by saying I'm had the eeePC 901 for about 2 months now. Something I would recommend doing right off the bat:

-Switch to a different version of Linux: I'm using Ubuntu EEE, a customized version of ubuntu specifically for EEE Pc's in mind. While you do lose functionality of the very top row of buttons (such as the Power modes, Screen adjustment, etc.), I've enjoyed in the increased functionality of able to run everything I need. I noticed one user on here wrote a review where he couldn't run movies off his SD-card. Honestly, I've never used the default OS, but it is quite easy to do in Ubuntu.

I do have to note, however, not like everything runs silky smooth. I would say load-up time on firefox and other programs is still a significant 5-7 seconds. I still think it's great for plane rides and work on the go, but people really shouldn't expect this to run everything you throw at it (including running 1080p videos).

Pros: The size and portability are perfect. At just over 2 pounds, it is easy to carry around and definitely makes travel easier. I can put this in my carry-on luggage around with a two books and it still feels rather light. Getting past security check-ins fast is also a breeze. Almost worth the purchase alone! The battery life is also nice at just over 4 hours. Not the advertised 7 hours, but still rather nice nonetheless. Finally, the price. At under $500 now, it's really a steal for all the features you get in a machine with good construction.

Cons: The keyboard is incredibly small. If you have chubby fingers, expect to hit a lot of keys at the same time. Actually just the way the keyboard is squished together can give anyone trouble. After using it for a while though, I can say I've gotten pretty used to it. I still wouldn't recommend it for intense word processing of any kind though.

Bottom line: If you're primarily using this to surf the internet, entertain yourself on long flights, or some quick work outside the office, the EEE PC 901 doesn't disappoint for the price. If you're looking at games and running more intense programs, you might want to look elsewhere.