ASUS Eee PC 900 8.9-Inch Netbook (Intel Mobile Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, Linux, 4 Cell Battery) Pearl White

By Asus on August 15th, 2009

ASUS Eee PC 900 8.9-Inch Netbook (Intel Mobile Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, Linux, 4 Cell Battery) Pearl White

Customer Rating: Rating 4.0 out of 5

(88 Reviews)

List Price: ~~$299.99~~
1 used Offers available from $249.00

* as of Friday September 10, 2010 19:31:09, UTC

Product information Brand: Asus
Publisher: Asus
Category: Personal Computer
Display size: 8.9
Model: Eee PC 900 20G-Pearl

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Features

Compact notebook for students and road warriors with full QWERTY keyboard, 8.9-inch screen, and integrated webcam
Powered by 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU and pre-installed Linux operating system (compatible with Windows XP)
20 GB solid-state flash memory drive; 1 GB RAM; 10/100 Fast Ethernet; 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
Over 40 built-in applications for learn, work and play; up to 3.5-hour battery life
Connectivity: three USB 2.0; VGA output; microphone and headphone; Secure Digital card reader

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description: The newest generation of its popular Eee PC line, the Asus Eee PC 900 provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with a larger 8.9-inch screen. Even with the larger size of the Eee PC 900 when compared to the original Eee PC, the new model still weighs under 2 pounds--perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. And because it uses flash memory instead of a hard drive (with 20 GB of storage), the Eee PC 900 is optimal for weathering rough handling and sharing space in overstuffed bags.

The Asus Eee PC 900's 8.9-inch screen is easier on the eyes, and the integrated webcam makes video chats a snap.

Other features include a 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, a Secure Digital memory card slot, Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g), multiple USB ports, and a VGA output for connecting to a monitor. It comes preinstalled with the Linux operating system, and it's also compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

For the students and professionals, the Eee PC comes with a powerful selection of software to maximize personal productivity--over 40 built-in applications. The Open Office suite of software enables the user to open, edit and create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and databases that are compatible with Microsoft Office. For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution.

No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly, and intuitive graphic interface..

It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.

Nicely light at just 35 ounces, the Eee PC 900 has an 8.9-inch wide TFT LCD with a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (WXGA)--making it more comfortable on eyes than its predecessor. Under the hood is a 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU with integrated Intel graphics processor, 1 GB of RAM (not expandable), and 20 GB of flash memory solid-state drive (SSD). The SSD provides quiet performance and helps save energy, while its shock-proof solid state design helps to guard against data loss or shock-related damage if the laptop is dropped.

The Eee PC includes software for Web browsing (Firefox), e-mail, OpenOffice 2.0 for creating and editing word processing documents and spreadsheets, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track.

You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot. The rechargeable battery provides up to 3.5 hours of battery life (depending on usage). It's backed by a 1 year warranty for parts and labor.

Specifications

Internal memory: 20 GB solid state disk
Memory expansion: Slot for MMC/SD(SDHC) cards
RAM: 1 GB DDR2
Processor: 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU
Operating system: Linux (supports Windows XP)
LCD: 8.9 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels
Networking: 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Peripheral connectivity: Three USB 2.0
External video: One VGA
External audio: One headphone and one microphone port
Webcamera: Yes, 1.3 megapixels
Battery life: up to 3.5 hours
Weight: 2 pounds (32 ounces)
Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.7 x 1.33 inches

Product Description: The new Eee PC 900 offers you more options for your mobile computing needs. Incorporating a shockproof design and weighing 2.18 pounds, you will find it "Easy to learn, work and play" - making it your best outdoor companion anywhere, anytime. The large 8.9? screen size allows for more screen space - making it more comfortable on the eyes reading and editing documents when viewing a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right. On the top of this screen is the 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera that works synchronously with the 802.11b/g wireless to provide web conferencing anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency. Another great feature is the built-in 20GB Solid State Disk (SSD) which offers 15 seconds boot times that also makes for a quiet, energy saving, shock proof design, which is ideal for reporters, wildlife photographers and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. On the Eee PC 900L 40 applications are pre-installed such as the Linux Operating System, OpenOffice Productivity Suite, Firefox browser, media player and more. Lastly the special FingerGlide makes operating the Eee PC easy and convenient through simple finger movements on the touch pad that allows for scrolling horizontally and vertically through documents by swiping two fingers up or down across the surface of the trackpad, or zoom in or zoom out of pictures by making pinching or stretching movement with your fingers. With all of these features the Asus Eee PC makes for a fantastic purchase as a well-equipped second PC or a Web access tool, so beat the crowds, and get yours today before they sell out! Intel UMA Display Card 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera WiFi 802.11b/g Wireless 10/100Mbps LAN Hi-Definition Audio Speaker and Microphone Memory Card Slot - MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) Card, SDHC Connections - 3 x USB, VGA, , A/C charger, Headphone, Microphone, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions - 8.85

Customer Reviews

Everything I expected

by T. Johnson 2008-06-05, 18 people found this review helpful

I think many people have unrealistically high expectations of this computer. I was very apprehensive about buying a model I'd never physically tried out but since I couldn't find one in the local stores I bit the bullet and ordered one.

Now I will say that I am somewhat of a Linux geek so I can get around in the OS better than a lot of people (once I disabled "Easy Mode"!) but this little machine is everything I was looking for. I think the WiFi "issues" are a bit overblown; I haven't had any problems yet in finding and connecting to hotspots. One time the network applet seemed to hang while connecting to a network but I simply closed it out, turned wireless off and on, and it worked fine.

The keyboard does definitely take some getting used to; the minuscule right-hand Shift key is right next to the up-arrow which I keep hitting by mistake, and on my unit the "R" key is very touchy so it often gets hit more than I meant to, but once you use it for a while you can learn to work at a productive and relatively error-free (although slower) rate.

And to reiterate what several others have said, this does indeed come with the higher-capacity 5800mAh battery, and although I haven't performed my own "drainage" test, based on my current usage and battery levels I'd expect to get the advertised 2-1/2 hours or so of usage.

If you're not sure yet whether the Eee PC 900 is for you, you may want to hold off a bit since this market segment is very new but expanding very rapidly with new models like the MSI Wind and the Eee 901 coming out fast and furious. I expect by this Christmas, there will be many makes and models to choose from anywhere in the $300-700 range.

But if (like me) you don't want to wait any longer, you certainly can't go wrong with this model. If you're new to Linux, the installed version is very easy to use and there is a great user community at eeeuser.com to help you out with any aspect of the device you could possibly imagine.

Great Ultraportable Device!

by Mehmet Karaca 2008-06-08, 24 people found this review helpful

I purchased the Linux version of this incarnation of Eee PC. I can honestly say that it surpassed my expectations in all aspects. I have ordered my Eee PC 900 20G online, without ever actually seeing a demo unit. Needless to say, one of my main concerns while placing the order was the material quality. I was afraid I would receive a lightweight and flimsy-feeling toy and boy was I wrong! The material used in making this device is on par with the material used in manufacturing regular laptop computers, if not superior.

On the software side of things, all the research and development Asus invested in putting together the Eee PC software seems to have paid off well. The simplified front-end they created for Linux works for me on multiple levels, but I think this front-end's success mainly boils down to this: Gone are the bells and whistles of contemporary operating systems that do little more than distract you. By minimizing distractions, they were able to create a much calmer environment so to speak, which makes it easier to concentrate on work and getting things done.

Then again if you are a Microsoft devotee, you could install Windows XP on this device but I understand it takes a little bit of tweaking around. Instructions on how to do this as well as all the Windows drivers needed come with the product. Keep in mind though, once you have Windows XP on there, you will also need to install a firewall and an antivirus. Again, you will need to download updates every so often which will consume your valuable disk space.

In my opinion Windows' requirements may be quite taxing on a device with these hardware specifications and would take away all the fun out of owning a device that was, from its conceptualization, meant to be trouble-free and robust. Relative scarcity of malware written for Linux almost obviates the need to install an obtrusive antivirus. Asus' rolls out whatever updates I may occasionally need via their dedicated update servers. Staying with Linux, at least for the time being, feels safe and makes good practical sense. Therefore, I think I will stick with the Linux that came pre-installed on my Eee PC for quite some time.

I am really impressed with the form factor, though I must say that the smaller keys on the Eee PC takes a little getting used to. This however is a flaw I am willing to easily oversee. After all, this is the first portable computer that I purchased I may actually use as a portable, as opposed to a desktop replacement.

All that I expected - great job Asus!

by D. Kohner 2008-06-29, 9 people found this review helpful

I have owned my 20G for a little over a month and could not be more happy with it. It is exactly as advertised. I ordered the 20G to get the larger drive, but have replaced the installed Linux (which worked great) with Windows XP in order to run some specialized programs. The installation was smooth due to supplied Asus instruction manual and drivers. I loaded the XP on the 4GB faster "C" drive, and all applications on the remaining 16GB "D" drive - works great, plenty of capacity.
The 8.9" display is bright and clear and about as small as these old eyes can tolerate. The keyboard is small, but very usable. The wi-fi connection abilty is amazing - more sensitive than my other laptops - even between apartment buildings. I am writing this review from a motel room using wi-fi and even after 2.5 hours of web surfing the unit is only barely warm on my bare knees - no heat problem, as far as I can tell. The battery life seems to run between 2.5 and 3 hours - which is OK, but not exceptional.
I have read many reviews comparing this computer unfavorably to the MSI Wind or the new Asus 901. True, the Wind (when it becomes available)will have a bigger screen and keyboard, but I prefer the 900's lighter weight and smaller footprint. Yes, the 901 has the new Atom processor and longer battery life - but it also costs $100 more...getting pretty pricey. The model 900 is great ultra small, ultra light weight, remarkabley powerful portable "kneetop" PC. It is just what Asus deisigned it to be and they did a fine job in both design and build quality. I am very pleased and would recommend this computer with no hesitation

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