We spent some time on the unit. Compared to the Eee PC 701, this unit is definitely a more usable unit. It has improved on it's specifications with a larger screen. This saves me from scrolling left and right to view a web page.

Surfing the net is a breeze but I find the keypad to be a little bit too tiny. ASUS might claim that it targets the ladies and kids but I think that it should have considered that a better keyboard should appeal to most users. The left, right click buttons next to the touchpad is also very stiff to my liking. If you need to do a lot of typing, you might want to consider a full size QWERTY USB keyboard to pair it up (bought separately). Something new on the Eee PC 900 is the Finger Glide function. It allows you to zoom in and out of images by sliding your 2 fingers on the touch pad.

Most users would be wondering if Flash and Youtube works on it. We tested it and it works without doubts.  The video stream also looks good with the integrated 915GM chipset. As for MPEG2 or DIVX, we aren't able to test it as we do not have a clip to try out. From what I have seen on the net, those clips played well even in full screen.

The 4 cell battery that comes with the unit is said to last around 3 hours. Although ASUS sees that as a gadget, most will not think so. In fact, professionals, editors, bloggers are looking for a longer battery life. We hope that ASUS can consider providing a higher capacity battery, perhaps a 6 cell battery pack. The Intel Celeron M also does not have power saving technology unlike the Mobile Pentiums.

In conclusion, we feel that the ASUS Eee PC 900 is a big step ahead but it seems to be using some yester year chipset and processor technology. With more and more manufacturers jumping onto the bandwagon, will ASUS Eee PC 900 be short lived ? Would you get something that is based on the VIA C7 with VIA chipset or ATOM with a Intel 945GM chipset ?

Would those kind of designs push up the prices to close to a 12" notebook based on Core 2 Duo processor ? I think ASUS has delivered an innovative Eee PC 900 at a good price point with great usability and portability as the prime factors.

Suggested Retail Price : S$798 (~590USD)

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