| Product: |
Asus Eee PC 4G |
| Date: |
17/08/08 (30 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: price, size, ease of use
Disadvantages: battery life too short, A very bad after sales service if things go wrong.
What a brilliant little machine and what a great price.
I was a bit hesitant at first with it being Linux, not windows, but from the moment it fired up I was hooked. In the default easy mode it has everything I could want at my fingertips. Email, web browsing, office applications etc. Connecting to a WiFi network was a bit difficult at first, but after updating via wire, it found the signal and logged in straight away.
The 7"screen was not an issue neither was the touchpad and keyboard. Switching to advanced mode (instructions via the eeepc forum) adds more functions and it behaves more like windows.
By using a usb mouse and connecting to a full size monitor, you would think you had a full size PC instead of a sub notebook.
The built in cam & mic works well with Skype although video/audio support for Yahoo or MSN messenger is not yet available.
Its advisable to add a memory card to store photos etc as the internal memory is only 4 gigabytes.
For around £200 I thought this lightweight really is value for money that worked, now I'm not so sure.
UPDATE!
Sadly the eeepc developed a fault with the display. The image would shudder and horizontal lines flickered like the vertical hold on an old tv.
I called the ASUS support number and was give a link to follow. After several attempts I finally had an accepted repair request and a few days later a UPS label dropped on the mat with a number to call to arrange pickup.
The package was picked up Friday afternoon... I was most suprised when the following thursday UPS called with a package, it was my eeepc.
The repair chit stated faulty mainboard, replaced and operating system installed. That was fast.
Switching it on my delight turned to dissapointment as the display blinked away as merrily as before. I left it switched on for an hour or so and it seemed to stabilize, I thought it must have been the new board bedding in. Next day the fault was still there so back to the support line where the collection process was repeated.
The report was "corrupt operating system" and reinstalled but sadly when I powered up, the fault was still there, so they must have a corrupt disk. I called them again, several times, requesting a replacement. this request was ignored along with emails containing video of the fault as it happens.
Asus will only replace the unit after three returns with hardware faults, I have had one and two software. Despite all efforts by the retailer on my behalf, they will not budge. The fault remains and I'm so glad I did not purchase their extended warranty.
Summary: Good when working.
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