EEE questions from a student.

i've recently been very interested in the EEE PC, mainly due to the very inexpensive costs and small size (looking at the 4gig one). it would be perfect for my school work.

i'm a computer engineering major and part of the program requires i go through multiple programming classes. currently we're still doing development in java, and our class requires we use netbeans for our IDE. i was curious as to can the EEE PC efficiently run netbeans 6.0? and by efficient i guess i really mean, can you write small applications using netbeans? i understand that the EEE pc doesn't really fit the minimum resolution requirement for many IDE's but scrolling is tolerable when i have that much portablity (being able to finish assignments while going between lecture, lab, rooms, outside on campus, and the main facilities is more appealing to me than worrying about scrolling for the screen adjustment). if i were to switch to xp for the operating system (which i might do linux and wireless issues) has anybody installed microsoft word, excel, and powerpoint on the EEE PC and used it with success? and if i were to do that, about how much space would it take up?

though i've checked reviews, the hype over these small mobile notebooks might lend a biased look at how these things perform. i was wondering how is the wireless on these notebooks (since i'll be using it on campus and possibly at work)? i don't intend on downloading torrents and what have you, but i would appreciate decent download / upload times with the wireless network connection.


i do have a current notebook, though, it's a 17" sli notebook with limited battery life, and there isn't always a power source to plug my notebook into. while it may be different to have two notebooks, i constantly move my 17 incher around so thats why i chose a laptop over a desktop.

so if any of you could answer any of my questions, it would be appreiciated.

 

You're in luck!

Windows XP in EEE PC's just came out 3 days ago.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...=product&tab=1&id=1205245967446#productdetail

As far as the resolution, Asus just Announced a new 1024x600 Resolution w/ 8.9" Screen

I'm willing to bet the 8.9" would work fine.

 

all i can say is to make sure you play with one in person

i was very set on getting a 1st gen 8gb EEE, but after typing on the keyboard and feeling the back of the laptop, i was put off and considered a larger laptop (irony!)

 

programming with such small screen is torture

 

i understand that it is dreadful to program on a small screen, though, since i've dished out 2 grand on my notebook, i'm leaning towards the EEE pc for school work in class cause it's so cheap and small. i'll buy a small mouse or something so i can scroll the IDE much easier, but, i'm just curious is the EEE ok enough for programming. i am by no means efficient nor logical when programming, so i'm curious as to if i have some inefficient algorithms would it destroy the cpu haha.

 

I doubt the EeePC would be fit for such a task... you're bound to be typing a LOT, and with such a small keyboard, your hands will hate you. Then your eyes will rebel against you on the small screen...
I suggest spending a little extra money and getting a cheap Dell.