Eee Black

I am looking for a new notebook (lightweight and everything) for school work purposes and check my emails. I saw the new Eee black on Amazon.com and it costs $399.99 and it's a really good deal . Three quick questions:
- Can you use Microsoft Office on the Eee?
- How is the internet connection? (wireless? is it like the standard laptop?)
- Can you upgrade the memory to, perhaps, 1GB?
Appreciate your comment and thank you for reading this.

 

You can use Microsoft Office but you would need to install Windows XP on it first (this is supported).

The wireless internet connection is just like a normal laptop.

Yes, the memory can be upgraded.

Although just as a comment, if you plan on doing a lot of typing (you mentioned school world), you might want to see if you can try out an Eee in person first. The keyboard is VERY small..... you would need to decide if it would be comfortable for you to type on for extensive periods or not.

I noticed you already have an X61; honestly, the X61 is pretty small as it is, while also offering an excellent keyboard, etc. and a larger screen to work with (the Eee'c 7" screen is also a bit on the small side, depending on what kind of work you're going to be doing with it).

 

i'm returning my x61 'cause it has been really noisy.. i've talked to the costumer service and they said they're gonna call back but they didnt ><.. i might as well sell it on ebay and get a new one

 

I would suggest getting a real notebook for school work, instead of EEE...

 

1. The Eee comes with Linux Xandros, which unfortunately does not support many software programs including Microsoft Office. To use Office, you would have to install Windows. However, the Linux comes installed with OpenOffice, which is a free version of Office that is an exact replica of Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2003.

2. It comes with a wireless G network card that has fine range and can easily receive a signal from a good router in a large house.

3. I'm not positive if you can upgrade the memory; you probably could but I wouldn't recommend. And anyways, Linux runs perfect on 512 MB. There is actually a newer, more upgraded version of the Eee out now, called the "8G", which has a larger 8GB SSD and 1GB of RAM.

 

Actually, the Eee isn't that far off from some tiny ultraportables. And at its price...

 

that's what i'm thinking too.. even though the design and size make you think it's like a toy but it's a functional laptop... and the prize is amazing.. i could save a couple hundred compare to other laptops

 

Again, if you're planning on using it for any sort of extensive writing, I strongly strongly urge you to try out the keyboard if you can - it is very small - honestly if I were you I'd figure out the noise issue with the X61, because I think it has one of the best keyboards around.

-Zadillo

 

Yes, Zadillo makes an excellent point. I can touch type as fast on my eee as I can on a full size keyboard, but I have tiny fingers for a guy and not everyone will feel comfortable. This will be especially problematic coming from a thinkpad keyboard... they're just soooo good.

 

Thank you guys for the comment... I've decided to keep my thinkpad... Just need to fix the hard drive.. Hate LENOVO so much... Tech support is horrible, not helping at all

 

good luck with that!

 

Well HDD in the worst case you just replace it for half the price of the EEE And you still have a real notebook

Sorry, I won't be budged from my opinion that EEE is not a real notebook but a somewhat pointless gadget.

 

While I respect your opinion the Eee is definately a real notebook and it is not a pointless gadget.

It definately fits a nitch. Before I got it I never thought I would use it as much as I have. I'm using my Asus 15.5" S96j a lot less these days. It is so nice not having to lug it around. The other day I put it in my fanny pack along with some other stuff I needed. It really changes the way you use a notebook and where you would bring it. It is not nearly the burden of a larger notebook.

I really think the Eee is a great second laptop. I would never have the Eee as my only laptop.

If I had a X61 I probably would not replace it with an Eee. The X61 is also a tiny notebook and only weighs 3 lbs. It has a much bigger keyboard and screen as well.

 

Super small, super light, super cheap- if it works for you, go for it. I expect to see more along these lines for the most basic of basic need users who would gladly take ultra portable at very low price at the sacrifice of tiny keyboard and display.



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