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Asus EEE PC 4G Hardware review

March 4, 2008 – 12:22 am

We will present the EEE PC 4G’s hardware and construction in this review.

basic specification

• Screen size: 7″
• CPU: Intel Celeron M ULV 630MHz (up to 900MHz with BIOS update)
• Resolution: 800 x 480
• Ram Memory: 512 MB DDR2 Sodimm, on one slot
• Solid State Drive: 4 GB
• Connectivity: 3 USB ports, SDHC card reader, VGA, earplug jack, microphone, Ethernet, RJ11
• Operating System: Linux Xandros distribution
• Weight: 2 lb ½ oz, or 920 gr
• Dimensions: 22,5 x 16,5 x 3,5 cm
• Other: VGA webcam, microphone, speakers
• 802.11 B,G wifi connectivity
• Graphic card: Intel GMA

The Intel Celeron CPU performs well enough with web or office applications. The graphic card allocates from 8 to 64MB of memory, which isn’t enough for 3D intensive tasks, but that is not the EEE PC’s primary objective. Beryl can run smoothly on the EEE’s configuration.

The Solid State Drive provides fast access time and high tranfer rates, allowing the Operating Sistem boots in only twenty seconds.

Front view

The keyboard needs a little time spent on adaptation if you have large hands, but after that it suits the EEE well. The only remark I would have is about the space button, which is slightly unbalanced. I also used to press Enter instead of the right shift key. The touchpad is small yet sensitive and has a sidebar scroll. The left and right mouse buttons are built in one piece.

The screen is 7″ wide, for a 800×480 resolution. I tested it in outdoor conditions, and the brightness and contrast was better than my Toshiba Satellite’s. A good point for outdoor work. Watching videos is a task at which the EEE PC is perfect.

Left side

We have an ethernet port, a useless and empty RTC modem port, a microphone jack and an earplug jack.

Right side

First, a SD/SDHC slot, which is a very useful feature: you can add up to your memory with a high capacity SDHC card (they start at 4GB). Then two USB and a VGA connector follow up. You can connect the EEE to an external display, or a projector for your presentations.

Construction

Even if the EEE is a low cost sublaptop, the materials used in its constrution inspire quality and confidence. Asustek’s experience in building quality and ultramobile laptops. The absence of a hard disc or optical drive make the EEE even more resistant to vibrations or shocks. The fan produces an annoying sound while working, but the EEE is completely silent besides that fact.

All in all, the EEE PC’s hardware is balanced, provides an excellent connectivity, at a great price-value tag.