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Some [[free software]] advocates have criticised the choice of [[Xandros]] as the Linux distribution for the devices. The two main objections are the inclusion of some proprietary components within Xandros and Xandros Corporation's conclusion of a [[patent]] agreement with Microsoft, an action some view as a faustian bargain in the free software community.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
Some [[free software]] advocates have criticised the choice of [[Xandros]] as the Linux distribution for the devices. The two main objections are the inclusion of some proprietary components within Xandros and Xandros Corporation's conclusion of a [[patent]] agreement with Microsoft, an action some view as a faustian bargain in the free software community.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}


Video resolution of the Eee PC-701's 7-inch screen is 800&times;480 pixels, which will possibly make navigating web sites difficult. This resolution is low in comparison to the higher resolution 1024&times;600 5.6 inch color screen of the [[Panasonic Wordsgear]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://ex-blog.panasonic.co.jp/exhibition/en/2006/10/words_gear.html | title=The new electronic book reader, “Words Gear,” is lightweight, easy to read, easy to use! | publisher=[[Panasonic]] | date=[[2006-10-24]] | accessdate=2007-07-24}}</ref> It might be noted that a higher resolution on such a small display could make fixed-size text and graphics (such as on a website) appear illegible as the dot-pitch of the pixels decreases. Furthermore, it has been speculated that such a rare resolution may create compatibility issues for software.
Video resolution of the Eee PC-701's 7-inch screen is 800&times;480 pixels, which will possibly make navigating web sites difficult. This resolution is low in comparison to the higher resolution 1024&times;600 5.6 inch color screen of the [[Panasonic Wordsgear]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://ex-blog.panasonic.co.jp/exhibition/en/2006/10/words_gear.html | title=The new electronic book reader, “Words Gear,” is lightweight, easy to read, easy to use! | publisher=[[Panasonic]] | date=[[2006-10-24]] | accessdate=2007-07-24}}</ref> It might be noted that a higher resolution on such a small display could make fixed-size text and graphics (such as on a website) appear illegible as the dot-pitch of the pixels decreases. Furthermore, it has been speculated that such a rare resolution may create compatibility issues for software. Those making these speculations prefer to keep their names secret, and only allow mysterious "it has been speculated" references.


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 10:44, 1 August 2007

Template:Future product

Eee PC 701
Prototype Eee PC
ManufacturerAsusTek Computer Inc.
TypeSubnotebook
Media4/8/16 GB flash memory
Operating systemLinux-based, Xandros
CPU900MHz Dothan based Intel Pentium M
Memory512 MB DDR2-400 RAM
Display7 in TFT LCD @ 800×480; although the unit is slightly larger than the screen to accommodate the speakers
GraphicsIntel UMA
InputKeyboard
Touchpad
Camera
Camerabuilt-in 300K pixel video camera
Connectivity10/100 Mbit Ethernet
802.11b/g wireless LAN
3 or 4 USB 2.0 ports
MMC/SD/MS card reader
Power4 cell NiMH battery

The ASUS Eee PC is an upcoming series of ultra-portable laptops designed by Intel and ASUSTeK, aimed at the consumer market. According to ASUS, the name derives from "the three Es": Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent mobile computing experience.[1]

Overview

Two models have been announced at COMPUTEX Taipei 2007, the Eee PC 701 and the Eee PC 1001. The 701 will be released in late 2007 with a 7-inch screen and a price of US$199. The 1001 will be released in 2008; it is larger with a 10-in screen and US$299 price. ASUS expects to sell about 200,000 units in 2007.[2]

Both the price and the size of the devices are small in comparison to similar devices, such as Ultra-Mobile PCs or the Palm Foleo. The Eee series is viewed partly as a response to the XO-1 notebook from the not-for-profit One Laptop per Child initiative.

Configurations

Eee PC 701

The specifications as stated by ASUS are:[1]

  • Processor: Intel 900 MHz Pentium M (Dothan-based)
  • Chipset: Intel 910[3]
  • Graphics: Intel UMA, additional VGA port
  • Display: 17.78 cm (7 in)
  • Memory: 512 MB DDR2-400
  • Storage: 4, 8, or 16 GB flash Solid state drive
  • OS: a Xandros-based Linux variant[4] with a Windows XP-like interface[3]; the laptop may also run other Operating Systems like Windows XP[1], Mandriva, Debian, SuSe, FreeBSD, Ubuntu or MenuetOS optionally
  • Communication: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet, 56k modem, 802.11b/g wireless LAN (Atheros-based)
  • Ports: prototypes provide either 3[5] or 4[3] USB 2.0, MMC/SD/MS card reader, microphone and headphone
  • Camera: 0.3 megapixel video
  • Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC; built-in stereo speaker; built-in microphone
  • Battery: 5200 mAh (4 cells, 2S2P), estimated 3 hours run time. There are no plans to offer a larger-capacity battery[6]
  • Dimensions: 225×165×21~35 mm (8.9×6.5×0.9~1.4 in)[6]
  • Weight: 890 g (2 lbs)
  • Colors: white, black
  • Price: according to ASUS "around USD $199"[7], a British news service has reported a UK price of GB£199[8] (around US$400 as of June 2007), a Philippine online dealer has listed a starting price of PHP 13,999[9] (around US$300), ASUS Spain has announced a unit price of €299[10] (around US$400), a Belgian online shop has posted an entry price of €346.54[11] (around US$470)

Eee PC 1001

The 1001 is expected to share many of the components of the 701, but specific details have not yet been released by Asus. Current specifications different to the Eee PC 701:

  • Display: 25.4 cm (10 in)
  • Storage: 8, 16 or 32GB
  • Price: US$299 with 8GB

Details

Display

Asus has not yet released the resolution figures, but according to press images the 7-in model appears to have a resolution of 800×480 pixels while the 10-in version is expected to have 1280×768 pixels. In the case of the former the screen does not cover the whole model, as common with other laptops - but this becomes increasingly disappointing because of the unusually large ratio of none display space on the shell.

Software

On top of the base Linux system, which is said to require only fifteen seconds to boot,[7] the Eee PC runs a custom tab-based interface. Bundled software includes OpenOffice.org, Mozilla Firefox, as well as Skype.[3] In an effort to cut costs Asus does not include Windows XP, but claims that XP has been tested as working.

Storage

The use of flash memory for storage, instead of a hard drive, consumes less power, allows the device to boot quickly and makes it less susceptible to shock damage.

Marketing

The Eee PC is seen as a competitor to the OLPC XO-1, a very inexpensive laptop computer. Whereas the XO-1 is targeted solely towards the education market in developing countries and is largely unavailable to individual consumers, the Eee PC is publicly available, marketed to the personal user who desires a portable, cheap, WiFi-capable platform.

Criticism

Some free software advocates have criticised the choice of Xandros as the Linux distribution for the devices. The two main objections are the inclusion of some proprietary components within Xandros and Xandros Corporation's conclusion of a patent agreement with Microsoft, an action some view as a faustian bargain in the free software community.[citation needed]

Video resolution of the Eee PC-701's 7-inch screen is 800×480 pixels, which will possibly make navigating web sites difficult. This resolution is low in comparison to the higher resolution 1024×600 5.6 inch color screen of the Panasonic Wordsgear.[12] It might be noted that a higher resolution on such a small display could make fixed-size text and graphics (such as on a website) appear illegible as the dot-pitch of the pixels decreases. Furthermore, it has been speculated that such a rare resolution may create compatibility issues for software. Those making these speculations prefer to keep their names secret, and only allow mysterious "it has been speculated" references.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "ASUS Introduces All-New Eee PC for Complete Mobile Internet Enjoyment" (Press release). ASUSTek. 2007-06-05. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Chen, Shu-Ching Jean (2007-06-07). "$199 Laptop Is No Child's Play". Forbes. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d Jastrzebski, Paul (2007-06-11). "ASUS Eee PC Hand's On Preview". HotHardware. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Lemon, Sumner (2007-06-06). "First Look: Asustek's $199 PC". PC World. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Asus Eee PC First Thoughts". NotebookReview. 2007-07-12. Retrieved 2007-07-16. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Hands on with Asustek's $199 Eee PC". Infoworld. 2006-06-06. Retrieved 2007-07-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b "Enter the 'E' Era with ASUS Eee PC" (Press release). ASUSTek. 2006-06-08. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Akass, Clive (2007-06-13). "£199 Asus ultra-mobile in UK within weeks". Computeractive. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Asus Eee PC: the value ultraportable laptop". PC Corner. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  10. ^ "Entra en la era 'E' con ASUS Eee PC" (Press release) (in Spanish). ASUSTek. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  11. ^ "Zoekresultaat: Asus Eee PC". Morisoft. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
  12. ^ "The new electronic book reader, "Words Gear," is lightweight, easy to read, easy to use!". Panasonic. 2006-10-24. Retrieved 2007-07-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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