Paul,
My seven year old Dell XP laptop is starting to act its age so I'm starting to think of
replacing it before it melts down. After your comments on your EEEPC I started to think
along those lines as I liked the solid state hard drive, long battery life and the low
price. In looking now though I can't seem to find one with a SS HD, they now seem to have
"real hard drives". Is yours a model that is still available that I am just missing, or is
it discontinued ?
For the OS I am considering switching to Linux from XP, I'm comfortable with XP and really
hate when companies start changing things just to increase sales especially when they
won't support older products. At the same time I'm not a nerd, to me the puter is a tool.
Could you comment on any pro's or cons I might see and anything's I might need to watch
out for if I do make the switch.
Thanks Paul,
John
Mine runs Linux so most of those with Windows need the hard drive because
windows is so big compared to Linux. It may be hard to find the Linux version.
I don't don't know where to look as it does not just jump out at you
from google. I think it will also cost more. Flash memory is more expensive
than hard drives for the same capacity.
I know nothing about the windows version but a hard drive reduces the concept
and cuts into the battery life.
Paul Lamar
--I have the EEEPC 900 or 901 (I think is the model number). It is solid state drive and
has worked flawlessly so far (well, after a mother board was replaced by Asus in the first
week with no drama). I plan on mounting it in my Velocity to run a third GPS (Anywhere
Map). I also have the new Dynon SkyView and an older "certified GPS. Also, I plan to
store info (some from this site) on PDF files for review.
That being said, for everyday use, the keyboard is a bit small. Usable, but awkward.
There are bigger screen/keyboards, but finding the solid state drive tended to be the
difficulty.
As to memory, yes, it is limited "internally", however, there are several ways to add
additional solid state memory. SD comes to mind. For most of my use for the plane, I do
not need huge storage. Whether we realize it or not, most solid state drives are
huge....by comparison...such as my very first 'puter, a Tandy, which used cassette tape
storage <yikes>. I do agree that for use as your primary computer, the memory storage
would be a problem.
Back in the day, computers were a big hobby of mine, however, like you, they are now just
a tool. A very useful tool.
My netbook was purchased about 5 months ago from an third party seller. I do not remember
which one, but it cost $179.99, IIRC. I have pissed away a lot more on a lot
less...heh...can we say "gentlemen's club" <g>. I find it a very good value...the
computer, NOT the GC. I am seriously considering another one, with a bit larger keyboard
for my bedtime surfing of the net and email. I tend to have a computer next to my bed like
some have magazines. My Vista machine (Vista sucks) is on its last leg. I have used Linux,
but will likely try to find an XP, but may play with Linux again or even see what "W7" has
to offer down the road. There is no hurry yet, so it is currently academic. Also, my
current netbook, with solid state memory, was purchased with specific use in the airplane.
If I get a second, it will be used at home so an "old school" HD will suffice. My solid
state does boot faster though <g>
I did get a wireless broadband USB driver for the EEE through a company in Houston called
Cricket. It gives me unlimited broadband, usually used out in the hangar, for only $40.00
a month. Not too bad. I really love having net access in the hangar. I missed not having
it before.
A quick search online gave me a number of retailers selling the 900, but with higher price
tags than I paid.
FWIW.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Joyous Quanza, exuberant pagan ritual etc etc etc or
whatever brings you and yours some joy. (have I mentioned I take pride in NOT being PC <g>)
All the best,
Chris Barber
Houston, GSOT
Mine is the 1000 with the full size keyboard and a larger screen.
40 Gig of SS mem. I can run the whole newsletter from it with the help
of a couple of 32 Gig USB sticks.
I will never upgrade to windows 7 on the XP computer I have.
Paul Lamar
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