Oct 08 2009

Asus Eee PC 4G Surf (7 Screen, 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Galaxy Black

Posted by Staff in Eee Pc

Asus Eee PC 4G Surf (7" Screen, 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Galaxy Black

Manufacturer: Asus
Customer Rating:
List Price: $521.47
Sale Price: View Sale Price
Availibility: View Product Availability

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Product Description

Get the power of a full-sized laptop in the ultra-compact ASUS Eee PC 4G, which offers a full QWERTY keyboard, 7-inch screen, and preinstalled Linux operating system. (This laptop is also compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.) You'll be able to stay connected to email and the Internet easily thanks to the Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g). Because it uses flash memory instead of a hard drive (with 4 GB of storage), the Eee PC is optimal for weathering rough handling and sharing space in overstuffed bags.

With a rapid start-up time, the Eee PC is always ready to get into action.

For the professional, the Eee PC comes with a powerful selection of software to maximize personal productivity--over 40 built-in applications. The Open Office suite of software enables the user to open, edit and create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and databases that are compatible with Microsoft Office. For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution.

It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.

No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly, and intuitive graphic interface.

Compact and highly portable at just 32 ounces, the Eee PC 4G has a 7-inch wide color TFT LCD with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution (WXGA). Under the hood is a 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU with integrated Intel graphics processor, 512 MB of RAM (not expandable), and 4 GB of solid-state flash memory. With the dependable solid-state disk, you get unparalleled shock-protection and reliability. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet connectivity. The Eee PC includes software for Web browsing (Firefox), email, OpenOffice 2.0 for creating and editing word processing documents and spreadsheets, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track.

You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot. The Eee PC measures 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches, and it weighs 32 ounces. The 4-cell, 5200 mAh battery provides up to 3.5 hours of battery life (depending on usage). It's backed by a 1 year warranty for parts and labor.

Product Details

Powered by 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor
512 MB RAM; 4 GB Hard Drive
Processor - Intel Mobile CPU
7-inch screen
Linux Preloaded

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

More than a great little gadget

Review Date: December 11, 2007

Reviewer: Wiikend Gamer, Kansas City

After a little over 24 hours of using this item, I have to say this little gadget is much more than just a fun must-have. Set-up was quick and easy. It connected instantly to our corporate network without any input by me. With our Windows-based units, it normally takes about 10-15 minutes to get everything up and running. At home, I had it connected to my home network in about 10 minutes, most of that time was spent getting my other computer configured.

I do have a few complaints though and they are minor. One, it seems to be a little picky about how it connects to the wireless network. I had to shut it down and restart it several times before it would connect. After it connected once though, it had no problems. Two, the windows (tabs) at times are not visible completely - I maximized a window a couple of times and could not scroll to all of the edges and actually had to close out the window (tab). Setting up my mail was a chore because all of the options at the bottom were not visible, so I just had to hit enter on the keyboard and hope the right button was highlighted.

All-in-all this is a great product. Aside from the screen size, it is every bit as functional as my work laptop. Open Office works great with only minor formatting issues. The keyboard is an acceptable size. I have the 4G Surf model, which at the time I ordered it Asus only listed one model on their website and that was the 4G model. I thought I was getting the webcam and the higher capacity battery. The 4G Surf model does not have those items, but I can purchase them separately. I successfully downloaded the beta version of Skype for Linux, which includes video conferencing capabilities. I have not tried it yet, but it looks like it should work. If you visit some websites, it will tell you that Skype for Linux will have that capability in 2008 - it is available now. I like this computer for what it is - a lightweight travel companion that I can take anywhere and use anywhere. For the price I paid, you cannot get a quality laptop that runs this fast and is this practical. The 900mhz processor and 512mb RAM runs faster than our 1.6ghz Windows-based desktops.

Update: After a little research I learned that you can hold down Alt and left-click anywhere on the window to move it around. Also, wireless works a lot better now - I have no problems connecting anywhere I go. The problems I had before must have been a fluke. The other day I wanted to find certain store, so I parked in front of a restaurant with Wi-Fi and connected to the internet to find where I wanted to go. What a great deal!

The Eee PC Excels

Review Date: February 5, 2008

Reviewer: Walt Witmen, Washington, DC, USA

The Asus Eee PC certainly doesn't look as sleek as the ultra portable Macbook Air, but most laptops are not as sleek as Apple or Sony products. Still, the Eee PC is a genuinely ultra-portable everyday workhorse with features, performance, and value that make it a terrific machine. I think the Eee PC is probably one of the best values in computing technology you will ever find.

I bought the black 4 G Surf, which means it has a 4 Gig SSD (drive) and does not come with an onboard web cam. I like this machine. It boots up fast and quietly; when I turn it on its ready for me in 20 seconds. No Windows machine I am aware of can deliver that kind of performance on the hardware the Eee PC runs on.

It comes pre-installed with all the software you need to be productive, which is good since this machine does not have an optical disc drive. To install additional software, you do not have to buy a disc drive; instead, you can connect the Eee PC to a network or the internet using the built-in wifi 802.11 b/g connection and download additional software; downloading is also a good way to access updates for the pre-installed software. A BIOS update from AsusTek is already waiting for users of the 4G model.

Since this machine is genuinely ultra-portable, I carry it with me nearly everywhere I take my knapsack. At 2 lbs, it is hardly noticeable. Unlike most notebooks, the Eee PC's power cord is light weight and the SD card I use for extra disc storage weighs less than a penny.

In the office, I use a Windows XP desktop, at home I have a Macbook Pro, and for travel integrating the Linux-based Asus has been seamless and easy even though the Eee PC is the third operating system I am using. Thanks to the open source software that runs on the Eee PC, I can create documents that are compatible with anything on my Macbook Pro or Windows PC. Although I might be considered a "power user," believe me anyone can pick up the Eee PC and use it out-of-the box without any prior experience with Linux;you simply point and click your way to whatever you want. And, for the power user, you can do virtually anything on this machine with the flexibility of installing whatever you want on this machine including installing a new operating system or entirely changing the original set up. With all of the choices open to computer users and the bargain basement cost, I am not sure why the Eee PC has not received more media attention in the U.S.

This is a terrific machine for everyday tasks like web browsing, emailing, document creation, and even writing this review. I highly recommend the Eee PC as a second computer for adults, a first computer for a child or an ultra portable computer for anyone.

A Few Issues that Matter

Keyboard Size:

Some folks may not like the keyboard. The Eee PC uses a small key board; it is probably one-fifth to one-fourth the size of a typical laptop keyboard. I can type fast on this keyboard, but the keyboard is not as responsive as my MBP keyboard and the right-shift key is too small - - it is too easy to mistakenly hit the larger enter key instead. Having said that, I think the keyboard is very usable, but be prepared to spend some time adapting to the small keyboard before you are able to type quickly and accurately on it.

Screen:
The 7-inch display is crisp and sharp, but not as bright as some laptops and the resolution is only 800x480 pixels. You are going to scroll the screen more than you would on a 15-inch desktop or laptop. To alleviate this problem, be prepared to buy one accessory: a wireless mouse. The touchpad is responsive, but I think touch pads are particularly poor pointing devices when a lot of scrolling is required.

Disc size and Memory:
The solid state hard drive is fast and responsive. Applications load quickly and disc access occurs with a breeze. Although nearly half of the 4 GB SSD is used by the pre-installed software, you can use SD cards to extend your storage capacity. I have over 1 GB of space available on the internal SSD with nearly 50 data files installed. Unless you are installing large video or music files, your data files are not likely to occupy a lot of storage space. Remember, the Eee PC is for productive work, data communications, and Internet access, it is not your game PC and I wouldn't use it like an iPod either.

Battery life:
I have been able to get slightly over 3 hours of battery life out of the Eee PC when I turn wifi off.

Great computer!

Review Date: December 16, 2007

Reviewer: Mike B.,

Pros: Small, portable, fast boot-up, comes with great programs

Cons: Keys are smaller than normal

This is a great computer. It is small and portable. I was skeptical at first because I thought that the screen would be too small to read. I was wrong. Sure it is smaller but still can be read easily at arms length away (just as if you were typing on a regular laptop) I am actually writing this review on it right now. The keyboard does take some getting used too. The keys are smaller but I am sure after a few weeks, everything will be ok. I am a student and this is great to take to class because it boots up fast and is very light weight and portable. It is half the size of a manila file folder.

This computer is great for internet usage and writing papers. It is not a computer for playing a bunch of games or if you need to install major programs.

Openoffice program is great for writing papers. You can also save as a .doc file so it will not affect the file if you need to transfer a file to Microsoft word. I bought the white surf version without the webcam or the extended battery. To me, the webcam and an extra half-hour of battery life is not with an extra $50.00. Just get the surf model.

In conclusion if you want something lightweight, portable, and will be mostly using it for word processing and internet, this is the computer for you!

The Eee does its job.

Review Date: April 7, 2008

Reviewer: Alan D. Somervell,

The Eee is not a full lap top. It has no drives and I wouldn't want to subject it to much abuse. IT DOES excell at what it is; a small light travel companion for getting on the WEB, wireless ready right from the box, and doing light tasks. The Linux based system, which has yet to crash, is not compatable with Windows or Apple, keeping us from networking with our computers at work. Since the system is so stable we are apprehensive about installing the Windows XP disk that came with the Eee, and are becoming converts to Linux. I have bullet pointed features we discovered after two "vacations" and an extended stay in the hospital, unrelated, totaling I guess well over 100 hours of use.
- VERY Light weight and compact - size of most portable DVD players
- Keyboard layout and touch pad functions diffrent from PCs or Apples
- Keys are light weight almost "toy like", so no pounding
- Battery life short lived, will need two for a transcontiental flight,
recharges quickly though
- Screen is clear and crisp
- WEB pages load quickly
- The amount of preinstalled software is amazing
- Ready to go right out of the box, on line in less then 10 minutes,
mostly spent typing in my codes.
We, the whole family, highly prize our Eee and show it off when ever possible. And will buy others in the future. Sorry, but I have not tried using external drives, loading software nor using external keyboards/monitors, as we have yet found the need to do so.

Know what you are buying.

Review Date: April 7, 2008

Reviewer: C. James, Maryland USA

If you understand what the eee pc is then you (SHOULD) love it!! In my opinion its the perfect secondary, take it anywhere computer. The pre-installed Linux is great for beginners and hobbyist. I found out Linux is nothing to be intimidated by. The word processor, data base, slide show presentation(Power Point like) ect. is all compatible with MicroSoft Office. It even looks and feels like Microsoft Office. It's basically the same thing but its free! I feel almost guilty using it, its crazy!!

I know its a Microsoft world but if you keep an open mind you MAY see that the Version of Linux that comes with the EEE pc is just as easy as Windows but without all the 100,000 plus viruses to worry about. Oh yea and it hardly ever locks up.

The only complaint that I have is that I wish the battery would last a little longer but for $350 I can live with it.....

Tags: asus, black, celeron, drive, galaxy, hard, intel, linux, preloaded, processor, ram, screen, surf

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