ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, 20 GB Eee Storage, Linux, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White

by Asus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches ; 4.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001BYB620
• Item model number: EEEPC901-W001
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 3, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Asus Eee PC 901 provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with a larger 8.9-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you'll also enjoy up to 6 hours of battery life with this Linux-powered laptop.

The Asus Eee PC 901's 8.9-inch screen is easier on the eyes.

At half the size of regular notebook and weighing less than 2.5 pounds, the Eee PC 901 is perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. And because it uses flash memory instead of a hard drive (with 20 GB of storage), the Eee PC 901 consumes less power, allows the device to boot quickly, produces less heat, and is less susceptible to shock damage. The Eee PC 901 also features 1 GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, tri-mode Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), integrated Bluetooth connectivity, Secure Digital memory card slot, multiple USB ports, a VGA output for connecting to a monitor.

The integrated webcam makes video chats a snap, and the keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks for easy typing.

It comes preinstalled with the Linux operating system, which is useful for users who desire task-based icons and an easy point-and-click interface. Well suited for children or users without any computer experience, it provides a fast boot-up time--ideal for fast Internet access while waiting for public transport, or taking notes on-the-go.

The new Eee PC 901 has a customized, cutting-edge Infusion casing technology in Pearl White. Inlaid within the chassis itself, the motifs are an integral part of the entire cover and will not fade with time. The Infusion surface also provides a new level of resilience, providing scratch resistance and a beautiful style while out and about.

It's also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for automatic detection and adjustments of CPU frequency, voltage, and LCD brightness to minimize system noise and power consumption to save up to 15 percent power consumption, or to maximize system performance according to individual needs.

For the students and professionals, the Eee PC comes with a powerful selection of software to maximize personal productivity--over 40 built-in applications. The StarOffice 8 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. The keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks, making it more comfortable to type for larger hands.

No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly Linux operating system interface.

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.

Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones

Nicely light at just 38 ounces, the Eee PC 901 has an 8.9-inch wide TFT LCD with a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (WXGA)--making it more comfortable on eyes than its predecessor. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet connectivity. 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 (compatible with MMC memory cards). It's equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family.

The Eee PC includes software for Web browsing (Firefox), e-mail, StarOffice 8 for creating and editing word processing documents and spreadsheets, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track.

Battery-Sipping Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Together with the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you'll enjoy a longer battery lifespan of up to 6 hours, allowing you to stay in touch and be connected for a longer period of time while on-the-go. It offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to your computing needs.

Online Storage from ASUS
With this Eee PC, ASUS also provides 20 GB of online storage (easily accessible via a desktop icon), which enables you to download up to 5 GB of data per day. It also provides secure file encryption and accessibility from both Windows and Linux platforms. Whether you want to share images with friends and family or store big business presentations, you can now access your data with ease and not worry about space constraints.

Specifications

• Internal memory: 20 GB solid state disk
• RAM: 1 GB DDR2
• Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
• Memory expansion: Slot for MMC/SD(SDHC) cards
• Operating system: Linux
• LCD: 8.9 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels
• Networking: Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• Peripheral connectivity: Three USB 2.0
• External video: One VGA
• External audio: One headphone and one microphone port
• Webcamera: Yes, 1.3 megapixels
• Battery: 6 cells, up to 6 hours
• Weight: 2.42 pounds (38 ounces)
• Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.5 inches

What's in the Box
ASUS Eee PC 901, AC adapter, printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Product Description

Easy to Learn, Work, and Play Easy to use with one click interface 7.8 hour battery life allows for "One Day Computing" Travel light, weighting only 2.43lbs Drop tested, Shock-Proof design Wireless 802.11b/g/n connectivity Save time with fast 15 sec boot time Preloaded with over 50 applications including Open Office Wide Multi-Touchpad for comfort and convenient Glossy IMR Fine Ebony color for elegant look Connect with friend with built-in Camera ZBD Guaranteed for best quality LCD Store & Share your files with 20G internet storage Protect your investment with sleeve case

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I went for it, September 15, 2008

By 

S. Saunders (Rocky Mountains USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, 20 GB Eee Storage, Linux, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony (Personal Computers)

This gadget was on my amazon wish list for a few weeks. I kept looking at the online information, and visited a local computer store which had a display of a few Eee models, in order to handle them and translate the written specs into 3D for myself.

Finally, the price here dropped a little and on the last day of a rebate offer, I ordered it. I've had my Eee 901 for a few days now and so far, so great! I got the black one, with Linux. Don't have any experience with Linux so I'm on a learning curve; I figured that if I really want Windows, I can always buy an XP OS and install it. But since I mostly will use this to access the Internet, blog, download photos and upload them to my online photo service, and to work with documents and spreadsheets, I think the Linux software preloaded on this sweet little machine will be just fine.

The reviews here prepared me for the small keyboard on the Eee, but I don't have large hands and I'm adjusting to it faster than I had expected. The touchpad is not so great, but I hate touchpads generally and I can't say I dislike it any more than any other touchpad I've used. Today I'm taking the Eee to my office where I left my USB notebook (small sized) mouse and will probably use that instead of the touchpad.

I just completed my first charge/discharge battery cycle, and was impressed by how long the battery lasted. I charged it up on Friday when I unboxed it, then unplugged it. I used it a bit on Saturday and a lot on Sunday, and finally the battery capacity dropped below 25% on Sunday night. All of that was with wireless enabled, which I understand drains the battery faster.

So far, this is a very portable (and cute, I have to say it) mini-notebook that boots up like lightning, has a user-friendly interface for this total Linux newbie, connects to wireless networks smoothly, and has a display that's big enough for serious internet browsing as well as working with documents and spreadsheets. I bought this to take with me when I travel, but I can see it's going with me around town as well.

Bottom line: if you are not a geek, but a reasonably informed PC user who doesn't need to run specialized software on it, don't be afraid to consider the Eee PC 901 with Linux. You'll get more GB of storage in the machine than comes with the Win XP version of the 901, and a user-friendly interface. Some things about Linux are different but not enough to make me regret this purchase. Not at all!

UPATED TO ADD: The outside surface of the lid is shiny black plastic, which shows smears and fingerprints, and collects scratches. I got this protective decal/skin for my 901: Cruising Design Asus Eee PC 901 Skin Decal Protective Sticker. It fits well, looks nice - no more smears - and protects the lid.

SECOND UPDATE: My Eee came with a cushy fabric slipcase. But the fabric assiduously collects lint, and as a slipcase it doesn't have a carry strap. I prefer carrying a shoulder bag and having my hands free. I've found two bags with shoulder straps which are good solutions for carrying my Eee and accessories, with room for other things as well:

1. The Sumdex MT-3 Series Vertical Messenger - which I have been carrying as my main handbag ever since I got it. It's big enough to be useful but still on the small side. It has a padded compartment with a side pocket into which the Eee 901 fits perfectly (and when my Eee isn't in it, my Kindle usually is).

2. The Asus Eee Pc 7-10 Inch Laptop Case by Case Logic, which I think is a good deal for the money and a nice solution for carrying the Eee and other necessities around in something handier than a standard sized laptop case or backpack.

FINAL UPDATE in December 2009: I'm still not sorry I bought this netbook, because it showed me how handy a really small computer can be. However, I have moved on now to a larger netbook. As much as I liked the concept of the solid state hard drive, the SSDs (there are actually two) in even the Linux-equipped 901 only have 20GB total capacity. I tried installing Win XP on my 901 after realizing I wanted to do more with the machine than I knew how to do with Linux (or had time to twiddle with learning about). That was great, but then I had to keep dealing with the 20GB limitations. And the deal breaker was that my aging fingers just didn't ever get happy with the 901's keyboard. Yet, I did anguish somewhat over giving up the 901, because I think it's a wonderful little package. Great form factor, wonderful set of features - a really classic machine. But since I don't aspire just to collect classic computers but want to own only what I use, I ended up selling it on an online auction. It's supposedly off on more world travels with its new owner, after visiting Thailand with me. I'm happy with my ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life and soon adjusted to its slightly bigger and heavier form factor, and appreciate its larger keyboard which is easier for me to use. It's bigger than the 901 but still well within tolerable size/weight for ease of carrying in my daily tote bag. Long live netbooks, in all their varied conformations!

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fast and every thing you need right out of the box, August 4, 2008

By 

djf (usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, 20 GB Eee Storage, Linux, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White (Personal Computers)

With linux and without windows.

Twice the RAM and twice the disk space - duhh. But if you want to slow things down with Windows - buy this one - install windoze - and have the faster box.

Voice recognition is a lot of fun. And this linux package with office, mail, wifi, firefox and free patches and upgrades - means you quit paying after you buy it. But if you choose windows you are just beginning your buying spree.

I like the programming tools of perl, python, ruby and java - access to the command line with a ctl-alt-t sets up the terminal.

I plan to slip this into my backpack (2 pounds) and surf my way between large cities in europe by train. The small keyboard takes time - I am 6'3" have large hands, and am up to about 30 wpm.

What I really like is the 6+ hours batter life. I put this on my headboard and when I want the net, I just reach back and boot - about 30 seconds. With wifi I am up and surfing in a lot less than a minute. When I have done what I wanted, it will shut down in about 20 seconds.

It is about as easy as reaching for a book to read.

You can't go wrong with this little linux jewel - if you want everything - and have the ability to travel easily too - 5 stars *****

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Asus 901, September 12, 2008

By 

Judyth A. Scott "grammy" (TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, 20 GB Eee Storage, Linux, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White (Personal Computers)

Having and loving an 8 GB Asus PC, I ordered a 901 a couple of months ago. I was impressed with the size of the larger keyboard; however, the keyboard functioning was a disappointment. Each key had to be pounded in order for a character to register. Additionally, the computer frequently froze, requiring the user to restart the machine. After trying to overcome these issues for a couple of weeks, I returned the 901 for another. Unfortunately, the same problems occurred with the replacement computer, and I had to return it also. I will be watching for a later version of the Asus, one superceding the 1000.

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