Finally eeeNetbook got our hands on the Asus 4G Windows XP Netbook. After the first Asus netbook took the market by storm because of its ultra-capable, portable, low price, and fast system. Here comes the big brother equivalent with Windows XP, consumers simply weren’t willing or able to use Linux and Asus heard their cries for a different Windows capable unit.
We got our hands on the new Asus 4G Windows XP equipped netbook, which is currently available for $399, and thankfully this unit allows for a perfect transition to Windows without much performance loss or compromising the price point that we had become accustomed to. Although with most of our previous complaints we wished that they provided a little more storage space.
Our Asus 4G XP Netbook Specifications:
- 900 MHz Intel Celeron Processor
- 512 MB DDR2 RAM
- Windows XP Home
- 7” screen, 800 x 480, LED backlit
- 4GB Solid State Hard Drive
- 802.11b/g wireless card
- 2 cell (4200 mAh), up to 3 hours
- 2 lbs
The EEE Netbook PC 4G XP uses the same exact ‘chassis’ of the previous Linux versions an dis offered in the same five different color schemes found in those versions. Offering the Galaxy Black, Pure White, Sky Blue, Lush Green, Blush Pink, so that regardless of your color preference you can find the one right for you. The system comes in at a small size of 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches, allowing the system to fit nicely in just about any carrying bag. It feelis like a small book, and coming in at 2 lbs it is hard to notice the difference.
The keyboard is small, due to the small 7” screen and dimensions, unlike the newer Asus models that have a 95% keyboard these are smaller at 90%. This takes a little getting used to, and those that have larger hands simply won’t be able to get away with constantly using this netbook. The mousepad was great allowing for smooth control and operation.
The 7 inch display comes in at a resolution of 800 x 480. and is extremely easy on the eyes due to the larger resolution. Although keep in mind that most newer PDA cell phones are coming out in the same resolution now and even coming close to the same processing power. The images were bright and colored well due to the LED backlit display and matte finish LCD screen. Although keep in mind that the lower resolution can create some problems when surfing larger websites/documents/applications. Asus attempted to combat this by offering an option to make the screen larger to 800 x 600 although that you will need to actually ’scroll’ across to see the remaining pixels. It’s kinda just an added feature that could work, but I didn’t find it at all helpful. The unit comes with a 0.3 megapixel built in webcam that allows for seamless use with any messaging program that allows video communication. But keep in mind that it does work, but will be extremely grainy and not of the best quality due to its 0.3 megapixel camera.
The Asus 4G Windows XP version comes with the Intel Celeron processor at 900 MHz. This is the same processor that you find in the other 4G Linux models. Offering 512 MB and a 4G SSD hard drive (soldered on) is nice, but sucks if you ever want to upgrade either (which is nearly inevitable). I wish they offered socketed RAM and SSD for future usability of upgrading like they do on the newer units. Remember that this is the Windows version so your free space is cut tremendously versus the Linux version. This means that you can’t install larger programs without having additional storage capacity by SDHC cards. It’s a shame that there wasn’t 8G of SSD to begin with, especially with Windows XP.
The Asus offers the following connectivity ports; headphone and microphone jacks, an Ethernet connection, an SD/MMC card reader, and three USB ports. It also offers an VGA port for external displays.
The Asus takes a longer time to boot then the Linux sister, although we weren’t surprised by that. The Windows XP version boots in about 40 seconds while the Linux version booted up in 23 seconds. The netbook had no problem of multitasking several programs, but remember that the lower resolution can make for an unpleasant web browsing experience. We were able to listen to music via Itunes, and do a little video messaging without much of a hang up. Unfortunately the wireless card produced some poor results during testing and we couldn’t figure out why. Also the battery life was less than we expected, coming in at a little less than 3 hours of battery life. We are used to the 6-cell versions that offer longer battery life, which this one doesn’t come close to with its 2-cell battery.
In conclusion we’d say stick with the newer and better Asus netbooks. This was great for its time but we’ve moved on now and the newer netbooks are just that much better. With larger harddrives, better wireless cards, higher processor speeds and better resolution. It’s hard to recommend this older version to anyone really.
February 1st, 2009 at 10:53 am
fjbnheipsssf…
Anyway, you should do your best
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