The avalanche known as the Asus Netbooks was started, and now doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Laptop and notebook manufacturers quickly noticed this growing phenomena and started making netbooks for themselves. As popular as the Asus 701 was, there was still much criticism regarding it. From it’s small screen size and limiting OS. Asus heard the call for a larger screen and more robust netbook, they answered with the Asus EEE PC 900 Netbook.
Our Asus EEE 900 Specifications:
- 900 MHz Intel Celeron M 353
- 1 GB DDR2 RAM
- Windows XP
- 8.9” screen, 1024×600, LED backlit
- 16+4 GB SSD
- Wireless 802.11b/g
- 3X USB, VGA, SD card reader
The Asus 900 isn’t a revolutionary new netbook, but rather an upgrade over it’s sister the Asus 701 netbook. They learned and heard the complaints from the previous versions and decided carefully on how and what to upgrade in this newer model. The main upgrades came in the size of the monitor, from a 7” to an 8.9” screen and upgrading the previously painful 800×480 resolution to the new 1024×600 resolution screen. Finally the this netbook has begun to feel a little more complete, allowing for easier internet navigation and application usage. The problem was that most websites are designed for screens 1024, not 800. This creates a better and friendlier environment as a result of the larger screen.
With the upgraded monitor came an upgraded lighting source. This time Asus decided to use an LED backlit display, in hopes of better power consumption and use in bright areas. In our netbook evaluations we like to work outside for a period of time in strong sunlight to determine if the netbook’s can truly be utilized in all fashions. The Asus EE PC 900 Netbook is no problem in these conditions, granted we needed to play around with the brightness but that wasn’t a big problem. Also the matte finish makes it a nice monitor for really any work light conditions.
As stated above, the Asus 900 wasn’t a whole new computer. Just minor upgrades to the monitor size, resolution and other little things. The basic components didn’t see much of an upgrade. The netbook utilizes the same motherboard with the old Intel 910GML chipset and the integrated GMA 900 graphics card. The processor is also the same Intel Celeron M ULV 353 we saw used in the Asus 701. Although this time it’s been bumped to 900MHz rather than the 630 MHz. The system though feels much more responsive thanks to the upgraded RAM. The upgraded RAM was an absolute necessity, allowing for more applications to work at the same time and being able to handle more demanding software.
We do have a complaint about the size of the disk space. We assumed that Asus was most likely going to use SSD as the disk space source but wish that SSD wasn’t as expensive as a traditional HDD. Coming in at 20 GB of space over two separate SSD’s, an 16 GB and a 4 GB. The smaller 4 GB SSD is used for the systems file storage and is protected, while the 16 GB is available for personal usage but the stats of the 16 GB SSD aren’t as impressive as the 4 GB.
Upgraded Touchpad?
Yes, Asus finally upgraded their touchpad and we are very happy with the new predecessor. With notably larger dimensions you can easily spot the difference. Not only did they upgrade the touchpad but they also implemented the ability to use gestures for various applications. Below are some pictures of the different types of gestures. By moving your fingers in different directions you can activate the Zoom tool, while bringing the fingers together will have the opposite effect. Moving your fingers together in the same direction will let you scroll either vertically or horizontally.
Tuning the Asus Beast
Since the Asus 900 can be considered a upgraded 701 we noticed the addition of the webcam to the top of the monitor rather than its older position on the hinge. The small webcam comes in a 1.3 MP versus the 0.3 MP found in the older versions. This was actually a very significant increase in the webcam ability, in the previous versions it was pretty much impossible to use it successfully due to its poor resolution and capabilities. While on the other hand this new 1.3 MP provides a good quality camera and gets things done well.
Our Decision..
Coming in at around $400 and in two various operating systems, Linux and Windows the Asus 900 is something to be noticed. The main question is though can you justify the extra $100 price tag? Personally we say yes, with the increased screen resolution and size it is almost worth it all together. Add on the extra RAM and larger disk size and we have to say yes. If you considered the 701, then the 900 is right for you. Save the cash and get this one. We highly recommend it.