ASUS Eee PC Netbooks

The ASUS Eee PC range of netbook computers is one that I think every writer should take a look at. The machines are small, light and convenient yet at the same time provide all the functionality that a writer, professional or otherwise, might need.

I was an early adopter of netbook technology and so I use an ASUS Eee PC 2G Surf model running Linux. I have the option of installing a Windows XP operating system on this machine, but really there isn’t any need. I can write my text in Open Office, connect to the internet wirelessly, print documents via USB, store information on the 2G internal drive or save data to a USB drive. What’s more, the Linux OS that came preinstalled boots up in a matter of seconds, and boots down just as quickly.

There is quite a good range of ASUS Eee PC models currently available, and because I was an early adopter it has to be said that most of them are even more impressive than the one I am delighted with. My main criticism of my own model is that the battery life is rather short at around 2.5 hours. This issue has been addressed by ASUS and the currently available models now boast a battery life of up to 9.5 hours – enough for a whole day of writing wherever you please, and ideal for enjoying a couple of guilt-free writing hours in the garden!

As well as improving battery performance, the latest ASUS Eee PC netbooks also boast larger internal drives, faster processors, slightly larger screens and Windows XP preinstalled if you would prefer that. Yet these machines are a lot more portable than most regular laptops and the cost a good deal less too. You can pick up a brand new ASUS Eee PC for less than £200, and if you’re willing to spend a little more you can obtain a top spec model that will serve you well for years to come.

Some writers may be wondering whether the smaller keyboard of the ASUS makes writing more difficult. My answer to that would be no (unless you have particularly massive hands) but it does take a little time to get used to the smaller keyboard in the beginning. For me, the advantages of being able to produce text virtually anywhere is well worth a few initial typos.

If you’re a writer looking for a portable device that will let you write, check your emails, surf the web and do a whole lot more whilst away from your normal desktop machine then the ASUS Eee PC range is certainly worth investigating. I bought my model within minutes of seeing what it could do, and although many of the latest ASUS Eee PC machines boast better specs, I’m still delighted with my purchase.