EEE PC Community Forums

I admit, I am not familiar with Linux but have been enamored with the positive feedback I hear about it. I would use this 900 as a travel laptop, checking some on-line classes I teach, presenting PowerPoint presentations, checking email, and possibly using the webcam. Pretty simple.

So, with Linux, would I be able to design, save, and run PowerPoint (.PPT) presentations with ease?

Does it offer capability to connect to an external monitor (i.e. LCD projector)?

In the future, is it fairly easy to integrate my XP (or if I purchase a larger laptop, then Vista... possibly Office 07) documents/presentations to the Linux-based pc, if needed (I don't see this happening often, as this will primarily be for travel and not my big work)?

I have never read anything regarding how hot it will run, or if the fan (is there one?) is loud. My presentations are typically all day (think: 8-9 hours)

Do you know, in the US, where this will be available soon for purchase? Is it available in just the white, or also in the black (which do you like best?... the white seems to possibly "dirty" much more quickly, or am I wrong?)

Finally, I am eager... so should I really wait for the Atom? I heard the current processor is just as fast. Battery life isn't a huge concern, as I am typically plugged in, although on occassion, it would be nice to work outside if I want.

Thank you so much for your input.

Hi Redbirds,

Sounds like a perfect set of uses to me. Ideal in fact. It's very small and lightweight, it's pretty sturdy, and it sounds like its only minor shortcoming (sub 2 hour battery life) wouldn't be an issue, as you'd be near a power socket most of the time...

Just to clear up some terminology. Linux is the operating system. Similar to how Windows is an operating system. On top of that operating system one can install (or the manufacturer can pre-install) a set of applications. In the case of a windows laptop, a manufacturer might install Microsoft Office. In the case of this Linux based laptop, ASUS installs OpenOffice which is a free and open-source alternative to MS Office.

And it works extremely nicely. It has lookalikes for Word, Excel and Powerpoint. These are called Writer, Calc and Impress respectively. Note that OpenOffice is also available freely on http://www.openoffice.org as a download - so you can try it out before buying an EEE. It works on Linux and Windows perfectly so - I'd definitely suggest trying it out and seeing. In general terms it's perfectly happy opening and saving Word, Excel and Powerpoint files though.

All Asus EEEs have a VGA connector. I have personally connected mine to a standard XGA video projector. (1024x768) and it worked just fine.

It certainly should be. Remember you aren't migrating MS office files to Linux, you're migrating them to OpenOffice (which just so happens to be running under linux)! And openoffice is continually updated... So I don't see that ever being a problem.

I am not sure about this on the 900. The one I have which is a 701 does actually have a fan but it's extremely quiet. I would think it safe to assume the 900 would be similar.

Unsure. They are definitely available NOW in the UK, so I would assume they are also available in the USA. The only ones I have so far seen for sale in the UK are white, but whether this is just stocking issues or whether ASUS have launched in white first, I am not sure. What I can tell you is that my father has a White 701 and has taken it on holiday with him and it doesn't get dirty. In fact he was originally against getting a white one, but had to get a white on as those were the only ones in stock... And he's now glad he got a white one!... It's slightly pearlescent.. It does look very good.

Depends. I know the Atom will be good, but it all depends on how much money's worth of usage you will get out of it until the Atom arrives and is shippable. Note that I suspect EEEs will sell quite well on ebay for the foreseeable future, so your 900 will retain some residual value if you decide to replace it with a Atom when that arrives. I think the main advantage will be battery life rather than sheer performance (and in any case, your type of usage - powerpoint etc) does not require a hugely powerful CPU. I think if it was me, I'd just buy a 900 now!

Hope that helps! Welcome to EEE Community and please to keep posting here as it's growing into quite a nice little place to chat about the EEE now!

Rich.

I just got a 900 about a week ago (in the USA). I like it very much. I am glad that I got the "big" screen and have not noticed that any of the applications are slow (such as open office) as I read in some of the reviews.

It runs warm, but the fans do a fine job.

I have opened some .docs and .ppts so far to review for school and had no issues.

Hi TylerDurdinUMD...

Quick question: how long on average does the battery last?

James.

Linux is ok for everything but editing PPT: Oppen Office doesn't support all what PowerPoint 2007 supporsts, but Open Office is ok if you want to teach to your students.

The Eee PC is good for presentations, but remember to plug the proyector with the power off!

Good-bye.