Asus EEE PC 701

I hardly get excited with regards to portable computers being released. I am a techie type of person and love to get a chance to use the latest and greatest in the world of computers, but a part of me just knows that the "latest and greatest" cost more than an arm and a leg to get a hold of.

Now, this one is something I am excited about.

This isn't a second-hand portable computer, nor is this a laptop with so and so specifications. Surely, this is not the complete package, but it is something truly worth waiting for.

This, my friends, is the ASUS EEE 701 laptop computer. It is an ultraportable computer which packs a nice punch and has a lot of features. 

The specifications as stated by ASUS are:

Processor: Intel 900 MHz Pentium M (Dothan-based)

• Chipset: Intel 910
• Graphics: Intel UMA, additional VGA port
• Display: 17.8 cm (7 in)
• Memory: 512 MB DDR2-400
• Storage: 4, 8, or 16 GB flash Solid state drive
• OS: a Xandros-based Linux variant with a Windows XP-like interface; the laptop may also run other Operating Systems like Windows XP, Mandriva, Debian, SuSe, FreeBSD, Ubuntu or MenuetOS optionally
• Communication: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet, 56k modem, 802.11b/g wireless LAN (Atheros-based)
• 4 USB 2.0, MMC/SD/MS card reader, microphone and headphone
• Camera: 0.3 megapixel video
• Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC; built-in stereo speaker; built-in microphone
• Battery: 5200 mAh (4 cells, 2S2P), estimated 3 hours run time. There are no plans to offer a larger-capacity battery
• Dimensions: 225 × 165 × 21~35 mm (8.9 × 6.5 × 0.9~1.4 in)
• Weight: 890 g (2 lbs)
• Colors: white, black

As I said, it is not a complete solution, but a really light portable computer, with wi-fi for only around $199 USD is a good deal if you ask me. Now, critics may point to the limited space and the lack of an optical drive but those can easily be addressed by external hard drives and optical drives. I've read in one online store based here in the Philippines that when it becomes available locally, it is going to be sold at around 13-15,000 Php. 

I'm about to save up for this nice little puppy and would use it to see if it is truly worth it. Me, and a friend would both work with it and see if it is worth the excitement.