I've seen a bit of info on the new EEE 900 too.
Locally, the XP version will be cheaper than the Linux version and this has led to speculation on how MSFT has helped make this possible.

EEE 701 installation of Huawei E220 software from CD:
I should have a EEE 701 soon and would appreciate advice on suggestions on how to install the Huawei E220 driver. Should I load it from a DVD on my laptop onto an iPod, then install via USB, or get my unused Xbox 360 HDDVD (USB DVD) hooked up to use the Voda CD?

Using XP? Why not just download the newest version from Vodafone? The stuff on CD's is usually an old(er) version anyway...

I'm posting this on a 900. I also have a 701. They are both great machines, but not without their flaws which have already been discussed here.

As for the 900 Win XP vs. Linux question, if it hasn't already been discussed, the Linux box comes with a 20GB SSD whilst the XP machine is limited to 12GB due to the licencing agreement with Microsoft. That's how MSFT made a cheaper machine possible!

Many posts here have already referred the eeePC user forum at eeeuser.com. It's a great resource,. The common wisdom there says if you want to run XP on the 900 buy the Linux version and then find a copy of XP to install.

The architecture of the 900 will actually easily allow a dual boot system: the Xandros distro of Linux is stored on the 4GB SSD disk, and the other 16GB partition is free, and quite ready for an XP install. I

'm considering the dual-boot route myself, since while the eeePCs on Linux can readily connect to my network, the printer drivers for my Canon MP830 don't quite get it -- and I'm using a paid program called TurboPrint to get them to work at all.

That's confusing. I just assumed that the 12G SSD was cheaper than the 20G SSD and the difference paid for the OS license, which is supposed to be pretty cheap for these devices?

I really don't understand why they didn't just do the 20G version with an extra charge for XP if you want it pre-installed?

Makes sense. I guess over in that forum, they have figured out the magic to do a small footprint install of XP on this thing?

How much of the 16G is left over after the XP install?

I think I read that the 4G for Linux is essentially read-only, which is how they get the "revert to initial firmware" switch, right?

How much of the 12G is reserved by Windows on the XP version of the 900?

-David

For those Aussies who are interested in buying the EEE PC 900, Myers department store (www.myer.com.au) has a stocktake sale at the moment and yesterday I purchased a package which included the Asus 900 with xp and a 120gb USB Buffalo MiniStation for AUD$649. If you wanted the 900 only it was AUD$599. It took less than 5 mins to set up with wireless etc, and so far, I am very impressed. Naturally, the keyboard is small but after a while you do get used to it. In saying that, I believe that people would only purchase this product for travel in any event.

That may well be it - I'll give the hack they suggest a try (and at least see if wpasuplicant.conf gets created). Thanks.

Finally got to play with one yesterday in person at a local store, and my initial suspicion was right: the 7" screen is too small, and the 9" is fine. The keyboard is surprisingly good for something that small.

If I had $550+tax to blow, I'd have a 900 right now... we'll see if the spare cash comes before or after the Atom-based 901 comes out :)

Still don't know where the reports of an 8" one came from - perhaps people were rounding 8.9" down rather than up?

I got to play with my neighbors EEE PC-1000(H) last night.

It has a 80 gig harddrive, windows xp preloaded. In Taiwan, he paid 600 USD cash price. He said 5% more if you use a credit card.

The only thing I really disliked about is the cover. It really attracts fingerprints and it seems very hard to keep clean. (my only complaint which seems trivial)

It has convinced me to pick one up this week.

I was going to get a 901 or 1000, but I think I'll wait for the Dell. With the same specs as the 901, it's rumored to be just $299. If Dell really pulls that off, then Asus and HP are in trouble (not that HP isn't already...).

don't think HP is in trouble, the form factor is great and its a very solid product ^

The HP2133 is is Australian retail channels - department stores, specialists & discounters.
It is very overpriced (IMO) at $899 compared to the EEE 900 also in retail for under AUD$600 but is very nicely designed for typing and the screen appears to be very good.

It's a premium product - perhaps in future there will be a clunky, much cheaper Compaq version to compete with one of the Dell models. :)

Solid but horribly underpowered. Plus, it's hardly a hot seller. And it's hardly priced to sell either.

Scott, does that mean you'd opt for the Asus over the HP? And, any thoughts on the upcoming Dell product?

Any pointers to the rumors?

What is it supposed to be? 9" display, Atom? 12G/20G SSD? and what else?

Hard to see how they could sell something equivalent at that price.

-David

The pricing rumors I'm seen is "sub-$500"... I haven't seen anything new in the past couple of weeks but here are ones I saw a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/29/d...ller-revealed/
http://gizmodo.com/393815/exclusive-...st-mini-laptop
http://www.gottabemobile.com/Getting...By+August.aspx
http://www.umpcportal.com/2008/05/ne...bile-inspiron/
http://www.dvhardware.net/article27747.html
http://apcmag.com/up_close_with_dells_mininote.htm