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The main problem with this pc is that the Linux OP is propriatory. In order to add a program or update the browser you have to get it from ASUS, and currently they don't provide the latest firefox browser. Also, the wireless is 802.11b/g which is not supported by every wireless network, and as things improve it will be supported by fewer networks.Another problem is that it does have a camera, but it doesn't have a built in microphone, which is a little strange.I have had this unit for a few years now, and it is well built, it just has these problems; also it is severely small which does make it a little difficult to use.
It is impossible to review an item that never arrived. I am sure I would have loved it if it had been shipped properly. At least Amazon finally gave up on delivery and credited my acount after three weeks.
I got this laptop for my mom, who just wanted to use it to practice typing and checking emails/surfing the web. It has a webcam, but I haven't figured out how to set up skype yet,mainly because I don't think the computer has enough memory to install the updated version, and the screen cuts off so I cannot finish setting up her account. I bought my mom a portable dvd drive in case she wants to play any games that require a cd, but we haven't really made much use of it.
It's small and compact which is great. Otherwise, it's good enough for how much it costs. For her, it's perfect because she rarely uses it and the functions are basic that she really likes it.
I think for me, I prefer a normal sized laptop with a screen that does not cut off pages (we have to scroll down and right most of the time to see a full screen). However, there is barely any memory so you can't install programs, and the battery life will deplete as soon as you turn it on, so we just keep it plugged in. It gets hot really fast, so we got one of those fan things that you put a laptop on to cool it down too.
It also comes with chat programs and games basic word processing programs. Maybe it's just me =)
It has wireless Internet, so we can connect while in the field. We bought this to use as a portable computer for a usb microscope, and for that purpose it has worked great. Came with Linux, which the microscope software was not compatible, so I had to re-install XP Pro. We also purchased a 16GB memory card, because the 4GB hard drive was not large enough for the scope images. Overall, we have been very satisfied with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone.
And I don't think that the software engineer really knew what was the problem or what magical trick finally solved it. The ASUS documentation is limited. [Three other computers do not have a problem with accessing it and neither do other people visiting with their own laptops or two wireless printers]. My problem is that there is a security block on the network at my house (which I do not know about) that the ASUS machine can not get around. So be prepared to run up a lot of minutes waiting for the help desk response. I thought that was the purpose behind this ASUS laptop, but someone forget about the importance for connectivity.
Ensure that the box before 'Enable wireless' is checked."4. Select the wireless access point you want to connect to from the list and click 'Connect' to build the connection. When connecting, you may have to enter a password."5. After a connection has been established, the connection is shown on the list."Please note that the documentation assumes that one will never have a problem establishing a connection since it does not offer any suggestions or diagnostics if (as in my case)the connection lands in a indefinite state of "CONNECTION PENDING." Call the help desk. I have a secured WIFI in my home, but this ASUS computer can not access it. Don't bother asking about whose nickle pays for the call. Reflective of the customer-be-damned orientation, it is not a toll free number.
To ASUS' credit (after a lengthy telephone call during which the help desk had to transfer me to a software enginner employed by the operating system provider), I got connected to the WIFI at my house. Since that one time, I have been unable to do so. To obtain this closely held corporate trade secret, I had to contact the vendor. The verbatim steps given to sign on to a wireless network are:"3. And lest you think that I have an esoteric off-brand WIFI system, the router is a very generic Netgear from Staples.I want to return the item and go back to a local brick-and-mortar national chain and get a device that is designed to toss into a suitcase so one can merely check e-mail and access the internet while traveling.
No telephone number or on-line help address is provided anywhere. Forty-eight hours after I sent an e-mail, the vendor sent me the elusive telephone number -- which of course is limited to only Monday through Friday, 9:00 PM TO 9:00 PM [Your guess is as good as mine as to the time zone for the ASUS service center]. This or course means a capability to access the widest variety of WIFI networks. And no one (the vendor, the manufacturer, the manufacturer's subcontractors or myself) knows how to diagnose or solve the problem.
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