I’ve been playing around with an ASUS Eee PC mobile computer this week. The lowdown: This is a super-small mobile computer, 7 inches wide and weighing in around 2 pounds, with built-in wireless, speakers, and an optional camera. It comes out of the box with a stripped-down version of Linux, an office application suite, Internet applications, and a few other goodies; you can opt to run Windows XP on it if you’d prefer. The model I got has 512 MB of memory and 4 GB of storage. No CD drive or big hard drive, but plenty of USB ports and a SD card slot (similar to what your digital camera might use) for extra room.

Here’s what I like:

• It’s so light and portable!
• The bundled operating system is pretty customizable, and people are already developing some interesting hacks
• Only 400 bucks

Here’s what I don’t care for:

• The keyboard is super-small and the number keys are shifted one space to the left. Typing is even more difficult than on an iPhone
• Many applications and websites, including some pre-installed, don’t work well on the Eee PC’s small screen
• The built-in camera doesn’t work with AIM or Skype (yet)

If you use your laptop for more than just e-mail and web browsing I don’t know that I’d recommend replacing it with this–but if you’ve got some other computer for your heavy-duty work this might be a nice accessory for you road warriors. As for me, I’m debating whether I can get away with just bringing this along with me while I’m out of town next week, or bringing my MacBook so I can keep working on the new Library–

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2. Skype 4.0 beta focuses on video conferencing
3. iPhones in higher education
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5. More DIY computer maintenance: 7 tips for a speedier Mac

Tags: eee pc, laptops, mobile