The One vs The EEE

This is not your regular review. I just want to share my thoughts on some key elements that are important for one in my line of work. For starters, some would say that comparing The One with a first generation EEE is totally unfair. What I’m doing is simply comparing the two ultraportables that I currently have.

1. As far as portability is concerned, it’s a tie. Both units are very easy to bring along. The Acer, though a tad wider than the Asus, would fit in a lady’s handbag (in this case, my spouse’s bags). The weight difference is minimal. There is just no excuse not to bring a PC that’s 1kg in weight.

2. Both boot-up in under 20 seconds. The Acer is actually faster. For those who need to write a lot, quick access is very important. Bottomline: no one would grow a beard waiting for either of these to boot-up.

3. As netbooks, web access via wired or wireless access is great on both units. Burger King, by the way, is my favorite place to test Wi-Fi on laptops (and phones).

4. Video playback. I use a lot of video for my lectures and presentations. This is where the Asus, first generation at that, connected to an LCD projector, beats the Acer. I can play most video files on the EEE. I’m hoping that updates will come soon for the Acer.

5. Office Work. I’ve had the Asus longer but the Acer’s better keyboard and wider screen provide a much user-friendly platform for which to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and slide-shows.

Acer Aspire One

I got an Acer Aspire One for my birthday. After almost a week of using this UMPC, I can say that its keyboard is much, much better than my EEE 701’s. My typing speed on “The One” is almost the same as when I’m using a regular laptop or a desktop. I actually almost bought an EEE 901 but changed my mind when I got to touch-type on the Acer.

I intend to do a more in-depth comparative review of the Acer and the Asus, but for those who want an ultra-portable that is a touch-typist’s dream, “The One” is the choice.

E-Reading

I remember the first e-book I ever read. It was Tarzan on my Palm V. Fast forward to the present, I think most of my reading these days is via the electronic page. People who say that they’ll never get the hang of reading books on their handheld devices probably haven’t given it a serious try.

I don’t know how to explain this but when I re-read the classics on my Pocket PCs, I really enjoyed the experience. Reading them, the old fashioned way, the first time in high school–books: thick, heavy, and with tiny fonts– was torture.

Many of my students would rather read articles and essays online or on their phones (which I sent them via bluetooth) than go to the library and read the printed versions.

Nokia E61i and Motorola Q9h

I’m presently testing two QWERTY smartphones, Nokia’s E61i and Motorola’s Q9h. The “E” has a Smart SIM while the “Q” has a Globe.   As a web and email tablet, the Nokia is the clear winner. I can check my three email accounts in under 5 minutes using the native client. Using Opera Mini, surfing is fast and enjoyable. The 2.8″ screen helps a lot. The Moto has a smaller, 2.4″ screen. For sheer typing speed, the Q is tops. I use it a lot when taking quick notes and business minutes. Laridian’s Bible Software on the Q is better than Olivetree’s on the E.

For playing videos and listening to music, the E wins. Moreover, the E has a podcasting application that I really like. PC synchronization is where the Q beats the E hands down. DocumentsToGo on the Q is light years ahead of the E’s barebones QuickOffice suite.

After two months of use, I cannot declare a clear winner.

A Family Favorite

I got my spouse her own EEE for her birthday. I set it up to run Windows XP.  My sister got one too and hers runs Linux like mine. My sister-in-law bought one and, like my spouse’s, runs XP. I don’t know any other family who has “fallen in love” with this tiny powerhouse the way mine has.

Its portability is the Asus’ key selling point. I read somewhere that over a million of these were sold within 3 months. I don’t go anywhere without mine. I discovered recently that I could hold the unit like a book and read my lecture notes. Quite a few people thought I was really holding a black book. They were really surprised to discover otherwise.