Wondering if you’ll need Windows XP on the Eee PC? Fancy a 30GB hard drive? A bit more RAM perhaps? What about Bluetooth? Or more battery life?
If so, take a look at the Packard Bell Easynote XS because its about ready to go on sale in the UK for 350 pounds which I estimate to be close to the cost of the high-end Eee PC. You’ll take a hit in the style department but that’s about the only negative point. Size-wise its slightly larger (5mm all-round) than the Eee PC but compensates by being 5mm thinner. In terms of weight the two devices are evenly matched. The 1.2Ghz VIA C7-M should drive XP Home well (I’m pleased its not Vista!) and will offer similar performance to the 900Mhz Celeron in the Eee PC. As for the battery life, I’m hearing that it’s going to hit four hours quite easily and that’s a figure I’m confident to relay based on previous experience with the VIA platform. 1G RAM, 30GB hard drive (I guess its possible to upgrade this too given a screwdriver and lack of guarantee requirement!) and even a DVI-out port.
Packard Bell UK have put up information on their website now so expect to be able to pre-order soon.
For the intermediate to advanced user, I think this is the better choice of the two and I’m actually thinking of buying one as my mobile work tool. I could save myself a fair bit of money and give myself more battery life than with all the other mini notebook options. (Click for interactive comparison chart.)
Previous news about the Easynote (and concept Nanobook)
Thanks to forum member 2800gt for the tip.
