In Use:
The system is pre-loaded with a custom distribution of Linux, and just about everything is ready to use wight out of the box. The system is powered by a 900MHz Celeron processor and 512MB, adn while that may not sound like much, it works rather well in such a little device. Noise and heat are kept to a minimum, and all of the applications function rather well. The seven inch LCD display has an 800 x 480 resolution, which might be the most difficult thing to get used to. Most websites and programs are designed to use a bit more screen real estate, so things might not look the same to you.
The next set of images are going to show a brief overview of the main screens found in the EEE PC's operating system. When the unit boots up it goes straight to the "Internet" tab shown in the below left image. Here you have access to a variety of programs, including the Firefox web browser (labeled "Web"), Pidgin multi-client instant messaging (labeled "Messenger"), and Skype Internet communications. With the built-in speakers, microphone, and a 0.3MP webcam, the system functioned well in Skype over a 54Mbps wireless Internet connection.
 
The above right image shows the "Work" tab, where office related applications can be found. Here you find a variety of Open Office applications, which let you open and create documents, spread sheets, and presentations much like you could with Microsoft's Office. This tab is also the location of Thunderbird (labeled "Mail"), an e-mail client which I would have placed on the "Internet" tab if I was laying things out.
The below left image shows the "Learn" tab where a variety of educational applications are listed. The below right image shows the "Play" tab where you will find games and multimedia appplications. There are built-in audio and video players, as well as applications to manage your digital collections.
 
The "Settings" tab is shown next, and this is where you go in order to view or change the system to meet your needs. You can add/remove software, change the appearance, and configure a variety of hardware and software options.
While the operating system is Linux, the look and feel should not be too intimidating to anyone familiar with Windows. The layout and general operation is similar, and many of the applications have a look that should make Windows users at home. Linux can be a turn off to many people just looking for their computer to work like it always has, and ASUS has done a good job at keeping things simple and useful.
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