No, you can’t slip it into an envelope like Apple’s MacBook Air. But if you don’t have B70,000 lying around, the Asus Eee PC can still get the job done in an incredibly compact format and to the tune of a mere B12,900.

The Eee PC is fast becoming the geek community’s favorite toy. Despite its size, it packs a lot of essential functions that you need in your everyday working life. And its 0.5kg won’t add much weight to your handbag. The computer also comes equipped with OpenOffice (an open source equivalent of Microsoft Office), wifi, a webcam and microphone combo and a Firefox web browser so you can work and surf from any wifi-enabled spot.

It is not suitable for people with a gigantic set of hands. The keyboard is small and the keys are crammed together so tightly, you’ll be making a lot of typos. The 7” screen is also borderline portable-device-sized and its resolution (800×480 pixels) is also a flashback to our Windows 3.1 days.  

Thanks to Linux, startup is a mere 20 seconds. The Eee PC’s “Easy Mode” desktop layout is simple enough to let Linux newbies navigate around the features without too much disorientation.

When it comes to memory, the Eee PC comes with a very limited capacity. The 4GB model actually has only 1.3GB of free memory left after the system and program installation so you shouldn’t make the Eee PC your primary machine. But it takes additional SD cards to increase its memory by as many cards as you can carry.

Overall, the Eee PC is a great choice if you’re looking for an ultra-portable laptop. Also, if you’re an experienced Linux user, the customization possibilities are endless. If you need more info, both for Linux newbies and experts, checkout www.eeeuser.com for a blog, forums and a comprehensive how-to wiki.

Asus Thailand currently sells two models, 4GB (B12,900 with a camera) and 4GB Surf (B11,900 without a camera), in either black or white. Available at Asus outlets. Try SoftWorld, 4/F, Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-613-1671.