Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #196  
Old 14 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: North England
Posts: 6
Re: Lasptop virtually pefrect for the road

"Asus have just released the EeePC 900, bigger screen, bigger flash drive, choice of Windows or Linux."

I am posting this from my new eee 900 that I got just over a week ago from a UK supplier. I deliberatly waited for thye 900 because of the screen size more than the other changes to spec over the 7 inch machine. The RRP is £329 for either a 16 GB XP box or a 20GB Xandros box. As a windoze user who has gone for the Linux box I am both enjoying and hating the learning experience of both getting to grips with Linix and working out what apps I want to run. It is a bit time consuming for a Linux newbee but hopefully it will be worth it in the end because SWMBO has a Vista machine and I hate it, so Linux might be a good thing to get to grips with ready for when XP is obsolete.

Tonight I am going to try to sort out an e-mail client, possibly Evolution.

As a general comment, most peeps who have seen it thing it is a really cool bit of kit. As far as I am concerned i will be happy if it turns out to be better than the Acer Aspire that decided to expire (mobo) just out of warranty.

I (so far) give it a thumbs up for both functionality and portability so far. I know I will never be able to use it as, say, an AutoCAD box but it is horses for courses and if you want to take a laptop travelling, be it on two, four or no wheels, then this machine will be hard to beat as long as it turns out to be fairly robust.
Reply With Quote
  #197  
Old 19 May 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Nice one dude :-)

I said I was going to wait for the 900 but when I saw it at the airport just couldn't hang on!

From what I've seen the extra dosh is well worth it for the extra HD size and more importantly the better screen.

I can't praise my little 4gb one enough - absolutely perfect for what I need.

BTW - a little trick for when you break it (because if you play and you don't know very much about linux...) when you hit the power on button keep hitting F9 - this brings up the 'reinstall factory defaults' option - which is essentially a wipe of the HD and a re-install of xandros.

I'd highly recommend keeping all your files on an external SD card rather than the internal memory - that way you don't lose anything..

Software wise - the only extra thing I'd say to install is VLC player as the bundled movie / music players are not up to much.
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #198  
Old 19 May 2008
sanderd's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 162
hello,

i'm pretty enthousiastic about the eee 900 too. in two weeks i leave on a pan americana trip and i think i will buy a eee 900 in the us. has anyone tried to connect an ipod to it for external storage/backup? and what capacity SD cards can be used? Also 8 Gb?

cheers,
Sander
Reply With Quote
  #199  
Old 19 May 2008
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Cool 8gb AND 16gb Here

8 and 16gb cards (especially for Asus, gotta have matching white) :=) available here!
A-Data 16GB Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) Flash Card Eee PC Edition - Retail [Turbo SDHC 16GB With Eee PC] | EXcaliberPC.com

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanderd View Post
hello,
and what capacity SD cards can be used? Also 8 Gb?

cheers,
Sander
Reply With Quote
  #200  
Old 19 May 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickMcD View Post
HOW MUCH!!!!

Dear me... sorry they can match as much as they like but I'll be paying 14.99 at play.com

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Elec...d/Product.html

running this in the eee at the moment - works like a charm.

m
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #201  
Old 19 May 2008
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Wink Didn't buy one there! ;=}

I didn't say I would EVER buy one there just giving him a place to go
"if money was no object and you REALLY needed a matching one). :=)
I hear there are those out there!!!!! Just got an 8gb at Frys (USA)
yesterday for $19.99.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcbf600 View Post
HOW MUCH!!!!

Dear me... sorry they can match as much as they like but I'll be paying 14.99 at play.com

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Elec...d/Product.html

running this in the eee at the moment - works like a charm.

m
Reply With Quote
  #202  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Review at Play

Matt - I don't know what set up your working with and can't be bothered rereading this marathon thread, but the review at the bottom of that memory card on play said:

'brought the card for my eee pc (7" laptop)
Using the internal SD slot I can read data and write files from programs on the laptop but when trying to download off the internet it gave me I/O errors.
switched to a SD card reader and downloads went great.
Then internal SD reader would read the information fine for hours!
So i suggest not buying this card for your eee pc unless you can put it with carry a card reader with you when wanting to download files off the internet.
read and write speeds are fast as expected and overall its a good card, but it is not 100% effective for what i need it for.
(file i was trying to download that gave me errors were two 100mb files. might be ok with less sized files.)'
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #203  
Old 19 May 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
Matt - I don't know what set up your working with and can't be bothered rereading this marathon thread, but the review at the bottom of that memory card on play said:

'brought the card for my eee pc (7" laptop)
Using the internal SD slot I can read data and write files from programs on the laptop but when trying to download off the internet it gave me I/O errors.
switched to a SD card reader and downloads went great.
Then internal SD reader would read the information fine for hours!
So i suggest not buying this card for your eee pc unless you can put it with carry a card reader with you when wanting to download files off the internet.
read and write speeds are fast as expected and overall its a good card, but it is not 100% effective for what i need it for.
(file i was trying to download that gave me errors were two 100mb files. might be ok with less sized files.)'
How strange - I have 2 from play - both work fine.... have done from the get go.

Rick - wow that is a deal!
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #204  
Old 19 May 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
And here's a great way to match your cheap card to your Asus



At least till the dollar goes down a bit more.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #205  
Old 20 May 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
lol... I'm trying to dig out more info on the problems with HC cards - it appears in the first version of the xandros OS there was a problem with the internal card reader - but that was fixed some time ago - which if you think about it is fairly important given the lack of internal storage on the little 2,4 and 8gb machines.

I must admit I thought I was going to miss the 160gb HD on my computer - but actually I'm getting along with the internal 4gb and 8gb SD card just fine - I've forced myself to chose just 1gb of music from my 40gb collection (no bad thing trust me) and I'm deleting videos as I watch them (they're online when I want them again anyway).

For photos, whilst I'm using the ASUS to upload them to flickr etc, I'm actually storing them on folders on the cameras SD card (another 8gb) - according to the display on the camera I can take just over 5000 photos on the card, 2500 if the setting is 'fine' - that should just about do me for four weeks I think!

Rick - sorry dude just re-read my post and it came across a bit harsh.... not what I intended... sorry.
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #206  
Old 29 May 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 10
Battery

I bought mine at the weekend, a 900 xp thing. You need to whittle windows down and get rid of a load of crap to free up some space, i run most of my apps from portable apps on an sd card.

The battery is a contentious issue in the uk where it has been shipped with a 4400 mah one which is pants, gives a couple of hours only. Theres talk of upgrading existing uk customers with the 5800 it 'should' have sipped with for the princely sum of a tenner. Me? i just spent the extra 20 quid and got a 6600 one from ebay, i got 5 hours out of it today...

Runs mapsource (with maps installed) and memorymap (maps on an sd) perfectly.

Oh and the wireless range is crap too... Apart form that, very pleased bunny.

Ive read on the eeeuser forums alot of stuff on sdhc cards that do and done work, save your money, buy a fat memory stick or two, i did..
Reply With Quote
  #207  
Old 29 May 2008
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Cool Garmin Problem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by santrix View Post
You need to whittle windows down and get rid of a load of crap to free up some space, i run most of my apps from portable apps on an sd card.
My problem is, I don't know what crap :=) I can "cut" out without "hurting" it. Although, based on some other reading about Garmin Mapsource "Updates", I am NEVER going to be able to do it. It seems that Mapsource updates require TWICE the space of the actual update (1.4gb X 2 = 2.8) on the boot drive for the install even if the install is being done to another drive. I hope I am wrong cause I don't see being able to get down to 1gb for the OS. Otherwise I love the Eee 900 for everything.
Reply With Quote
  #208  
Old 30 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
The Eee ships with a CD to help you cut down XP. I haven't used it maybe someone else has. I'm enjoying using Linux for everything else but it would be nice to take mapsource with me on my travels.

I'm using my Eee now, in a hotel in monument valley. It organises my photo's and e-mails like a demon. a great bit of kit. Like you say the battery only lasts 2 hours but I've got a 12v charger now for on the bike. I'm waiting to see how long it takes to charge it from flat.
Reply With Quote
  #209  
Old 6 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston, USA
Posts: 164
So I couldn't resist the new 900. I owned both the 900 and the 700 at for a couple of days (just sold the 700 today!!!). I took some pics to compare the sizes.

As you can see, the 900 20G (same size as the 900 12G) screen has 1024×600 as opposed to 800×600 in a case that is about the same size. Those 224 pixels in height really matter!

The Black one is 700 the white one is the new 900.




__________________
http://davegtravels.com - RTW on a DRZ
All the way south - Texas to Tierra del Fuego in '08-'09
Reply With Quote
  #210  
Old 6 Jun 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
There's hardly any size difference at all is there.... and that extra screen and HD size will make all the difference.

There are so many new ultra small, ultra light, ultra cheap machines appearing now - but the Asus is still the one everyone compares everything too - have you seen they've announced the 1000?

Photos: Asus Eee PC 1000 and 901 revealed - Crave at CNET.co.uk

__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round road trip from Pakistan to London Switzerland khurramkhan Route Planning 3 13 Apr 2010 07:48
Round road trip khurramkhan Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 7 Mar 2008 19:05
laptop on the road? amicamg TRAVEL Hints and Tips 3 22 Sep 2005 21:49
Chita to Khabarovsk route description Chris Scott Northern and Central Asia 3 23 Feb 2005 17:13
djibouti - eritrea miles murray sub-Saharan Africa 3 13 Jan 2005 18:56

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:44.