5 out of 5 stars!   Not just for techno-geeks 2010-09-18

I've been sitting on a 2002 desktop PC with no internet access (argh!) for quite a few years. I kept telling myself I didn't need to spend all that money for a new one: I've got internet at work and a netbook, I could still do standard, internet-free tasks (yes, there are a few of those, but they aren't much fun), hometime should be a break from work activities, yadda, yadda, yadda. And then one day this summer, I just broke. I wanted a computer that could access the internet in my living room. The problem was that wired access could not be brought into my living room without some ugly wiring, and a laptop's not a great solution for me because my eyesight's bad. Have you searched for wireless desktops? There's not a lot to choose from. After much dilly-dallying (and some intense price-watching), I decided to take the plunge on this ASUS Eee top. I've been on it daily for a few weeks, and I have to say I really love it. The screen is really big, but not too unwieldy to sit on a desk, and the whole thing is very sleek (although the monitor is really too reflective - I don't need to see my own face at 6:00 a.m.). It's been working beautifully - set-up was quick and easy (good thing, since the only manual is a PDF already loaded on the computer); everything's very simple to use (though there's a ton of trial software that I don't want to be fooled into purchasing); the wireless is powerful; and the machine works quickly. I did replace the Microsoft office software with free Open Office software (I find it harder to use than Microsoft, but it's sure a heck of a lot cheaper), and I installed Avast security (love it), but otherwise I'm pretty much chugging along on what Asus sent. Earlier reviewers felt the mouse & keyboard were too small, but I'm having no issues - I actually like the small keyboard a lot, and it never slips, which is nice. If you do a lot of work with numbers, you won't like it, since it doesn't have the numerical keys at the right, but the keys are spaced just the way you're used to them from a larger keyboard, and they depress very nicely (with an audible sound, so you know when you've hit them). Don't be afraid, all you who are not techno-geeks - this is an excellent all around computer.
          -- jhl VA

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