laptop for uni work

angellotz

hi, i don't have a clue about computers so I hope somebody can help - i'm sorry if this has already been asked but my search never works feel free to merge if need be.

I want a very basic laptop, as small as possible, for my uni work. I will only need to use it for word documents and internet access, no gaming or even downloads or anything like that.

i have been looking at the asus eee pc (4gb), would that be suitable?

and how about getting online with my 3 usb mobile broadband?

i'm also not quite sure what the fact that it is linux means...

the thing that draws me to it is the size, i want to be able to fit it in my bag without having to have a seperate laptop bag.

and how is this for price?

Thanks!
x

timbim_2

You might want to consider getting an external HDD to go with it, as 4GB may not store that many word docs, especially if you start using images etc.

angellotz

timbim wrote: »

You might want to consider getting an external HDD to go with it, as 4GB may not store that many word docs, especially if you start using images etc.

thanks for the quick response!

and would that have to be a specific one for that computer or not??

also, i think it said you can use a memory card with it - would i be able to use that or a memory stick to store my word docs, and then be able to open them on that and my home pc?

so many questions!

S0litaire

for basic stuff the Eee PC would be good,

Linux is just another type of "Operating System" it will take a wee while getting used to it if you have only used Windows before.

Also it should work with your 3 USB Dongle.

I agree about the external Hard drive. But most of your files should fit on a SD memory card.

weegie.geek

You can get Windows XP on an eee preinstalled, or you could install it yourself, so dont worry about that.

If you're feeling adventurous you could always try linux. It's not that hard, especially since on the eee it's setup for you, and will pretty much just work.

You'll be able to use a mobile broadband dongle with it as well, yep.

The screen's not particularly high resolution so if you're used to a monitor bigger than 14" you won't fit as much on screen as you usually do, but apart from that, and for uni work, it'd be great.

S0litaire

angellotz wrote: »

...
...
also, i think it said you can use a memory card with it - would i be able to use that or a memory stick to store my word docs, and then be able to open them on that and my home pc?

so many questions!

It has a SD / MMC card slot so you can use it to keep files on.
Most people actually keep all their files on the SD Card instead of storing them on the Eee pc since there is not much room.

weegie.geek

angellotz wrote: »

thanks for the quick response!

and would that have to be a specific one for that computer or not??

also, i think it said you can use a memory card with it - would i be able to use that or a memory stick to store my word docs, and then be able to open them on that and my home pc?

so many questions!

It's true that 4GB ain't massive, but an 8GB USB drive is less than £20, so don't be put off by the relatively small built-in drive.

You could even put in a large SDHC card and leave it in permanently, to save having something sticking out the side of the laptop.

angellotz

brilliant - thanks everyone!
about xp, is it hard to find one with it already installed, and will it use a lot more memory?

weegie.geek

angellotz wrote: »

brilliant - thanks everyone!
about xp, is it hard to find one with it already installed, and will it use a lot more memory?

It'll use more, but not a lot. It's not hard to find one with it already installed, nope. Scan.co.uk have 'em. didn't see a pink one though, so if that's a dealbreaker...

I'd check scan, aria and ebuyer. Those are the three places I shop at. Good prices, decent customer service.

There are forums dedicated to the eeePC so you might want to check them out, they'll probably have a thread on where's cheapest to pick one up, and you'll find a lot of info about the machines there too.

angellotz

weegie.geek wrote: »

It'll use more, but not a lot. It's not hard to find one with it already installed, nope. Scan.co.uk have 'em. didn't see a pink one though, so if that's a dealbreaker...

I'd check scan, aria and ebuyer. Those are the three places I shop at. Good prices, decent customer service.

There are forums dedicated to the eeePC so you might want to check them out, they'll probably have a thread on where's cheapest to pick one up, and you'll find a lot of info about the machines there too.

unfortunately, the pink might just be a dealbreaker

thanks so much for all your help!

just one last question...

http://www.honeypothack.com/eee/

is that what linux looks like??

C_Ronaldo

angellotz wrote: »

unfortunately, the pink might just be a dealbreaker

thanks so much for all your help!

just one last question...

http://www.honeypothack.com/eee/

is that what linux looks like??

i dont think so,