The first thing I changed on the Eee PC S101 was the operating system. I noticed when I first booted up the S101 that it came with Xandros Linux installed, but the label on the keyboard says “Designed for Windows XP.” The box contained a system restore CD, but it was a generic CD and not the Asus-branded disc that typically comes with Eee PCs. There was also a CD containing all drivers needed for WinXP. The only explanation I can think of is that the seller was permitted to distribute these S101s but did not have Windows licenses, so they installed Xandros before shipping. I did consider trying Eeebuntu, but I use an application for work that is not available on Linux. Since I had all the WinXP drivers and a legal copy of XP Pro, I decided to start there.
It took me about a day to get WinXP installed properly. Note to self: be sure to delete ALL partitions before installing XP! I’ve been tweaking and updating everything for the past few days, and finally have it just about where I want it. Here’s what I’ve installed so far:
- 2 GB RAM
- Kingston 8GB SD card (got on sale at Fry’s for $20)
- Windows XP Pro w/SP3
- All device drivers
- Eee PC Storage
- MS Office
- Adobe Reader
- Fireworks
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Twhirl (a Twitter client)
- Google AdWords Editor
I also added a few 1024×600-friendly desktop wallpaper images from the thousands available at UKtechnics.
After installing the new operating system, all programs, all drivers, and the bloated Windows updates, I have 7.5 GB left on the hard drive. Including the 8GB SD card, that’s a total of almost 16 GB space left onboard, plus 30 GB Eee Storage in the cloud – more than enough for a netbook. I am not running iTunes nor storing music on the S101 because I have all of that set up on my iPhone, which I always have with me anyway.
As for performance, everything is running smoothly so far, although it’s locked up on me once. I had to make a few tweaks to get it to remember my screen resolution and left-handed touchpad clicking, but everything else installed seamlessly. My wireless network was recognized instantly without any input from me, and the speed is impressive where the signal is strong. I have not tested battery run time yet, but I did use it for a couple of hours and the meter said it was only 33% depleted.
I didn’t notice this until I used it under direct light, but the pink S101′s keys are slightly sparkly. Just one more reason to fall in love! I will wait until I’ve used it for a few weeks to make this determination, but the pink S101 may just be the perfect netbook for me.
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