eee pc
Fix
1:30PM Angus Kidman | Recently and for no obvious reason, my Eee PC (still running the original Xandros install) started refusing to read USB drives, popping up the not very helpful message ‘You do not have enough permissions to read [directory]‘. At first I feared the machine was on a rapid path to disintegration, but a little Google-ing and a helpful hint from the EeeUser Forum got me back on track. All that’s needed is to bring up a terminal window (using Control-Alt-T) and then typing the following commands;
sudo -i
mkdir /media
The accepted consensus seems to be that this problem occurs if you don’t ’safely’ eject drives by clicking on the USB icon — but it’s a fast enough fix (and uncommon enough problem) that I’ll probably keep being lazy and pulling them out just before shutdown anyway. More »
Fix Your Eee PC When It Starts Rejecting USB Drives
1:30PM Angus Kidman | Recently and for no obvious reason, my Eee PC (still running the original Xandros install) started refusing to read USB drives, popping up the not very helpful message ‘You do not have enough permissions to read [directory]‘. At first I feared the machine was on a rapid path to disintegration, but a little Google-ing and a helpful hint from the EeeUser Forum got me back on track. All that’s needed is to bring up a terminal window (using Control-Alt-T) and then typing the following commands;
sudo -i
mkdir /media
The accepted consensus seems to be that this problem occurs if you don’t ’safely’ eject drives by clicking on the USB icon — but it’s a fast enough fix (and uncommon enough problem) that I’ll probably keep being lazy and pulling them out just before shutdown anyway. More » 
Work
11:30AM Angus Kidman | A posting on the Google Android Porting group details how to install Android on an Eee PC, or similarly architected netbook. This is code-compiling stuff that is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an interesting indication of how Google’s mobile phone OS could also spread to other devices.
Howto build Android full source for X86 Architecture like EeePC(ASUS) [via Google Operating System]
More »
Install Android On An Eee PC
11:30AM Angus Kidman | A posting on the Google Android Porting group details how to install Android on an Eee PC, or similarly architected netbook. This is code-compiling stuff that is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an interesting indication of how Google’s mobile phone OS could also spread to other devices.
Howto build Android full source for X86 Architecture like EeePC(ASUS) [via Google Operating System]
More »
Fix
Run Mac OS X On An Eee PC
10:30PM Kevin Purdy | We’ve shown you how to build your own “Hackintosh”, a computer running Mac’s OS X system with PC parts. Now The Wired How-To Wiki goes even cheaper, detailing a process for installing the Apple OS on the ultra-portable (and pretty cheap) Eee PC. The method explained requires finding a suitably tweaked OS X image, an external DVD drive, and the patience to run through all the system configuration and terminal tweaks. Once you’re up and running, however, the author says it runs decently swift, even with just the stock 1GB of RAM. Hit the link for a complete walkthrough. Run Mac OS X on an Eee PC [Wired How-To Wiki] More »
Communicate
7:44AM Angus Kidman | One consequence of Vodafone’s recent launch of a USB 3G broadband stick modem that I didn’t immediately realise was that it means that its older cabled USB modem is being taken off the market. Indeed, Vodafone’s own site says
that the device was no longer available as of August 11, but you might still be able to track down an older model if you visit a Vodafone store.
Why does this matter? For Windows or Mac users, not having the cable is a definite advantage. However, if you want to add mobile broadband to the Eee PC, the older E220 model is a better choice, because you can make it work out of the box, as I’ve detailed before on Lifehacker. Getting the E169 to work is trickier, because its dual-mode function confuses the standard Xandros install. Blogger Liam Green-Hughes has detailed one approach to solving this problem, but it’s a tad fiddly.
Of course, Vodafone isn’t the only choice in town — Optus and 3 both offer 3G packages using the U220, although they’re also increasingly promoting the stick-only option. Each has price complications you need to be aware of too: Optus’ new prepaid option has a hefty 10MB minimum download, and 3 users need to be careful about roaming charges, though that may change in the near future. What’s your preferred approach to keeping your Eee PC connected? Let’s hear about it in the comments. [Thanks Alex and Kaydo!]
More »
Reassessing mobile broadband options for the Eee PC
7:44AM Angus Kidman | One consequence of Vodafone’s recent launch of a USB 3G broadband stick modem that I didn’t immediately realise was that it means that its older cabled USB modem is being taken off the market. Indeed, Vodafone’s own site says
that the device was no longer available as of August 11, but you might still be able to track down an older model if you visit a Vodafone store.
Why does this matter? For Windows or Mac users, not having the cable is a definite advantage. However, if you want to add mobile broadband to the Eee PC, the older E220 model is a better choice, because you can make it work out of the box, as I’ve detailed before on Lifehacker. Getting the E169 to work is trickier, because its dual-mode function confuses the standard Xandros install. Blogger Liam Green-Hughes has detailed one approach to solving this problem, but it’s a tad fiddly.
Of course, Vodafone isn’t the only choice in town — Optus and 3 both offer 3G packages using the U220, although they’re also increasingly promoting the stick-only option. Each has price complications you need to be aware of too: Optus’ new prepaid option has a hefty 10MB minimum download, and 3 users need to be careful about roaming charges, though that may change in the near future. What’s your preferred approach to keeping your Eee PC connected? Let’s hear about it in the comments. [Thanks Alex and Kaydo!]
More »
Organise
1:05PM Angus Kidman | Having sold off the Linux model of the original Eee PC earlier in the year at bargain prices, Catch Of The Day has now improbably got the Windows XP model on sale for an even lower $299 (plus postage, though PayPal buyers get that for free as well). While for stability and performance we think the Linux version is a better choice, the XP box does have some advantages — ability to access Next G is the first one that springs to mind. This is only listed as a 24-hour deal, though previous Eee offers on the site have tended to recur, and the “limit of 10 per customer” suggests there isn’t a massive shortage of stock. [Catch Of The Day]
More »
Windows XP Eee PC being sold off for $299
1:05PM Angus Kidman | Having sold off the Linux model of the original Eee PC earlier in the year at bargain prices, Catch Of The Day has now improbably got the Windows XP model on sale for an even lower $299 (plus postage, though PayPal buyers get that for free as well). While for stability and performance we think the Linux version is a better choice, the XP box does have some advantages — ability to access Next G is the first one that springs to mind. This is only listed as a 24-hour deal, though previous Eee offers on the site have tended to recur, and the “limit of 10 per customer” suggests there isn’t a massive shortage of stock. [Catch Of The Day]
More »
Organise
5:19PM Angus Kidman | Dear Lifehacker,I was hoping I could put a question to the Lifehacker community. I know a lot of folks out there are Eee PC owners, and I’ve finally caved and ordered myself a 901 (it’s a 20GB Linux model — I may switch distro as I run Ubuntu/XP on my main rig). I’m curious about whether there’s anything I should do/gather in preparation, while I wait for my black beauty to be delivered. Essentially, it will put my waiting-for-a-new-toy-anxiety on hold, and I’ll be that little bit more organised when it actually gets here. I realise there are many Lifehacker posts that are Eee-centric already, however they’re mostly for taking it apart or using it, once you have it. Any advice? Cheers, Paul C
More »
Ask Lifehacker: How should I prepare for my new Eee PC?
5:19PM Angus Kidman | Dear Lifehacker,I was hoping I could put a question to the Lifehacker community. I know a lot of folks out there are Eee PC owners, and I’ve finally caved and ordered myself a 901 (it’s a 20GB Linux model — I may switch distro as I run Ubuntu/XP on my main rig). I’m curious about whether there’s anything I should do/gather in preparation, while I wait for my black beauty to be delivered. Essentially, it will put my waiting-for-a-new-toy-anxiety on hold, and I’ll be that little bit more organised when it actually gets here. I realise there are many Lifehacker posts that are Eee-centric already, however they’re mostly for taking it apart or using it, once you have it. Any advice? Cheers, Paul C
More »
Fix
2:01PM Angus Kidman | Adding a wireless USB modem to your Eee
PC
(or any other ultra-compact notebook) makes it a true go-anywhere
machine, but there’s one slight nuisance: you’re left with a modem
hanging off the side. Not necessarily a problem on your desk at home,
but on a crowded train or in the back of the taxi it can quickly
become a real nuisance as it bounces around. Conventional notebook
owners can eliminate that hassle with a PC Card, but that’s not an
option with most ultra-portables.
My simple (if not entirely elegant)
solution to this conundrum was to whack a medium Command Picture
Hanging Strip on the back of the modem, and another one onto the back
of the Eee screen on the bottom right-hand side (nearest the USB
port). The velcro-like attachments let you fix the modem easily in
place when you need it (be careful not to apply direct pressure to
the display itself), and the standard short cable that comes with
pretty much every USB modem covers the distance nicely without
excess.
More »
Keep USB modems in place on your Eee PC
2:01PM Angus Kidman | Adding a wireless USB modem to your Eee
PC
(or any other ultra-compact notebook) makes it a true go-anywhere
machine, but there’s one slight nuisance: you’re left with a modem
hanging off the side. Not necessarily a problem on your desk at home,
but on a crowded train or in the back of the taxi it can quickly
become a real nuisance as it bounces around. Conventional notebook
owners can eliminate that hassle with a PC Card, but that’s not an
option with most ultra-portables.
My simple (if not entirely elegant)
solution to this conundrum was to whack a medium Command Picture
Hanging Strip on the back of the modem, and another one onto the back
of the Eee screen on the bottom right-hand side (nearest the USB
port). The velcro-like attachments let you fix the modem easily in
place when you need it (be careful not to apply direct pressure to
the display itself), and the standard short cable that comes with
pretty much every USB modem covers the distance nicely without
excess.
More »
Work
6:18AM Angus Kidman | After complaining that installing applications on an Eee PC was just too damn hard, Anthony Caruana went out and canvassed the available options. His Pocket Mojo posting is a useful guide to the basic installation choices available on the Eee, with lots of useful links for the determined expander. I’m still not keen to do anything to my Eee that might require reinstallation, but if you are looking to make your Eee more versatile, this is a good place to start.Starting out with the Eee PC [Pocket Mojo]
More »
Installation tricks for Linux and the Eee PC
6:18AM Angus Kidman | After complaining that installing applications on an Eee PC was just too damn hard, Anthony Caruana went out and canvassed the available options. His Pocket Mojo posting is a useful guide to the basic installation choices available on the Eee, with lots of useful links for the determined expander. I’m still not keen to do anything to my Eee that might require reinstallation, but if you are looking to make your Eee more versatile, this is a good place to start.Starting out with the Eee PC [Pocket Mojo]
More »
Work
1:21PM Angus Kidman | Anthony Caruana over at Hydrapinion was one of many people who took advantage of recent discounts on the Eee PC. He quickly encountered an issue lots of Eee owners have had: adding new applications is far from easy if you want to use anything other than the limited Asus-approved set of packages. The bigger screen on the 900 and 901 (the latter now due in Australia in June, incidentally) won’t help with that.My own approach to the Eee has been to not add anything — but then I don’t want much more than a browser, a word processor, and a wireless broadband connection, and they’re all in the OS already. There are several solutions out there — ditch Xandros and add a new OS, use a package manager, teach yourself to install from source — but which one works best for the Eee? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
More »
Best ways to install Linux apps on the Eee PC
1:21PM Angus Kidman | Anthony Caruana over at Hydrapinion was one of many people who took advantage of recent discounts on the Eee PC. He quickly encountered an issue lots of Eee owners have had: adding new applications is far from easy if you want to use anything other than the limited Asus-approved set of packages. The bigger screen on the 900 and 901 (the latter now due in Australia in June, incidentally) won’t help with that.My own approach to the Eee has been to not add anything — but then I don’t want much more than a browser, a word processor, and a wireless broadband connection, and they’re all in the OS already. There are several solutions out there — ditch Xandros and add a new OS, use a package manager, teach yourself to install from source — but which one works best for the Eee? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
More »
Organise
8:02PM Angus Kidman | A week after first launching the deal and then extending it, Catch Of The Day still seems to be offering the original Eee PC for $327 (plus $15 shipping). If you want a portable notebook, or just an easy chance to experiment with Linux, it’s not going to get any cheaper than this.
More »
Cheap Eee PCs still up for grabs
8:02PM Angus Kidman | A week after first launching the deal and then extending it, Catch Of The Day still seems to be offering the original Eee PC for $327 (plus $15 shipping). If you want a portable notebook, or just an easy chance to experiment with Linux, it’s not going to get any cheaper than this.
More » 
