Asus Eee PC: The ideal notebook for kids?

It's small and cute, comes in lots of pretty colors and is surprisingly tough. Is the Eee PC the ideal notebook for kids?

All of the Eee PC models are great for web-based activities, such as playing online games. They also come with a good range of software built in, such as Open Office to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations, which is compatible with Microsoft Office files. This makes it a good choice for completing homework assignments.

However, most Eee PC models come with the Linux operating system, which will not be compatible with Windows games. So if your child is particularly attached to an existing game, or likes to buy the same games as their friends, you will have to choose one of the Eee PCs which come with Windows XP installed instead of Linux. Or you can of course buy a copy of Windows XP and install it on the Eee PC yourself.

Here's what you get pre-installed on the Eee PC 4G model:

• Solitaire - just like the game you're used to
• Frozen Bubble - similar to Bust-a-Move
• Crack Attack! - another bubble game

• Penguin Racer - steer your penguine downhill
• Sudoku - essential game for addicts
• Potato Guy - a great game for the little ones
• L Tris - similar to Tetris

You will find some great learning activities pre-installed on the Linux version of the Eee PC. They have included a mixture of activities suitable for various ages from tots to teens (and adults could learn a thing or too from them). The following list is what you will find on the Eee PC 4G model:

• Periodic Table - essential guide for scientists
• Planetarium - a guide to the stars, with a telescope wizard
• Typing - with a penguin
• Letter Game - unscramble the words
• Hangman Game - the old favorite
• Fraction Tutorial - quite challenging
• TuxMath - space invader/math game
• Geometry - useful visual tool
• Function Plotter - very impressive
• Paint - for drawing and image editing
• TuxPaint - easy and fun painting application for young kids

• Light weight (less than 1kg) makes it easy for kids to carry around
• Small keyboard is suited to small hands
• Very cheap compared to a other lightweight sub-notebooks, especially if you choose the entry point 2G Surf model
• With a solid state drive, it will stand up to bumps and knocks better than a standard laptop
• Choice of colors which appeal to children as well as adults
• Easy to connect to a wireless network giving access to online games and activities
• Built-in software including games and learning activities

• Limited storage compared to a standard laptop. On the 2G model, you will have only about 300Mb of space left for your own use. This is easily sorted by buying a cheap 8GB SDHC card.
• No built in CD/DVD drive (although there are USB slots so you can attach an external one if you want to)
• If you buy the Linux version, you won't be able to install standard Windows games and applications