The Asus EEE, the MacBook Air and Toasters

First of all let me say I am relatively and on the whole a happy Asus Eee owner.

Let it not be said that the tech channel lacks panache and is full of nothing but ennui. Who would have known that tiny computer and a computer that would fit in a Manila envelope would bring about such things. It is so interesting that the discussion has surfaced on the blogs of B5Tech bloggers, see for yourself:


Eee PC Vs. MacBook Air, Not A Fair Comparison

Asus EEE PC vs Mac Book Air!

MacBook Air or Asus EEE?

“MacBook Air shudda had more wireless options”

An interesting and engaging discussion. Both discussing the strengths and weaknesses of both the Asus EEE and the MacBook Air. The discussion reminded me of the word TOASTER.

Why a Toaster?

A few months ago I was in search of proper portable computer. A computer that would enable me type a document, use a spreadsheet, build a database, prepare and present slide shows. And was reasonably cheap. And then I asked a friend whether it would be OK to buy this or that brand. He looked at me. Then assuming his most Zen-like pose; he looks and said TOASTER.

Now while it is true that it might be unfair to compare the MacBook Air to the Asus Eee because they were desgined for different users and the technical specfifications are different. It is, however inescapable that a number of people will compare them to one another since both are ultra compact computers. One just has to look around and you will find no one neutral about the Asus Eee and the MacBook Air.

Both are computers. Technical specifications might differ but both are computers. A proper basic computer. You can (i) write a document, (ii) do a financial spreadsheet, (iii) create and revise a slide presentation; (iv) make full use of the Web for communications and entertainment; and view video & listen to music.

And this brings us back to the TOASTER. A toaster might come in different designs and features but its primary use is to toast the bread. And both computer does in a way toast the bread.

One might be more powerful than the other but both do the job well. Of course power comes with high price – and so it is with the MacBook Air. But then the Aus Eee trumps this with a dependable bundle of free software and its price tag – 4 is to 1. A few other advantages the Asus Eee has that evens out the tale of the tape:

1) It is customizable. You can install any other form of Linux OS or for that matter a Windows XP.

2) Its memory can be augmented with thumb drives.

In the end I do not think it is an unfair comparison. The mighty MacBook Air will not suffer to be compared with the likes of the Asus Eee and its successors. It should be challenged by the Aus Eee and its relatives. Furthermore, can you imagine the number of people using the computer for surfing, writing documents, and communicating as compared to those who do the more technically complex stuff?

And then provide the computer at a really affordable price?

This could be another point of discussion between the technophile and the technoweenie.

In closing though let me just say both that the comparison between computers is inescapable and each computer has characteristics and features that will appeal to the user – you and I. In the end it is an individual choice – intent and thickness of one’s wallet. Just remember it is the person who wields the bow & arrow that hits the target and not the bow & arrow.

So what are your thoughts?