Cu4tro Cantos

Experts say, Asus Eee has a lot of potentials. But as a noob, I really can’t see one.

But as days go by, I am learning new things about this laptop and its OS. This is the first Laptop we own and this is my first time to use Linux. With all the basic commands and tools in it, it’s like when I was starting to learn MS-DOS. The only difference is that I have instructors who teach me and correct me right away if I make mistakes during that time. Today, I have to read on my own, figure out the best solution to solve my small problems.

Little by little, I know I’m gonna learn Linux. It’s just a matter of willingness to learn. So far, here are the things I learned.

• 1st - I learned that the root password is usually the same as the password you set when you were just installing the OS on first boot. It’s your user password as well.
• 2nd - I learned that before you can install a simple component to your system, you first need to make sure that the packages are updated.
• 3rd - Before you can get the updated packages, you must be connected to the internet.
• 4th - Not only you need internet connection, but you also need the right repository addresses where you’ll get updates from.
• 5th - I learned how to do “apt-get update” and “apt-get install”. They go together like twins.
• 6th - I was able to configure 3G connection using my SE K608i.
• 7th - I was able to install my bluetooth dongle that I cannot use with Microsoft OSes. I just can’t have the right drivers to use it.
• 8th - I already learned how to setup Full Desktop mode on Asus Eee and I like using it.
• 9th - su stands for SuperUser.
• 10th - I learned that I can have a larger screen when browsing if I use LittleFox theme plus Fullscreen mode.

Great things start from small beginnings, right?

Popularity: 10% [?]

I would say, we had a wish came true! Wow. I don’t know why but I did not have to convince my wife in getting one. She was the one who mentioned of buying an asus eee, in fact. Well, she needs one. Maybe that’s the reason.

So, I got our Asus eee last December 28, right before the LaptopZone Wellcom branch in Park Square 1 closes. I saw the unit straight from the box so I thought it was new. While setting up the 3G connection with my SE K608i, I needed to log in as root (via console) but I cannot have the right password. Good thing, I did not just use “sudo”. I would have not discovered it was “pre-owned” if I did.

So I called the store the other day and they said they are gonna replace the unit. They said the unit might have once a demo unit before it was delivered to them. They also said the the username and password should be asked during first boot. I have no idea about it. So the next morning, I hurried back to the store and have my unit replaced.

I’d like to discuss more about our Asus eee but I need to eat first. Honey’s waiting. Till the next post.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Me and my wife were on the car last Sunday when she accidentally slipped her tongue about buying an ASUS EEE PC. Pronounced correctly as A-SUS E PC, with a short ‘a’ as in apple.. So I pumped up the A-SUS sensation higher and it looks like she’s getting more interested on getting one. The initial price of ASUS E in the Philippines is Php 17,000 when Jayvee first mentioned on his blog and now he’s saying that there was a price dropdown on PC Conrner Greenhills branch. (Php 16,000). This seems to be more interesting. We have read some reviews and they seem very positive.

One of the major drawback of ASUS E is it’s storage capacity. Though most reviewers are satisfied with it since it already has all the basic needs for an ultraportable laptop. But a guy from eeeuser.com has successfully embeded an extra 16Gb flash drive on his 4GB ASUS E. Amazingly, he added another USB port using one of the PCIe ports. He voided the warranty but it seems satisfying for him. However, some says that there are two ASUS E series. 7A and 7B, where 7B series lacks that additional PCIe where you can add a new USB port.

Anyway, if ever we are really having one, I would not even try doing the same. Alright, I’ll start learning Linux now.

Popularity: 13% [?]

My rig has been down for about 3 months already. Last week, Arvynn allowed me to borrow his spare ECS mobo (forgot the actual model) and I am currently using it, temporarily. And now I am looking for this item.

TipidPC.com is the only place I know to look for the item. But it’s very hard to search for one. Almost all the items I see are sold already. Some items are very far that I don’t know how to meet the seller. Socket 462 or Socket A mobos are already phased out by the way.

I have some ideal finds however. I need your suggestions. Please.

1. EP-8RDA3G (EPoX) - A little old mobo but I am pretty impressed of the specs. Please let me know if 2500 is fair enough for this item. Full Specs
2. EP-8RDA3I (EPoX) - Pretty much the same as the first item. Posted price was 1500 but the seller is offering 2500 including delivery of the package. Full specs

EPoX Company has stopped due to financial scandal.

3. MSI K7N2-L - The package includes the Amd Sempron 2400 w/ orig AMD hsf. Item is selling for 2700. Plus 128MB DDR PC333.

Another user is offering his Biostar M7VKD. No additional infos.

Please help. I really need my rig fixed.

Popularity: 16% [?]