Typically it is hard to find notebook computers that are affordable, efficient and durable. The price of laptops have become so inflated many individuals in need of mobile computing technology cannot afford it….until now!

Asus Computers and Intel recently introduced an affordable subnotebook computer that sells for under $400 dollars. The Asus Eee (”Easy to Learn, Easy to Work, Easy to Play”) Pc has a 7″ screen, 900MHz Celeron M Processor, 512 MB RAM, and a 4 GB Solid-State Drive. In addition, the computer only weighs approximately two pounds.

It comes with a Linux based operating system, Xandros, but can be customized with other Linux operating systems and Windows XP. The solid-state drive is more durable because it has no moving parts. On my Asus Eee computer, I installed a Linux distribution called eeeXubuntu with a Mac OS theme.

Although the Eee Pc represents cutting edge technology, it still is not necessarily ready for the average business consumer. To take full advantage of the Asus Eee Pc in a business environment, modifications are required. For advanced users however, the Eee Pc is the perfect mobile secondary laptop. For individuals familiar with Linux, the terminal can be used for several modifications including using a blackberry as a tethered modem.

The Asus Eee does not have a cd drive built in , but it does have three USB ports, a video out port, an SD card slot and a microphone and head phone jack. External drives are instantly recognized including hard drives and cd drives.

To show how efficient the Asus Eee computer is, I wrote this article utilizing my own personal Eee Pc, connected to the internet using my blackberry. I also have an external Maxtor 60 GB portable hard drive connected for extra storage.

The Asus Eee can be purchased at MicroCenter, Best Buy, Costco and many other online retailers. The Asus Eee was first released in the United States in late 2007. The demand for the subnotebook exceeded many expectations. The computer is available in 3 models currently in the US at low costs; a 2GB model for US$299, a 4GB model for US$349, and a 4GB model with a webcam for US$399. It is also available in several colors.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Asus Eee; Acer, Dell, Hp and many other computer companies are trying to rush systems to market to compete with the Eee Pc. This is one competition where the consumer will benefit. Last month, Everex launched the Cloudbook, a subnotebook computer with a 30 GB hard drive that comes with a distribution of Linux called gOS only available at Wal-Mart.

What is the bottom line? I recommend this computer without modifications for the average consumer. For advance users, I believe it can serve as an interesting computer project with unlimited possibilities. In our first computer review, I give the Asus Eee Pc 4 stars out of 5.