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Bryan
Joined: 29 Oct 2007
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 Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject: UMPC As My Sole Computer? |
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I'm coming to Seoul in August and have always used a desktop. I was thinking about getting the new Asus EEE PC 900 with 8.9 inch screen and using it in Korea for the year.
I will be attending university and studying the Korean language. I imagine I will mostly use it for note taking, flashcard programs, and listening to language audio tapes. Otherwise, I surf the web, use Youtube, webcam, and a digital camera with video.
So I have a question for all of those in Seoul who use UMPC's: Are they convenient and great to have in Seoul? It would seem like they would be, with all the wireless access points and whatnot. I've also heard there is DMB TV for free in Korea, which would be another plus. I have a feeling this UMPC will be great for living in Seoul. Any thoughts? |
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pkang0202
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 7:51 pm Post subject: |
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I think it depends on what you will be doing. UMPC's weren't meant to be a workhorse computer.
Also, hotspots in Seoul are accoying. Most of the ones that have great signal is usually Nespot, which requires a subscription. Ironically, Nespot is in Starbucks and a few other large chains. Wasn't one of the draws to Starbucks the free Wifi?
There are PC cafes everywhere and its only like 1,000w ($1) an hour to use.
Maybe you should comprimise and get a notebook computer instead. There are a lot of notebooks that are less that 3lbs, only .9 inches, and sport a great 12-14 inch screen.
You would get the benefits of an optical drive, usb ports, and bigger storage. |
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IlIlNine
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo
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| Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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I have an EEE 700 and recently took advantage of a 'deal' for the new WiBRO service. It's really nice to surf the internet on the subway! It's not my only computer, but I think with a bigger monitor and keyboard at home to plug it into, it could very well be - I don't really play any games on it or anything...
So, depending on whether or not you're a heavy user, you may be okay! Mine will even play DVD rips with no problems (forget about HD). |
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pkang0202
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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| IlIlNine wrote: |
I have an EEE 700 and recently took advantage of a 'deal' for the new WiBRO service. It's really nice to surf the internet on the subway! It's not my only computer, but I think with a bigger monitor and keyboard at home to plug it into, it could very well be - I don't really play any games on it or anything...
So, depending on whether or not you're a heavy user, you may be okay! Mine will even play DVD rips with no problems (forget about HD). |
What are the details of the WiBRO service in Korea? |
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OneWayTraffic
Joined: 14 Mar 2005
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| Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 6:42 am Post subject: |
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| pkang0202 wrote: |
| IlIlNine wrote: |
I have an EEE 700 and recently took advantage of a 'deal' for the new WiBRO service. It's really nice to surf the internet on the subway! It's not my only computer, but I think with a bigger monitor and keyboard at home to plug it into, it could very well be - I don't really play any games on it or anything...
So, depending on whether or not you're a heavy user, you may be okay! Mine will even play DVD rips with no problems (forget about HD). |
What are the details of the WiBRO service in Korea? |
20,000 a month for all you can eat Internet. It's only in Seoul right now though. Connectivity is decent, though I have to reconnect a couple of times on each subway trip, most of the time this is automatic. I don't have a Korean Language PC so the Korean instructions are just random ASCII. If you get around the pitfalls it's a lot better than searching for access points.
I think that when you're sitting still the connection rarely drops. It's mainly while in the subway that I've had problems. If you're gaming or downloading and need a rock solid connection, it's not for you. Otherwise if you want a backup connection, and the Internet anywhere in the city it's well worth it. Slower than a real cable connection too of course.
Oh and it's dead easy to get. Just go to Gangbyeon and have them sort you. Foreigners no problems.
To the OP. I use a Raon Everun with Wibro as I spend hours each day travelling. It's nice as a backup, but I wouldn't use it as my only PC even with an external keyboard and monitor. Mines even smaller and slower than yours; it's basically a PMP formfactor. Still it's fine for basic tasks, which is all it should be used for. If you're going to go the EEPC route, I'd seriously suggest you look at the Kohjinsha range. You may find a similar form factor, but with a 1000*600 screen (major plus for using windows XP.) The higher end ones have that optical drive as well. |
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IlIlNine
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo
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| Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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| pkang0202 wrote: |
| IlIlNine wrote: |
I have an EEE 700 and recently took advantage of a 'deal' for the new WiBRO service. It's really nice to surf the internet on the subway! It's not my only computer, but I think with a bigger monitor and keyboard at home to plug it into, it could very well be - I don't really play any games on it or anything...
So, depending on whether or not you're a heavy user, you may be okay! Mine will even play DVD rips with no problems (forget about HD). |
What are the details of the WiBRO service in Korea? |
I got a deal through my school:
No connection fee, free modem/memory card, first 3 MONTHS free, ... no fees until the three months are up. After that, it's 12,000 or so a month for 1GB - which is completely fine if you're not downloading stuff and use it only occasionally.
It makes my EEE a hell of a lot more useful around town. |
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