I use OpenOffice quite a bit on an Eee. 

Initially it took a bit to get used to the keyboard, probably a good week.  I won't lie - that first week wasn't pleasant.  But I kept reading (here) that if I kept at it, I'd soon be used to the keyboard and everybody was right.  I can type almost as fast as I can on a full sized keyboard.  Granted, my hands aren't huge, but they're not that small either.

R.
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Last edited by rickh (2008-03-08 1:30:53 pm)

I use my EEE to take notes in class - an hour and half for each session.  I was also worried about the keyboard so I ordered a roll-up keyboard.  Frankly, I don't like the way the roll-up feels, so I'm sticking with the EEE's keyboard.  But I have smaller fingers too.  It also helps to sit upright   I can't type as well if I'm lounging.

Thanks for the replies!

I was also thinking of going the USB keyboard route, but I'll try it out with the built-in keyboard first to see how I do.

One more quick question: I'm planning on using the default Linux install on 'Advanced Mode'. Is there any point in getting extra RAM, or will the default 512MB be enough for that?

I've got larg-ish hands and am using my Eee a lot for writing and I am getting much better at it. Also, I'm using advanced mode with the latest Open Office and I usually have BasKet open as well as Firefox and I haven't had any memory problems yet with the default 512.

On the flip side of complaining about the keyboard, there are people who are finding it nice to type on.  I'm to the point where I prefer my eee keyboard over my full sized desktop keyboard.   I actually type faster on the eee.  I think it has to do with the fact that my fingers have to travel less distance to get to the keys.  Yes, I do feel that there is a motor skill learning curve but it's not very steep.

I typed 5 pages of text last week without taking a break and had no problems and found it enjoyable.  This is like another other keyboard, sitting in bed with your computer on your lap doesn't count (you don't do that with your desktop keyboard do you?).  Sit at a proper table, in a proper chair and your typing will be fine.

check this thread for other people who have come to enjoy the eee keyboard.
http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=16074

I use my Eee primarily for writing-- usually at least 1 or 2 hours a day, and sometimes more.  It's replaced a whole stack of notebooks; I use it to write and plan my monthly comics column, and I'm even writing a long piece of "Eee fiction".

I've stuck with Easy Mode because it works fine, and I don't think Advanced Mode will give me any real benefits besides looking more like a "real computer".  (That's not important to me, and I don't care what anybody else thinks about my interface!)  The keyboard is quite easy for me to use to use after an adjustment period. I don't feel like I've lost anything in speed, accuracy, or ergonomics compared to my full sized desktop's keyboard. I just put on my "Eee hat" when I sit down at the little computer and off I go. It helps, I think, that I am an idiosyncratic rather than a formally trained typist.  I usually use my Eee on a lapboard rather than a table, but either works.

A few Eee/OO writing tips: 

Think seriously about using a larger font during composition than you will use in your final draft.  I work in 15 point type for ease in viewing on the Eee's screen and then reformat the final version in Word on my desktop.   

Try various fonts in OO to find one that is easy in your eyes.  I'm currently using the Serif version of the default font.

Adjust your View.  The "web view" option under the View menu givs you a lot more room to work than the "page view" that is the default, while still leaving all the menus and buttons visible.  Remove the ruler from the view to get another line or two of space.  If the changeover to web view takes too long, consider dividing your file into sections.

If you have MS Word on your desktop, don't panic when you move a file created in OO over there, and it shows up in a very peculiar font.  (For some reason my own version of Word interprets the Serif font as Greek letters, which I find amusing.)  Just "select all" and change the font when you change the size.  You'll find that all your data is there.  For some reason, moving from Word to OO doesn't seem to cause the same problems.  If this font issue bothers you, there is a way to install the basic Word fonts onto OO, but I've never bothered.

The Eee is, in my opinion, an excellent digital notebook for writers.  I would have no problem writing a novel on mine.  Or, rather, I would have no problems that came from the Eee.

yardcoyote, thanks for the in-depth reply!

I probably won't even be installing many (or any, even) more programs than what comes with the EEE PC, but I was wondering how easy file management is on the 'simple' mode? I'm used to having a desktop and being able to move my files around any way I want, and I thought it would be odd not being able to do that on a traditional desktop.

I use OpenOffice in my desktop PC as well, and in fact I've never used anything else to write! (Well, one of the old Apple programs in the past, but that was a long time ago!). So I won't have any problems with formatting issues. I'll try out web view once I get the EEE PC

As for an additional keyboard, I'd be carrying it in a backpack anyway, and I imagine the EEE PC and a small keyboard still wouldn't add up to the same weight or size as a big Dell laptop!

The soul purpose of my Eee is to be my writing vehicle.

Last edited by Brent (2008-03-09 7:27:50 am)

I tried a roll-up keyboard the other day - horrible!  How can anyone use those things?

I find the Eee's File Manager a breeze to use.  I suppose if you have the Advanced Mode activated you can leave File Manager on the desktop, but in Easy it's in the Work tab with your word processor so it's not exactly hard to find.  Once you get there, it's all files and folders and moving things around around using copy/cut and paste (which is the way I always do it) works the same way as it does in XP.  Drag and drop works, too.

Dear jdskeleven,

A point about typing on the eeepc which has not been made yet - it depends on the type of typist you are. The difficulties may be greater if you are a touch typist, than if you are a two fingered typist.

I am a touch typist, and I find the eee pc keyboard painful to use for extensive writing. It hurts my wrists more than normal size keyboards.

I think that two-fingered typists are affected much less. For them, the main annoyances are more related to the layout.

My only suggestion would be to do like I did and actually go to a store you know carries EEE PCs and try typing a bit with it to see how it feels and everything

Before I found this website, I went to MicroCenter to test the keyboard, the card reader and see how the card fit in there, test the size of the screen and everything, so I wouldn't be surprised by anything when I receive mine.