Photos: Eee PC 901 vs Acer Aspire One

We already know you want an Eee PC 901 -- everybody does. But you also want the Acer Aspire One, don't you, you Internet-loving netbook fiend? We happen to have them both in the house, so we thought we'd stick them side by side and write a few words that'll help you choose which is right for you.

The Eee PC 901 has already wowed us. Its 8.9-inch screen, 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM and 20GB solid-state hard drive -- plus 20GB of free online storage -- is pretty much perfect for this sort of product, as is the 4+ hours of real-world battery life from the 6600mAh battery pack. The £319 price tag isn't bad either.

The Aspire One is available in a wider range of configurations, including a £220 entry-level model. But here's how it stacks up against the Eee PC 901, pound for pound: 8.9-inch screen, 1.6GHz Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, and an 80GB mechanical hard drive -- which offers more storage, but is more fragile. The One also packs an optional 3G module for surf-anywhere Web access. The 2200mAh battery simply sucks, though -- you'll get two hours at best.

Which is best? It's a close call, but we reckon the Eee might just have the edge -- provided you're not typing anything. Anyway -- enough with the words. Have a look at the pictures, then tell us what you think in comments below. -Rory Reid

Update: Read our full Acer Aspire One review. 

Here they are side by side. It's a matter of taste regarding which looks purdier. Some Cravers like the Eee PC 901's glossy curves, while others prefer the two-tone design of the Aspire One. The two gangs are organising a fight outside the Tate Modern at lunchtime tomorrow, if you fancy popping down. Bring your own weaponry.

The Aspire One is a little wider than the Eee. The extra width doesn't really affect its portability, though -- the One is actually 100g lighter than the Eee PC 901. That's mainly down to the One's tiny 2200mAh battery pack -- we suspect it would be far heavier if it had the same 6600mAh pack as the 901.

The left side of both mini laptops. From left to right, starting with the Aspire One: D-Sub video output, Ethernet, USB and a semi-permanent SD expansion bay. On the Eee PC 901, there are Ethernet, USB, and mic and headphone ports.

And now the right side. Starting with the Aspire One, there's mic and headphone ports, two USB ports, plus a multi-format card reader (SD, xD, MMC and Sony Memory Stick Pro). On the Eee, there's an SD card reader, twin USBs and D-Sub video out. Acer wins the inputs round.

Twin rear ends. Again, the extra width of the Aspire One is evident, but the next image should illustrate why this might be a benefit.

The Aspire One's wider frame has allowed Acer to fit a much larger keyboard than the Eee PC 901. Those who intend to type on their travels will be better off with the One, no question. Sort it out, Asus.

Unfortunately, that larger keyboard doesn't leave much room for a mouse. The trackpad on the Aspire One is small, shallow, and the buttons sit on either side of it, which can take some getting used to. The Eee PC's trackpad is a dream to use, and benefits from multi-touch gesture inputs, which come in very handy when surfing the Internet or manipulating images.

Acer and Asus' Linux distributions are both very good. It's a question of personal taste regarding which one is easier to use, but one thing worth noting is the speed of the Aspire One's Linpus GUI -- it's lightning fast.