vendicator wrote:Glad to know at least one other person on here knows The breadsticks need marinara! they are talking about.

If your system does not boot, it has NOTHING to do with what OS you are running.

Now, granted XP will run fine on these machines, it just will not run as smooth as a linux distro would. Also you will be using more of that 4GB SSD with XP than you would with linux (thus the reason why asus also sold an 8GB version with a webcam) 4GB has linux on it, 8GB had winblows.

My apologies, I didn't realize we were talking about the system not booting at all. I thought I had read somewhere that you have to do something tricky with the Xandora to read all 2GB of ram...or maybe it was a max on the SSD...oh well...I'll go back to things I can understand now, like shiny things and Popsicles and leave the big boy discussions to you guys ;-)

Yesterday Fedex showed a ship date of 4/22 and had estimated it would be delivered 4/23. I live about 30 min from Woot HQ. I couldn't wait to get home from work. I was so disappointed when it wasn't there. Now Fedex doesn't even show an estimated delivery date. This Stinks!

Was reading this forum and checked Fedex.com for tracking status. Status listed as delivered! (Plano, Texas) Opened front door and there it is. Confirmed already that SSD is not soldered and is on PCI-E slot.

As for upgrades...
1) Do I stay away from crucial mem and go with either OCZ or Transcend?
2) Which SSD type drive,PATA or SATA? The Runcore website is confusing as to which drive type. SATA requires a bios upgrade and PATA does not?

ROGETRAY wrote:**Shipping Update**

Asus EeePC 900 Netbook has completely shipped via FEDEX Ground. All tracking will be emailed tomorrow morning to members who purchased this item. If you would like to find your tracking information sooner, please click the following link and use your ORDER NUMBER as the reference number:

FEDEX TRACKING

Mine's still listed as not yet shipped. Shipment information was sent to FedEx 2 days ago, though. Either my netbook has severe separation anxiety, or it loves Carrollton, TX so much it doesn't want to leave. If you happen to pass my netbook in the hallway, please let it know that Connecticut is lovely this time of year.

Oh well. Maybe not a good WOOT deal. The unit does not boot up. Complains of Bios Checksum error and then attempts to look for a USB device to perform "Bios repair". ASUS tech support says unit probably bad since it responds same after pushing the reset switch on back. He recommended contacting Woot for exchange or attempt return RMA to ASUS. He was not aware of any "refurb" units recently sent out of ASUS.

BTW, the packaging inside the Asus box was poor. the unit and power supply were loose inside the box, not properly placed in the suppport foam, carton support and bags... as if it was like a customer return from a reatil store. I'm disappointed since it seems like the "refurbed" item was not thoroughly tested and QC'd prior to redistribution.

Will Woot process a return/exchange on their items?

I just got mine. Haven't had time to open it but at least it's here!

HSLee wrote:Oh well. Maybe not a good WOOT deal. The unit does not boot up. Complains of Bios Checksum error and then attempts to look for a USB device to perform "Bios repair". ASUS tech support says unit probably bad since it responds same after pushing the reset switch on back. He recommended contacting Woot for exchange or attempt return RMA to ASUS. He was not aware of any "refurb" units recently sent out of ASUS.

BTW, the packaging inside the Asus box was poor. the unit and power supply were loose inside the box, not properly placed in the suppport foam, carton support and bags... as if it was like a customer return from a reatil store. I'm disappointed since it seems like the "refurbed" item was not thoroughly tested and QC'd prior to redistribution.

Will Woot process a return/exchange on their items?

Wow...very discouraging news, sorry to hear such nonsense. If this happens to me I will vow never to woot again...::sigh::: honestly between the shipping stuff, vague descriptions of items, and all around informality of the website (yeah I get that your trying to be edgy, witty, and hip, woot...but c'mon!) I dunno if I will woot again until they make some customer service improvements...

bronchialstatue wrote:UPS actually takes the empty cardboard box from a refrigerator (or other large appliance) and pretends it's a spaceship. Then they claim they're ROCKETING your stuff right to your door!

Woot actually helped them with the design.

In my area UPS ground is slower than smartpost. Items shipped 11/20 arrived 12/13. That was the very last time I will deal with them. No wonder they are called "brown" - I think $hit fits them better.

FritzedOut wrote:Definitely not possible. RAM issues our always completely OS independent. Do not buy ram that may not work on just the hope that it works with windows.

I would also warn everyone planning on installing windows that it will not work well. There is a reason that Asus installed linux on these machines, and it wasn't price. Windows simply isn't capable of running well on this type of hardware. For most purposes, you are FAR better off sticking with the linux OS. The system requirements are much lower and it makes for a much smoother experience.

I use an nlited version of XP on my 2g surf. No problems there, with less ram and less physical storage. You can nlite xp down to the size of the ubunto install, and it works just as well.

Mine was delivered so Ill get to play with it when I get home. Hope everything is okay with it after reading what was just posted.

Woot response to my DOA unit:
"Sorry that the unit is not functioning properly. Please advise if you first contacted Asus for warranty support/repair.
Our return policy as stated on the ‘what is woot’ section of our site:

How do I return a defective product?
Unless we specifically tell you not to, call the manufacturer of the product you bought. You will likely get a replacement of a new model or better item from them.
Evan "

My Response:
"This embrangles. I contacted ASUS first. They said to contact you, WOOT for replacement.
The unit is a DOA unit. Now I have to pay additional S&H and long wait time for ASUS to process a repair?

ASUS said they will not send a replacement or new model or new unit. They will repair this unit you sent me, a DOA unit by Woot. "

ROGETRAY wrote:**Shipping Update**

Asus EeePC 900 Netbook has completely shipped via FEDEX Ground. All tracking will be emailed tomorrow morning to members who purchased this item. If you would like to find your tracking information sooner, please click the following link and use your ORDER NUMBER as the reference number:

FEDEX TRACKING

Uh, that's not entirely correct. It's shipping Fedex, but Fedex HOME, not Fedex Ground (at least in my situation). I had it shipped to my office, and it's due to be delivered on Saturday.

Because my office is not open on Saturday, I'm going to have to wait until Tuesday for delivery (Fedex Home only delivers Tuesday through Saturday).

It's not a big deal - I just wanted to make the point that Fedex Ground is NOT the same as Fedex Home Delivery.

HSLee wrote:Woot response to my DOA unit:
"Sorry that the unit is not functioning properly. Please advise if you first contacted Asus for warranty support/repair.
Our return policy as stated on the ‘what is woot’ section of our site:

How do I return a defective product?
Unless we specifically tell you not to, call the manufacturer of the product you bought. You will likely get a replacement of a new model or better item from them.
Evan "

My Response:
"This embrangles. I contacted ASUS first. They said to contact you, WOOT for replacement.
The unit is a DOA unit. Now I have to pay additional S&H and long wait time for ASUS to process a repair?

ASUS said they will not send a replacement or new model or new unit. They will repair this unit you sent me, a DOA unit by Woot. "

Didn't the warranty in the item listing say "90 day Woot"?

Mydnyte wrote:Didn't the warranty in the item listing say "90 day Woot"?

From the item description:

Warranty: 90 Day Asus

Has anyone found a good tutorial of putting XP on a thumbdrive so that it's bootable? I have a compressed (nlite) version of XP in an .iso form, and I've heard formatting the thumbdrive to the FAT16 is the best route... but haven't heard this from any definitive source.

killacal wrote:Has anyone found a good tutorial of putting XP on a thumbdrive so that it's bootable? I have a compressed (nlite) version of XP in an .iso form, and I've heard formatting the thumbdrive to the FAT16 is the best route... but haven't heard this from any definitive source.

http://www.msfn.org/board/How-to-install-from-USB-WinSetupFromUSB-t120444.html

Mine is up & running. I'm having trouble accessing Pogo games though.

THE UPDATE

Reply From Woot:
"While I apologize, we simply have no replacements available.
Evan"

Help from Asus Tech Support:
I asked if I can reinstall the bios code myself. Downloaded bios update from support.asus.com and unzipped to a flash drive. Flash drive automatically updated the bios upon boot. Computer runs fine now. Harddrive full of data and personal info from previous owner with only 46Mb of unused HD space! I assume Asus never saw any of these returned computers and no recertification (and checkout) done. Currently attempting to use the recovery dvd to put computer back to factory-fresh condition.

Assuming all goes well, I still plan to upgrade the RAM and SSD. (See my prior post of questions on these.)

My Recommendations to all:
1) Update the bios
2) Install factory conditions using recovery dvd
3) exercise the computers as much as you can
in attempt to catch and fix any other probs before the Asus 3 month warranty expires. Especially important since these are returned units for whatever reason and especially since there is not any documentation or evidence that they have been truly refurbished, recertified and throughly checked out.

HSLee wrote:THE UPDATE

Reply From Woot:
"While I apologize, we simply have no replacements available.
Evan"
Harddrive full of data and personal info from previous owner with only 46Mb of unused HD space! I assume Asus never saw any of these returned computers and no recertification (and checkout) done.

Unacceptable on Woot's part. I would be demanding a brand new one from someone if this happened (happens) to me...

Seriously bad business practices (possibly unlawful)...

theskylinebass wrote:Unacceptable on Woot's part. I would be demanding a brand new one from someone if this happened (happens) to me...

Seriously bad business practices (possibly unlawful)...

Wow, way to go Woot. You've managed to completely destroy almost unlimited goodwill with this one.

NB: My computer is still shown as not being shipped yet (Shipment information sent to FedEx on 4/22 at 12:29pm).

bronchialstatue wrote:Wow, way to go Woot. You've managed to completely destroy almost unlimited goodwill with this one.

I have had problems with woot in the past and for all but 1 item they made up for it (The damn bluetooth transmitter for the ipod/iphone cost less to keep than send back.)

HSLee wrote: I assume Asus never saw any of these returned computers and no recertification (and checkout) done.

i am sort of furious. more experiences from others, please. my expected arrive date has been changed to april 29th. 8(

eroot wrote:i am sort of furious. more experiences from others, please. my expected arrive date has been changed to april 29th. 8(

At least you have an expected arrival date. Mine is in limbo is guess. It was set to arrive today according to estimated delivery but it still hasn't left woot according to the detailed tracking.

UPDATE

The computer recovery back to factory fresh status is complete. An easy task, leaving me with almost 1.4Gb free HD space, much more than before. Computer continues to perform well with no known hiccups.

While I am frustrated with the Woot DOA policy, I do acknowledge that we shop from these sites for great bargains and should be understanding that quantities are limited. I do realize that the ad did specify warranty is from Asus for 90 days (or 3 months as stickered on the unit). We must pay attention to the ads, with all their caveats.

I am disappointed at the evidence that my unit was not cleaned of previous data/info and probably not really refurbed. Maybe I should have called or emailed the previous owner to inform him of his old computer's condition or better yet, ask about the computer's history? I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. Whose fault is this error? Hard to say. Someone or somepart of the redistribution channel is wrong or had gone wrong. Unlawful? I don't know, but it is certainly scary and dangerous.....

On a good note, I'm really inpressed with the computer. It is of right size and appropriately featured for me. My 1st real experience with Linux and I'm impressed with it. As-is, its a great netbook and it'll be a project to enhance it to higher duties via the upgrades to EasyPeasy, RAM and SSD. Yes, I'll eventually give WinXP a try.

eroot wrote:i am sort of furious. more experiences from others, please. my expected arrive date has been changed to april 29th. 8(

Mine's in-transit now as well. 4/29 is my new estimated arrival date. The weekends are the killer. 4 lost days, not counting the 2 and a half it spent in the Woot warehouse and 2 and a half it spent waiting for it to get in FedEx's hands. B00 Woot!

Someone earlier mentioned that Woot's jobbed them before on purchases, but made up for it. I hope mine is in at least working order when it arrives. That one horror story about the previous owner's personal data being left on it is scary. My main complaint is the pathetically slow shipping. Slooooooow to process (not the money, though), sloooooooooow to pass the package to the carrier, slooooooooow shipping via SmartPost. You can't beat $5, but if $9 would get me UPS Ground, I'd be in.

Things are in a sorry state when Snoopy's FedEx triplane out performs you.

I guess you can't complain about a laptop for $150 + $5 shipping, but when you figure I could have gotten one from Buy.com for $10 more, and probably had it in my hands by now, I guess I can complain. I can also buy from them from now on.

lazysoccerplayer wrote:At least you have an expected arrival date. Mine is in limbo is guess. It was set to arrive today according to estimated delivery but it still hasn't left woot according to the detailed tracking.

My isn't even showing up in FedEx---where oh where has it gone???

bronchialstatue wrote:

Someone earlier mentioned that Woot's jobbed them before on purchases, but made up for it. I hope mine is in at least working order when it arrives. That one horror story about the previous owner's personal data being left on it is scary. My main complaint is the pathetically slow shipping. Slooooooow to process (not the money, though), sloooooooooow to pass the package to the carrier, slooooooooow shipping via SmartPost. You can't beat $5, but if $9 would get me UPS Ground, I'd be in.

It was slow to process. However they are en route Fedex home, not via the dreaded sn@il. If it were "smart"post - you would be lucky to see them by Cinco de Mayo. My Weather radios were shipped smartpost on the 17th, and are due here the same day as this netbook - The 28th.

for those of you that have gotten your eee did it come with a neoprene case i know it was not mentioned on woot but one can wish

God this shiping is killing me. Is their any way next time I make a purchase that I can select another shipping method like UPS or atleast like an express option from FedEX.

csimmon1 wrote:for those of you that have gotten your eee did it come with a neoprene case i know it was not mentioned on woot but one can wish

No case in mine. The pc works good. I have already loaded it with Umbuntu with no issues. I found a 8 gb Sandisk Micro Cruzer drive at Wal-Mart for $20. I removed the U3 garbage from it and now it works great for booting from for installing a new OS. My plan is to solder it to the mother board so I have another internal drive. Cant wait.

scottbursik wrote:No case in mine. The pc works good. I have already loaded it with Umbuntu with no issues. I found a 8 gb Sandisk Micro Cruzer drive at Wal-Mart for $20. I removed the U3 garbage from it and now it works great for booting from for installing a new OS. My plan is to solder it to the mother board so I have another internal drive. Cant wait.

before you installed ubuntu, did you check out the xandros install? was there personal data on yours too? could you tell if it had been refurbished in anyway?

just got mine it was deliverd to the wrong house booted it up it works great cant tell it been used im typing this from it now. this thing is awesome so tiny so cool

csimmon1 wrote:just got mine it was deliverd to the wrong house booted it up it works great cant tell it been used im typing this from it now. this thing is awesome so tiny so cool

that's more encouraging. i hope the utter nightmare experience of the way above poster, who's name i am too lazy to scroll up and get, is an unfortunate isolated incident. 8(

ROGETRAY wrote:**Shipping Update**

Asus EeePC 900 Netbook has completely shipped via FEDEX Ground. All tracking will be emailed tomorrow morning to members who purchased this item. If you would like to find your tracking information sooner, please click the following link and use your ORDER NUMBER as the reference number:

FEDEX TRACKING

No e-mail @ tracking today!No record of shipping with reference # @ FedEx!Lost????

just got mine. it was all wrapped up, had to pull screen protector off, and on boot up had to enter in my name, password, set up time, etc. factory reset condition.

typing this on it now, going to install eeebuntu on it now.

12:35 PM Fedex delivered my eeepc

12:45 netbook booted and verified that alls good.

12:50 swapped 4gb ssd for new 16gb ssd (arrived via ebay and USPS this morning.

1:00 started XP install

2:20 Completed XP install

2:25 installed asus drivers

2:40 Logged into woot and posted this comment using my new eeepc

eroot wrote:before you installed ubuntu, did you check out the xandros install? was there personal data on yours too? could you tell if it had been refurbished in anyway?

Got mine yesterday and it was in great condition the box had a refirb sticker on the bottem of the box. There wasent any information on the netbook from any previous owner.

After i checked out the netbook i installed a 1gb ram chip from crucial and it work great. it seamed to help with video quality.

I also just placed an order for a pci-e 64bg ssd. when it arrives i wil be putting xp on it and yes its a little choppy but what can i say its for the internet and nothing else

bronchialstatue wrote:
I guess you can't complain about a laptop for $150 + $5 shipping, but when you figure I could have gotten one from Buy.com for $10 more, and probably had it in my hands by now, I guess I can complain. I can also buy from them from now on.

Great. Shop there and stop complaining. Good riddance to ya.

Me, I checked the policies before I bought. I knew it was going to take at least a week. I'm not saying it doesn't suck, but I knew this. It's like those people who complain about certain TV and radio shows. Here's a clue folks: TURN IT OFF!!! Nobody's forcing you to shop on Woot. If you don't like the shipping policies (there are no options to go brown or express), then don't shop here.

Sorry - just had to comment.

16gig SSD doesn't detect in mine. 2G ram does though. I installed Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix to the 4G drive and still have room for some storage. Bummed about the DOA 16G SSD drive though. Maybe swap it back with New Egg and try again. It isn't even detected in the BIOS as being there but the original works like a champ.