 Great Computer |
| Review Date: October 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Christopher Mayo, |
=================================
October 28 (updated below)
=================================
I received the ASUS EEE PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook two days ago. My initial impression is that this is a great computer. Below are more specific comments.
1) OS: Windows Starter
------------------------------
Runs really well without any problems. I think another 1GB of RAM would make it faster, but I can easily live without it for my main purpose of taking research notes, writing papers, and using the Internet.
I have not had a chance to try out all of my software yet, but Windows Office 2007, bLADE Wiki, Chrome, and other programs I frequently use work just fine. Windows 7 Starter does run more than three applications. I have four open now.
Thankfully, I had no difficulty enabling language support (IME) for Japanese and Chinese. In general, I have also found some things a little more intuitive than XP or Vista. At this point, I see absolutely no reason to buy an upgrade.
The inability to change your desktop image is a mean-spirited marketing decision that I hope Microsoft will reconsider. Not only that, but the wallpaper makes it look like you have a crack or dust on your screen. You can get around this and speed up your computer a little bit in the process. In your start menu right-click on computer, select properties, advanced system settings, performance, and "Adjust for best performance." Your background will be solid blue.
2) Screen
------------------------------
Surprisingly crisp and clear. Yes, it is small, but so is the computer :)
3) Keyboard
------------------------------
I have no trouble at all typing on it. Some owners of past Asus models have complained about a warped space bar. Indeed, the space bar is slightly elevated on the left side. However, I believe this was intentional. When you press the function key with the blue "running man" mark on the left it switches power settings (see comments below for an update on the keyboard).
4) Battery
------------------------------
I am not sure yet how to get the advertised 10.5, but I am easily getting 9+ hours out of it on the power saver mode. It is incredible. The power adapter is quite small and seems to charge it up very quickly.
5) Sturdiness / Quality
------------------------------
The computer feels surprisingly solid and less flimsy than more expensive computers I have bought in the past. It is not the most elegant computer out there, but it seems well-built. It has a wonderful lack of annoying lights. The only one remaining is the power light in the upper right. The blue LED is annoying (as it is on most computers made nowadays), but much less of a problem than others out there. If computer manufacturers would put the power light back on the bottom right under my hand with the rest of the lights I would be grateful.
6) Partitions
------------------------------
My memory was partitioned into a C and D drive. There are good reasons to have a partition, but personally I prefer none. It is relatively easy to change the partition.
7) Bloatware
------------------------------
One or two programs (as far as I can tell) that I was able to quickly remove. Nothing at all like my last computer that had over a dozen.
=================================
November 5 (update)
=================================
It is a fabulous computer and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again if I had the chance. At this size (10.1 inch) and with these specs (battery life, memory, etc.) it seems to be the best computer on the market. I still give it 5 stars.
However, I have had concerns with the keyboard. Be sure to inspect it thoroughly when it arrives. I ordered the same model for someone else and it arrived with what looked like melted keys next to the spacebar. We sent it back to Amazon for a replacement and the new one that arrived is just fine.
My "w" key was sticking the other day. I sprayed some compressed air under it and it started working again. I never eat or drink near the computer, so I cannot imagine what it was. That is the first time I have had something like that happen on any computer. It has been about a week since that happened and has been working fine.
After looking at last year's models in the store, I can see that my "warped" space key was probably not intentional. It doesn't hit the screen and is barely noticeable, so I have not shipped it back for a replacement. I remain pleased with the product overall, but I think they really need to work on quality control for their keyboards.
=================================
November 17 (update)
=================================
I remain extremely pleased with the product. I just wanted to write another update here to encourage potential buyers to make sure that the reviews on Amazon for this product are written by people who have actually purchased and/or used THIS product. Those who owned the previous model have had power supply, battery, and keyboard issues. I encourage you to read reviews of earlier models to learn more (I did before making this purchase), and I appreciate that people are willing to share their experiences, but it seems unfair to the company and misleading to consumers when reviews are posted here for another product (no matter what the apparent similarities are).
=================================
December 12 (update)
=================================
I've had the computer for about two months now and I would still give it five stars. The battery indicator tells me I have 10 to 11 hours after a full charge, but I have never had that many hours of straight use to actually test it. All I can say for sure is that I am very happy with the battery life.
Windows 7 Starter is great. It hasn't crashed once since I purchased the computer. I always liked XP (disliked 98 and Vista), but given time I might end up liking this OS even more. It seems pretty snappy, even with just 1GB RAM.
The trackpad has raised bumps and seems to work best with a delicate touch. It's OK, but personally I prefer smooth surfaces. If any ASUS engineers are reading this, I recommend a trackpad like the one on the Panasonic Lets Note R8 CF-R8WWLAJP. |
I Got What I Expected from a Top-Rated Netbook
|
| Review Date: October 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Reader, USA |
UPDATE...IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS READING ALL THESE REVIEWS: This ASUS model has only been out since the end of October. Many negative reviews of this product mention owning it for much longer and so must not be about this exact machine.
Relevant context for this review: This is my first netbook and I have been a strong Mac OS convert for the past 2 and 1/2 years. I swore I would never purchase anything with a Windows OS again, but bought this because the price, size, and battery life were what I needed. I have the Blue one.
BOTTOM LINE: I have been playing with my netbook for three weeks (as of this Nov 23rd update to this review) and can say that it is everything I expected.
POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS:
- Battery life is incredible and recharges in an hour (max): I did some light web-surfing for a couple hours one night and had 82% of battery left when I was done. UPDATE: I watched a 45 min. episode of Mad Men that I downloaded and it only used up about 10% of the battery. Pretty awesome.
- Size is great: about the size of a hardcover novel.
- Weight is much better: half the weight of my MacBook Pro, the same weight as my girlfriend's MacBook Air.
- Price point is right: I got mine for $387 and feel like anything $400 or less is a fair price for what you get.
- Screen is small, crisp, and clear: Larger would be easier to see, but small is the point of a netbook, right?
- Windows 7 Starter is adequate: Not sluggish, even with 4 windows open at a time. I'm still getting re-familiarized with the Windows 7 file structure and how you install applications, etc, but that's not a fault of Windows 7. There is a wallpaper application on the Asus website that allows you to make any photo your wallpaper (look under "Downloads" for Windows 7...I think it's first on the list).
- Asus tech support was helpful and efficient: Yes, I had to call when I was initializing Windows 7 because I got an endless "Initializing icon" during set-up. They said something must not have installed right on set-up.
- Keyboard is smaller but acceptably easy to use: Again, small is the point, so you have to expect some difference. I have to look when I type or I make mistakes (normally, I type by touch). I hit "z" instead of "shift" if I don't look.
NEGATIVE IMPRESSIONS:
- Asus almost hides their phone # for customer support on the website and the book that comes with the netbook just lists the website. Not helpful if you don't have other access to web when having trouble.
- I had to call Asus support during set-up. Yes, it was resolved quickly, but this is the kind of thing you don't have to do with Mac OS and why I get frustrated with Windows.
- Have to protect from viruses again: Netbook comes with free, 61-day protection, but I hate having to pay and update protection all the time. UPDATE: See first comment below for a tip about free virus protection.
- Not a great "lap top" computer. It's very small size, makes it hard to use on your lap. Much easier to use sitting at a table.
- Pretty hokey, kid-like Eee PC toolbar seems like more of a link to stuff you can purchase (games, etc.) than a heavy-duty "tool" that is provided to make Eee PC experience Eeesier. UPDATE: I figured out how to get rid of this under settings, so this is a non-issue now.
Okay, that's my impression so far. Will update if it changes. I think I'm going to keep it and take it on an 18 hour flight and two week trip to South Africa next week. Hoping to be able to use it to play (on plane), skype, and research travel/touring info while away.
************ Nov 2nd Update ****************
I'm liking the machine more every day. I have now put itunes and doubletwist on my machine so that I can sync my Palm Pre (phone) and access all of my itunes music and other media purchased through itunes. Both are working great. I have also installed a bunch of things I need to patch the WebOS code on my Palm Pre and that is working like a dream. Lastly, I downloaded open office (free open-source word processing, spreadsheet, and slide show and more) and plan to use that instead of paying for MS Office.
************ Nov 23 Update *****************
I just returned from a two week trip to South Africa--the main reason I purchased this netbook when I did--and the netbook performed very well. I skyped, connected to many different wireless networks all over SA, transferred hundreds of photos from memory card each day, created a slideshow to share with family on my way back, watched downloaded TV shows on plane, read email, searched weather and surf reports, and only had to recharge the machine three times over the duration of the trip. Pretty awesome!
I have now owned this machine since about a week after release (a total of 3 weeks now) and it continues to meet my expectations and more. Windows 7 runs well for me (which is a relief after some bad experiences with earlier Windows platforms), the battery life is excellent (as advertised), and the machine charges quickly.
I have still not experienced any of the power issues a few other reviewers note and think it is definitely worth noting some of those reviewers say they have had the machine longer than it has been out (and so perhaps they are reviewing a different model??).
|
First impressions: So far so good.
|
| Review Date: October 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. Eldred, |
************ Jan 3,2010 Update *************
I've had the machine for 10 weeks now after ordering it on release day (Oct 22) with 1-day shipping. I've taken it on several long trips and have been taking it with me daily to work. My battery life is great, approaching the rated 10.5 hour time under medium load. The battery also does a great job of holding a charge when the machine is not powered up from snooze mode for a week.
I recently got a bluetooth mouse for Christmas (Logitech V470 Bluetooth Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Blue)) in a matching blue to the netbook. I don't use it for short projects, but it works great when I do sit down for a longer work project. Right now, I'm sitting on my sofa with the mouse on the armrest and everything is great.
I also just upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium using one of three licenses from a family upgrade pack (no longer in print). I had found workarounds for the starter edition limitations that annoyed me and put up with most of the other limitations. Asus released a utility to allow the changing of the desktop wallpaper (an annoyance I mentioned in my original review below.) The lack of some of the fancy transparent Aero effects didn't really bother me. Another limitation is not really a limitation: you cannot create a Win7 homegroup with the starter edition. Since this is a new feature of Win7, you need to have another Win7 machine on your LAN to get any use of a homegroup. That other machine can create the group and your starter edition machine can then join it. It's only a real issue if you have multiple starter edition machines and nothing at a higher level.
But, the final straw that made me upgrade was the limitation of not being able to switch users without logging off. I wanted my wife to be able to pick up the machine and use it even if I had left it logged into my account (and locked due to being put to sleep). The machine is having no problems with the fancier Aero effects, but I don't feel they're exciting enough to recommend an upgrade solely for them. Still, they're pretty.
************ Nov 20 Update ****************
While it's worth reading the reviews of the XP predecessor model to this machine (ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life), this is not the same machine. In addition to running Windows 7 it has a different hard drive, different webcam, and yes, a different power adapter.
Keep in mind while reading the other reviews that this machine was released on Oct 22, 2009 - the day that Windows 7 came out. If the reviewer says they bought their machine before that date, then they're not reviewing this machine! They're reviewing the XP model. The comments may still be useful, but remember that they've already chosen to mislead you by claiming to be reviewing this model - which they do not own. As of this writing, only one of the five "1-star" reviews are actually reviewing this model. (Jan 3,2010: Now 3 out of 15 one-star reviews actually discuss problems with the machine.)
************ Oct 28 Update ****************
Read the comments on this review for my initial battery impressions as well as some good comments from other folks.
************ Original Oct 24 Post ****************
It's been 2 days since the release of Windows 7 and this netbook. With one-day shipping, I've been playing with the machine for about 6 hours. So, I have some initial thoughts, but no great insights into battery life or use while traveling (I'll try to update after my business trip next week).
My overall impression is very positive. It's small and easy to use. The keyboard and trackpad work as well as my full sized laptop. I've installed a bunch of basic programs like Firefox and have had no problems. The only minor frustration I have is one of the silly limitations of Windows 7 Starter Edition: you can't change the desktop's wallpaper. It's a silly limitation, but not worth paying to upgrade to Home Premium to overcome.
Along with the netbook, I purchased a 2 gig upgrade: Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module and an external DVD burner: ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black). If you look at the pictures above you can see just how easy it is to install the memory. It did take a little more force than I liked to remove the memory cover after unscrewing the one screw, but everything else went smoothly. |
Initial impression-- looks like a winner UPDATED 12-30-2009
|
| Review Date: October 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Garcia Jurado, Montebello, CA USA |
I bought a netbook because I needed something lightweight and portable. New netbooks are coming out so fast, or older ones evolving so quickly, even if you could find a review by the time the review is published a newer, better, less expensive netbook is on the market. So I had to fall back on secondary factors, such as the reputation of the maker (ASUS) and the supplier (Amazon). What I know about each alone tells me this is good product, with a good price.
I received this netbook a couple of days ago. I have neither the time nor desire to test it extensively and even if I did some sort of objective testing, I'm not a product testing professional. What I can contribute to the preceding excellent reviews are these observations:
1. No one can tell you it will last forever. It probably won't. But it seems to be very well made and, as I've said, by a company in the computer components business in general for many years and on the leading edge of netbook design and manufacturer for the past couple of years. Memory is expandable, it seems solidly well built (for a lightweight, plastic covered netbook), it should have a very long service life.
2. It's not for everyone. Very few things are. It does seem to designed to cover the anticipate uses of a wide variety of users, however. So for an experienced user, some things may seem hokie or sophmoric or over simplified. But it loads and runs programs commonly used by experienced users. For a novice, it seems vastly more friendly than laptops were when I first used them many many years ago and laptops I've purchased not too long ago as well.
3. I don't know about ASUS tech support. I seldom use any mainstream product's support. When I do, it's generally extremely difficult to use and not always helpful. So if this is important to you, I can't help you except to say that this netbook is really is user friendly compared to many other things I've seen and used. For example, I plugged in a Samsung DVD in two USB ports and began using it within seconds. Without having to read any instructions. I got a feeling ASUS anticipates many of the potential uses and handles them so that tech support does not become an issue. I mean the EEE is supposed to stand for easy to use and a couple of other easy to's, doesn't it? Including Windows 7 Starter instead of some older version of Windows or some version of Linux is just another manifestation of the mission to give the consumer something new and advanced, robust and easy to use, will remain/become the consumer standard, and shows some promise of being relatively bug free.
4. Does Windows 7 Starter suck? It works for me. The logo in the center of the desktop image you can't easily change is OK. I can always cover it up with program icons, and it could have been a lot less subtle. I didn't pay a lot for the starter version and won't have to pay a lot if I later determine I have to upgrade. Inn other words, the starter version works fine and it's my choice if and when I want to upgrade. Everything I've run through it so far works fine, including Adobe Acrobat Standard, Quickbooks, the latest version of Verizon Wireless Manager and other brand name business productivity programs. Everything runs fine so far. The RAM memory is fine. I don't know if it will handle Adobe Illustrator, but I wouldn't be surprised.
5. Will you get a better deal if you wait? Probably. Netbooks get new and better features and the price comes down. A few months ago 160g was the standard hard drive size on netbooks of this class. This one has 250g. Two days ago the price went down, then it went up, now it's $20 down again. This is a very robust netbook, a very good buy at $399.00. If you need it now, if you can use it now, if you will get some entertainment value from it now, buy it now. The value of your using it now will more than offset the savings if you wait until after Christmas.
6. Is the battery as great as they say? I didn't clock it, but I did some net surfing with a USB Pantech 175 modem, loaded lots of stuff onto the hard drive with the separately purchased USB powered DVD burner, and did a few other things and it's still showing more than a couple of hours left. I could not have come close to doing the equivalent on other laptops and notebooks I've owned.
7. Is an ultra-compact, USB powered, high-performance external CD/DVD writer necessary? I think so. There are other ways to load programs, transfer your music collection, share stuff with others. But nothing as universal and convenient. Buy it, use it, keep it home, lend it to a friend when they get their new notebook. And the Samsung worked fine at (current prices) $10 or $15 less than the ASUS.
It functions as it's supposed to, it's on the leading edge of technology in it's price range, it is very robust for its size and it's a real value price wise. And it looks good too. It's prompted several nice comments from people who have seen me with it. My initial impression is it's a very good buy.
-------------
December 30, 2009 Update:
Still continues to impress as a basic productivity tool. As expected, prices have come down on this model, but in the meantime newer models have come out with enriched features. Indeed, part of the problem in reviewing some netbooks is that there are not professional reviews for the absolute most technically advanced product and when the professional reviews do begin to appear, newer models are available. It might help to consider this particular model (and the generally strongly positive reviews) as a standard for evaluating not only new models by the same manufacturer, but also the manufacturer itself.
Can't say enough about the value of a long lasting battery (may not be exactly 10+ hours, at least not the way I use it, but awfully long lasting). A recent review of the Asus EEE 1005PE in Laptop Magazine commenced with Michael Prospero noting, "There's good battery life, and then there's leave-the-power-brick-at-home battery life." This 1005HA-PU17 has definitely been solidly in the "leave-the-power-brick-at-home" category, although "power brick" exaggerates the compact size of the power supply.
As for the Windows 7 Starter, seems to have been bug free in my experience. This is weird, in a good sense. Whether it's due to the software I use, the fact that I don't use the netbook as much as I use my desktop, or something else-- the bottom line is I have not experienced any crashes.
Other random observations: Comes to life quickly after opening the lid to resume working after a short or extended break. Still haven't had the need to contact tech support for anything. It still looks as great as it did when I first opened the box, either because I tend to use the provided sleave more than I thought I would or it's scratch resistant, but not because I handle it with kid gloves. The screen is "shiny", but reflected light has not been a problem. Screen brightness has never been more than 75%, and then only when used in a car in bright daylight. Usually it's around 50%, and not because I'm trying to save battery power because I don't even think about saving battery power when I use it, as battery power has not been an issue like it might be in laptops or less well designed netbooks. Finally, as anticipated, I've used the separately purchased external dvd drive infrequently, mainly just to initially load commercial software. It's nice to have, but not necessary unless you want to watch DVD's or burn music or stuff like that.
Don't know what else to say that hasn't already been said by people who actually own one. The initial impression is unchanged, that this is a good product at a good price. |
Best Netbook available, at any price!
|
| Review Date: October 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: B. Bundy, Phoenix, AZ |
Contrary to the first reviewer of this product, I actually own THIS product and not the previous generation. I'll keep it short and sweet.
I bought this the day it was released and have had it now for about 5 days. In that time I've upgraded the RAM to the max 2GB, removed the few bloatware programs, installed a full version of Microsoft Office Professional 2007, and upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium. If you want very detailed reviews of this netbook, read the reviews for the 1005HA PU17-BU, it's the exact same one only in blue instead of black.
The only comments I'll make is that it is everything I expected and was looking for, and then some. I didn't like the Windows 7 Starter, it had a few limitations that I didn't like and I had purchased the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Upgrade and had one of my 3 allowed licenses unused. I did the Anytime Upgrade and it took all of 10 minutes, I didn't lose any data, and it works great.
The only glitch I've had so far was when I tried running Windows Update. Every time I started it, my Netgear WGT624v2 wireless router would lock up. With some help from the Netgear Tech Support Forum that problem was quickly fixed. Router's fault, not the netbooks.
As mentioned, apart from the first review listed here by someone who doesn't even own this product, pretty much everything you read about this netbook is true: great performance, amazing battery life, easy to use keyboard, nice display, fingerprint magnet surface. I did months of research and everything pointed to this one (actually, the pre-Win 7 version and this one just improves on that).
If you are looking for the best netbook on the market, regardless of price, look no further. |
|
this netbook will be #1 on the best-sellers list before long I’m sure
got this netbook and it works well for me. the best purchase ever.