 Great Computer |
| Review Date: October 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Gilgamesh, New Jersey |
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October 28 (most recent update June 23, 2010 below)
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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
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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
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Surprisingly crisp and clear. Yes, it is small, but so is the computer :)
3) Keyboard
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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November 5, 2009 UPDATE
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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.
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November 17, 2009 UPDATE
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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).
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December 12, 2009 UPDATE
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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.
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June 23, 2010 UPDATE
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COMPUTER EXTERIOR AND ACCESSORIES:
Keyboard, display, and everything else is in perfect shape. Power cord is fine and absolutely no issues with it (previous models apparently had an issue with the power).
BATTERY:
As expected, battery performance has dropped over time. This is NOT an issue unique to this product, but a problem with any battery in any computer. I have used it every day since I bought it and I estimate I get about 7 hours after a charge in the power saving mode. This is still fabulous, and about 6 hours more than what my previous laptop was getting, so I am pleased.
RAM:
I ended up installing extra RAM. I don't know for sure if it got faster, because I changed how I use the computer. I decided to stop using my desktop completely, so I have been using memory hogs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and so forth. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend getting it no matter what you are doing.
OS:
I believe this is a Windows Starter issue, but my operating system slowed down considerably over time. A couple of weeks ago I backed up everything and re-installed the OS. Now it runs snappy again. I have had to re-install Windows operating systems regularly in the past for other computers, so I would say this is no big deal. It is a relatively painless procedure with the Asus. I plan to do it about every 6 months.
COMPARABLE PRODUCTS:
There is a newer version of this with longer battery life and a different keyboard. I would recommend giving the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life) a try. Asus still seems to be the best small computer manufacturer around.
If I were deciding between this and an ipad (assuming I couldn't get both!) I would choose this one. I've played around with the iPad in stores, but as a machine for getting work done, it does not even come close to having the features I need. It's an exciting technology, but would be just a toy for me in its current state.
BOTTOM LINE:
I may be done with desktop computers after owning this netbook. I originally had a desktop for home and the netbook for outside the house, but not anymore. I sold the monitor, and the desktop is now hooked up to the TV for streaming video. Asus has made a convert out of me.
Sometimes I carry the Asus alone with me when I go out (I am still amazed by how lightweight it is!), and other times I bring a riser to lift the computer up to about the same level as a monitor would be (Logitech Notebook Riser (N110)), a bluetooth mouse (Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows), and a bluetooth keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)). All of this is portable (fits in my backpack), so I can have a pleasant work environment no matter where I go. |
I Got What I Expected from a Top-Rated Netbook
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| 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??).
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