 Versatility Unlimited |
| Review Date: January 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Melvin L. Grussing, Southern Cal |
Wow! This is day 4 of using the Asus eePC netbook and it far exceeds my expectations. The Windows 7 starter OS works so well with the computer. Recognized my local network and our local Barnes and Noble wireless network and it was a snap to setup. Vista and XP would have been a nightmare.
I will be using the computer on my travels in the US and Europe. It will function as my telephone via Skype, e-mail writer and reader, listening to books from Audible, reading books downloaded from Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Add to that my mp3 and video player via Windows Media Player. Oh yes, I just typed a letter on word and pulled down a spreadsheet for Windows Live.
Lets start from the top. The LED screen is 10 inches, clear, colorful and seems to be very battery friendly. The keyboard is good except for a very small right shift key. Not as good as my full size keyboard on my desktop but the whole computer weighs less than the keyboard! The speed of the wireless N network on my Asus is similar to my Sony Vaio Duo, fast. Handled my streaming video from Netflick's well. The battery; the 6 cell battery has lasted 10 hours + listening to mp3's while using Microsoft Office, watching video from Netflicks, and reading and listening to books. Didn't turn off the wireless either. Not bad. I haven't done any heavy duty computing like working on video or photo work. I have my quad core desktop for that stuff.
I am wondering how book readers and tablets(Apple?) will be able to compete with a netbook like this? It can do it all and compute as well. If the hardware continues to work as well as it did out of the box, it will will be an ideal road warrior and entertainer. |
One of the best decisions I've made.
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| Review Date: February 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Sam, Sterling, VA USA |
I tend to think of myself as very methodical when it comes to electronics purchases, and my netbook purchase was no exception. I wanted great construction, performance, battery life, and value. That's a lot to ask for anything. But here is why I picked the 1005PE-MU17. For reference, here are the other considerations that I had in mind before I settled on the 1005PE-MU17.
1) Asus 1005PE-PU17 ($372)
2) HP 5102 ($400+)
3) Toshiba NB305-410 ($400)
Construction:
I'll admit it, the HP 5102 and Toshiba NB305 are better constructed. The 1005PE-PU17 has the same construction as this one. However, that doesn't mean this netbook's construction is poor in any sense. It feels solid throughout, the screen isn't flimsy, and the keystrokes are crisp. I don't really have a problem typing on the keyboard, but the right shift key will take some time to get used to (not that I use it that often anyway). It is light, and the screen is beautiful for its size. At full power, the graphics on screen are very crisp, I always love gloss screens, because they play videos and so much better. A BIG part of the reason I went with the 1005PE-MU17 over the 1005PE-PU17 is the color choice. The 1005PE-PU17 has only gloss black and gloss blue finishes. I saw these netbooks with dirty fingerprints at the store, and it really takes a lot away from your netbook. By trying to get those fingerprints off, you get more on, and it's really just an endless uphill battle. You can't win. This was enough to warrant me from getting the 1005PE-PU17 series. Luckily, the 1005PE-MU17's 11 hour battery life (as opposed to the 14 hour battery life in the 1005PE-PU17) suits me, and I can live without the bluetooth that the PU17 series adds. The gloss white finish is beautiful, and you can't notice fingerprints on any of the white parts. It's also very attractive, giving off kind of an ipod-esque feel. Get the gloss white, you'll be happy you did.
Performance:
It's great. In all test reviews I read (a lot) the 1005PE series beats out the Toshiba and the HP series netbooks. All were equipped with the new N450 Atoms. While only very marginally, real performance gains are to be had. An attractive feature however, is the Asus ExpressGate. It boots up almost instantly into this mini OS and from there you can chat or surf the web. It's simple and easy. Mouse controls feel slightly different in this Expressgate configuration, but you get used to it. Also, reviews indicated that the HP 5102 tended to get a bit hot and the fan made audible noise in quiet rooms. This is great for libraries, and the fan goes, but you really can't hear it. I've found no hot spots either. So it performs better and runs cool? Yes it does, and extremely well.
Battery Life:
One of the biggest points of owning a netbook is battery life. You want a small computer you can use everywhere, but you shouldn't have to carry a charger everywhere you go. Can you imagine if you needed to carry around your battery charger everywhere you went with your cell phone? No, and it's great that for this netbook, you don't have to. A full charge, under reasonable conditions (not a fully lit screen or super high performance mode) should last you all day. No need to visit an outlet or hunt for one in a crowded coffee shop. Whether it's school or work or simply going to Starbucks for the day to read, you can stay connected without having to lug around the charger. That is one of the biggest benefits of the new N450 Atom processor. You can look forward to nearly 11 hours. I could have gotten the 1005PE-PU17 with the 14 hour battery, which is great in itself, but I knew the fingerprints would have driven me crazy. With the 1005PE-MU17 and its 11 hour battery life, it is nearly as good, but you don't have to be committed into an insane asylum after constantly fighting off the fingerprint smudges. And if anyone wants to know, the charger is tiny anyway, nothing near what my full size notebook needs. So even if you do have to carry it, you can throw it into your purse or backpack and its minimal anyway. Big plus!
Value:
At around $320-$330, this netbook is a steal for this value. While the other netbooks have slightly better construction materials, they don't really beat this one in performance (other than the 1005PE-PU17, but like I said....FINGERPRINTS). This is the core netbook that all netbooks on the market try to beat. And everyone knows it. Asus is still king of the netbook market bar none.
Final Thoughts:
I really wanted the 1005PE-PU17 because it had even better battery life and the extra bluetooth , but I couldn't find anything but that fingerprint attracting gloss black and gloss blue in the US. Those colors are not designed for function, they're designed for PR photos. It looks attractive and all when it's new and untouched, but in actual execution it's not so great. Go check any of the gloss options at retail stores, you'll see what I mean. I don't know who decides on the colors, but there needs to be more options other than that. I wish I wish I wish. But, the 1005PE-MU17 stepped it up with its beautiful gloss white finish, excellent performance, and great battery life. I know there's people out there who are in the same dilemma about the fingerprints, and this netbook is your answer. Get it and be merry.
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