Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)=================================
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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue)
The Best has just gotten better! - Mobility has Evolved with the Eee PC 1005HA-P. The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell, with Windows 7 Starter Edition and enhanced storage, shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking to have it all. It is encased in a smooth pearlescent shell to captivate any onlookers or passers-by.But the Eee PC 1005HA isn't just looks; inside it features a higher-capacity storage than its predecessors. Plus, it offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92-percent scaled keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient instant keys – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE). Take the Eee PC 1005HA wherever you choose with all-day battery life and enjoy the brilliant clarity of its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display for comfortable computing for hours on end. And its generous 250GB HDD with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage** enables you to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-P provides multi-tasking performance and superior portability, liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.
Key Features
10.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Incredibly spacious 750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**)
10.1-inch LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024 x 600)
92-percent full-size keyboard for comfortable typing
Multi-touch trackpad for effortless control
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
SRS surround sound for premium audio
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
0.3MP webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Windows 7 Starter for a more intuitive and reliable interface
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation
1 year global warranty
30-day Flawless Display Guarantee
Learn More
Inspired by Nature, Innovatively Crafted
Battery and Performance Boosting Features You'll Only Get with Eee PC
Even More Storage
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity to Nationwide Hotspots
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
Warranty
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
1 Year Global Warranty
6 Months Battery Warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost.
Free one-way standard shipping
24/7 technical support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell (Blue)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 10.5 hours* Li-Ion battery †
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Blue *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.
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