Showing posts with label intel atom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intel atom. Show all posts

3/02/2012

MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery
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My main computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop with a 17" screen, and it is a pain (literally) to carry everywhere. So after much research, I decided to buy the MSI Wind U123 (in red). After a few days of using it, I can say that I am pleased with my decision so far. MSI may be a lesser known brand, but they make great little netbooks.
Immediate improvements: The first thing I did was upgrade the memory to 2gb (Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module). [A word on the memory upgrade... I have heard mixed things as to whether the upgrade voids the warranty. I would suggest contacting MSI if this is a concern for you.] I also upgraded the touchpad drivers to allow for a scroll zone on the right side of the touchpad[...]. That makes it MUCH better.
The Wind did not come with a lot of bloatware, which saved me a lot of time. I have installed a variety of apps on it, including Open Office, iTunes and SPSS. It does not seem to have any trouble streaming video from Hulu or streaming music over the network from my primary computer. But as a grad student, I was most concerned about how well it would handle SPSS, the statistical analysis software I use most often. It is noticeably slower than other computers I've used, but only when running more complicated analyses. That said, it was still much quicker than I had expected.
Downsides: I haven't really noticed anything so far... The previous reviewer commented on the touchpad buttons. I'm not sure that they feel cheap as much as they feel stiff. You have to push pretty hard to get them to click. I'm wondering if that will loosen up with use. Otherwise, I may opt to use a mouse. But all in all, that's not enough to make me take away a star.

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2/29/2012

MSI Wind U100-843 10-Inch Black Netbook - 5.5 Hour Battery Life Review

MSI Wind U100-843 10-Inch Black Netbook - 5.5 Hour Battery Life
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Cons: -one of the rubber feet fell of, no big deal as the six-cell battery tilts and lifts it forward w/its own rubber feet.
-screen is not really vibrant in colors, msi says its a led screen, though i would have expected more quality since led tv are the latest rage. compare to the acer i was looking into, the acer has the upper hand on screen quality.
-lots of bloatware, I would add/remove and clean up through msconfig first (btw download the wifi update a.s.a.p.)
-Be patient, playing vids on youtube for example require some wait, though it was really not a media pc in the first palce to be honest.
-Keyboard a little awkward (its a netbook, part of the trade off) especially the arrow keys, too thin, overall minor complaint as it reviewed as one of the best netbooks keyboards. just nit-picking ;)
-MEMORY UPGRADE - This was my biggest complaint. Every laptop I have own had a separate compartment door that would allow easy access to memory banks for quick upgrade only requiring the removable of 1 or 2 screws. BE WARNED the u-100 actually requires removal of the whole under cover AND there is one screw hole that is covered by a void warranty warning if tampered sticker(which seems to be a the lamest warranty void warning i have seen). Obviously, MSI says that customers need to take to an authorized msi location to have the upgrade done. I dont want to spend more, so I, just like many other msi netbook owners, have just went w/ dyi. it was tricky but not too challenging. I dont recommend this to anyone who has never worked under the hood of any pc (laptop or desktop). The whole process seems like an accident waiting to happend to damage anything under there. It took a second attempt to have the new stick recognized. its funny how they offer a bundle w/ an addtl memory stick. She runs faster and smoother now.
pros: -runs faster and smoother than my 15" xp (remove junk software and if possible dyi memory, 1gb max, novice would be advised to consult w/ someone who has great pc hardware knowledge)
-Wifi (again, hookup through lan and get the update) is excellent
-The six-cell batt does not protrude the back like some other netbooks, MSI did a nice job of making it portrude down and thus tilts it up and forward, nice little detail for your wrists comfort. also, the excellent Case Logic LNEO 10 bag holds it w/ a little room to spare.
-Light weight, just under 3 lbs
-batt last a little over 5 hrs. there is a nice msi wind community site that might provide some tweeks to make it last "6 to 5.5 hrs", too busy right now to check that out.
-exhaust was traditionally placed to the side (left side for this one), acer placed it @ the bottom...no thank you.
-Nice little touch, a magnifier, comes in handy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even though I have placed a lot of cons, I my opinion, it is definitely worth the 5 stars. it does everything you would need from a netbook, its working great for school (I hear a lot of whispers and pointing when I take it out in class, some students are lugging around 15 and 17 inchers, they must love the work out, lol), the small footprint easily sits on those lecture rooms w/ the swivel up "desktop" (i call them cutting boards), it runs all my office apps w/ no biggie, plays all my music. Bottom line, it has the performance and price that I was expecting. This msi definitely won me over the acer and much more pricier offerings from asus, samsung, dell, and hp. Plus msi offered a great rebate on this too! Thanks for checking out my blab-review.

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2/14/2012

Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery
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USER BACKGROUND:
I've been involved with PC's since PC's came into existence. Through the years I've owned a wide range of notebooks from luggables, desktop replacements, to travel companions (currently I own a couple of 12" touch screen tablets and two HP 20" HDX media notebooks used as desktop replacements). I was ready for a new travel notebook and started to follow the evolving "Netbook" category. As in the past, I was faced with a substantial expenditure (several thousand dollars) to get one of the current higher end travel notebooks that would meet my general laptop requirements; a light, relatively powerful, good battery life and compact design. The evolving +/- $500 Netbook category piqued my curiosity and I started to read reviews and study the new product offerings including their upgradability potential, or lack thereof.
INTENDED USE:
In my experience, most air travelers use a laptop similar to myself, web browsing, email, and light office applications (word, excel, etc); or in other words the "Netbook" categories target market.
REQUIREMENTS:
On occasion I take long trips across the country (8 to 10 hour block to block) and I wanted my new purchase to provide a single charge that would last through that day's journey; no spare batteries or AC adapter in tow. A typical trip for me begins at the departure gate and firing up the notebook for a little catch-up computing while waiting for departure. Once airborne and settled in, I pull my notebook out for some on-board work. Upon arriving at my connection stop I either head to a travel lounge or the departure gate and get on-line once again. On the last flight leg, I'll generally pull out my notebook for some additional in-air use before getting to my destination.
My target requirements:
1.Light weight & Compact foot-print
2.Long battery life
3.10" - 12" screen size, 1024x600 minimum resolution and bright
4.Reasonable processing power for intended use
5.Windows XP Pro
6.2 GB of memory and a 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive
MY NETBOOK SELECTION:
I purchased the "Samsung NC10" and I'M VERY IMPRESSED! I pre-ordered from Amazon.com and received the unit on 11/19/08. I settled on the white version since I'm not a fan of black keyboards which the NC10's blue and black color options sport. With the modifications discussed below, this little machine exceeds my overall expectations and is everything the various reviewers have analyzed and discussed to date. Most reviewers consider the keyboard on the NC10 the best in category, but since I'm not a touch typist that wasn't one of my hot buttons, however the key board is large, solid, and pleasant to use.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The standard NC10 came closest to my purchase specs for light weight; it's under 3 lbs, long battery life; it seems Samsung's targeted 6 - 8 hours of battery life is doable (I've hit 6+ hours using disk, WiFi and toned down screen brightness). The 10.2" screen is very bright and clear with 1024x600 resolutions; it helps to auto-hide the taskbar to buy a little more screen real estate. The unit is very compact and like most Netbooks its projected area is smaller then an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper and the closed clamshell is 1" thick. The standard unit arrives with XP Home, 1 GB memory and a 160 GB 5400 rpm drive. The NC10 feels solid, build quality (inside and out) are excellent and out of the box the unit was responsive and fairly snappy. I have two WiFi access points in my home and the NC10's WiFi card picked both up with excellent reception and through-put; I also tried my Sprint USB broadband adapter with equally satisfactory results.
THE UPGRADES:
Like most engineering types; "If its not broke, take it apart and fix it anyway". I've read the reviews and knew the memory and hard disk could be easily be upgraded (given a little bit of prior experience and some hardware finesse). I went to my preferred parts supplier, Newegg, and purchased a 2GB stick of RAM for $32 and a 7200 rpm 320 GB disk drive for $100. I also picked-up a nice Netbook carrying case by Caselogic for $12 with my Amazon order. I used Apricon's EZ Upgrade Kit to image the units' standard 160 GB disk and then put it on the shelf as the failsafe backup. It took me about 10 minutes to take the unit apart and upgrade the components. I then prepared a Windows XP Pro DVD slipstreamed with SP3, repartitioned the disk, reinstalled the operating system and all the Samsung drivers and application software. Samsung did an excellent job of putting all the NC10's drivers and application software on their technical support web page. The overall result of these upgrades makes a noticeable improvement in overall performance. I'm very pleased with the final results for this tweaked, travel ready road machine (an example: standard boot time to WiFi connection is about 90 seconds, however I use hibernation on my notebooks and the machine will boot-up to WiFi connected status in 25 seconds).

NETBOOKS FUTURE:
I agree with many of the industry and media experts who have editorialized on the Netbook phenomena. Netbooks will continue to be a significant new growth segment in the overall notebook category. The manufactures have an interesting dilemma however; Netbooks will also continue to cut into sales of the higher margin, costlier tier of their notebook offerings. Feature creep is probably going to be the manufactures biggest marketing challenge; the temptation to seek product differentiation by adding larger screens, faster processors (central & graphics), more IO, etc., all tending to increase price, size, weight, and cut into battery life. If you examine your real world use and expectations you may have the same epiphany I have had; these little Netbooks are excellent solutions vs. the more expensive traditional notebook offerings. With a couple of easy inexpensive tweaks, the "Samsung NC10" is a home run!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Small and incredibly functional, the Samsung NC10-14GBK netbook is a stylish alternative larger laptops when you want to stay connected and keep working but need to travel light. Weighing only 2.8 pounds, the NC10 netbook gives you the freedom to do that and more wherever you are. It incorporates a stunning 10.2-inch WSVGA SuperBright anti-glare screen and normal-size, ergonomic notebook-style keyboard that makes it easy to compose long documents on the go. And the NC10's ultra-durable Protect-o-Edge casing can easily withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life, making this netbook the ideal companion for a mobile lifestyle.
Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry, which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy and gives you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 6 hours with the included 6-cell battery.

It boasts a range of advanced communications technologies, including an Atheros 54g wireless LAN (802.11b/g) for fast Internet access, a 10/100 Ethernet wired LAN and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR for connecting to peripherals such as your cell phone. It also includes an integrated digital motion camera, so it's easy to stay in touch using video-conferencing or live messaging. Other features include 1 GB or RAM, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, VGA output for external monitors, and three USB ports.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage This version of the Samsung NC10 comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a an extra-large digital audio library of and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

Memory The 1 GB of installed RAM can be expanded to a maximum of 2 GB of RAM,

Input You won't have to make compromises to stay productive with the NC10 netbook. The 93-percent full-size keyboard makes it easy to type no matter where you are.

Screen, Video and Audio The 10.2-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and has a 220nit brightness rating. It also has an anti-glare finish for great viewing angles in all lighting conditions. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 945, which uses shared video memory with the main memory.

This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers (1.5 watts apiece for a total of 3 watts of power).

Connectivity This Samsung NC10 notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Atheros) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks--great for surfing at home on the couch or connecting to the Internet at hotspots around town. The Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.0 + EDR) enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. It has a multi-in-one card reader that's compatible with three different types of memory cards--Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), and MultiMediaCard (MMC)--for maximum flexibility. Here's the full list of ports and external connections:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Multi-in-one card reader supports SD, SDHC, MMC
1 VGA monitor port
1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection

DVD/CD Drive Because of its size, the Samsung NC10 does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

What's in the Box This package contains the Samsung NC10 netbook PC, rechargeable 6-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.


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2/13/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

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First day with it but I love it. At first I was going to install my own XP so I didnt have to deal with all the extra's Asus put in XP. But if I did that I would loose the original XP that came with it since they do not give you a full version XP CD but just a recover CD. So I just typed msconfig under START/RUN, went to startup, unchecked all the marks. Then uninstalled all the programs I did not want in the control panel. Wow does it haul now. Zero lag. Feels like I'm using my desktop and I havent even installed the 2GB's of RAM yet. The fit and finish is A+. I LOVE the white as there is NO finger prints. Oh and the recover CD and/or the F9 key does work perfectly as I have tested it. It puts it back as if you just took it out of the box. So you really do not need the external CD drive. Battery life is great. I've been working on the netbook all night with full brightness on and its still at 3 hours left. AMAZING! The keyboard/mouse works great also. I see why this new ASUS model and the one above it is getting high marks. Theres none better.. I've had others.. this is it. I would also like to add and this is a HUGE plus over the glossy screen of the 1005HA-PU1X-BK model, this model has a MATTE screen.. which means no glare!! Others are buying the 1005HA-PU1X-BK but I just cant stand the glossy screen along with the glossy black finger print hungry finish. I will take the lesser option one because just the little things make a huge difference. What good is a laptop if you cant ever go outside in the light because the screen has so much glare. Stick with this one.. its FAST and still does what the other models do.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life

The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell shines as the ideal mini-notebook for the traveler looking to have it all. Utilizing ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, the Eee PC 1005HA-V boasts an astounding 8.5 hours of uninterrupted battery life so you can work on important documents and surf the Web longer than ever before. Inspired from the sea shell's contour shape, you will appreciate the attention to detail and eye-catching beauty that makes the Eee PC 1005HA-V a true work of art. Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent "shell" casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1005HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out. The Eee PC 1005HA-V offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92% scaled keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and instant key (for quick access to touchpad-lock). The 10.1-inch LED-backlit display and sleek chassis will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. The generous 160GB hard disk drive storage will enable you to easily store and access your important data. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-V provides leading-class performance and superior portability liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.


Key Features

Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
Large 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen, ergonomic keyboard and multitouch touchpad for extra comfort and convenience
8.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n)
ASUS Eee Docking utility to enhance the user experience
Built-in webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Spacious 160GB* HDD storage for convenient storage on-the-go

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Stunning Looks with Seashell Design
8.5 Hours of All-Day Computing and Unplugged Freedom
Large LED Backlit Screen for Comfortable Viewing
Ergonomic Keyboard and Multi-touch Touchpad

Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1005HA
Built-in Webcam and Microphone and Power Efficient Intel Atom N270 Processor
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Warranty
1 Year Warranty and Flawless Display Guarantee from ASUS Users can rest easy with the Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell's 1 year warranty and ASUS' Zero Bright Dot Flawless Display Guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel with no cost to the purchaser.
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell (Black)
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (matte screen)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N270
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n)
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB* HDD
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: 8.5 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: Black * Hard drive capacity without operating system.**Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. - 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. † 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.

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2/05/2012

ASUS Eee Box HD 1006 Nettop PC - Black Review

ASUS Eee Box HD 1006 Nettop PC - Black
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I was pleasantly surprised when I initially booted this machine up. It processes extremely well and is virtually quiet. You have to get really close to it to hear anything out of it. After a day or so of running on Windows XP I decided to commence my plan of using it as a Media Center. I loaded ubuntu linux and xbmc on it and after installing a couple other debian packages it was up and running with-in an hour. It's been 2 weeks and I haven't needed to reboot or re-install anything. I can watch HD Movies and listen to High Quality audio over my wireless connection (stored on a network pc) as smoothly as if they were being accessed locally. If anyone is looking for an inexpensive single purpose machine that runs ultra quiet and reliably... this is it. Good job Asus!

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2/04/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White Review

ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using my Asus 1000HA extensively for a few days now, and thought I'd post a few comments.
First, let me address the two most common "complaints" -- the stiff touchpad keys and the placement of the right shift.
TOUCHPAD KEYS: I also thought the touchpad keys were far too stiff until I realized I was using them wrong. The touchpad keys wrap around the front, and are designed to be "thumbed" at the front, not pushed down from the top. Once I figured out how to use them I found they are not the least bit stiff. It is actually a far better configuration than any other laptop I've used, because when you move your hand down to use the touchpad, your thumb is naturally placed in front of the laptop, and you can flick the touchpad keys from the front instead of trying to crowd all your fingers over the touchpad. With this design, I can now easily cut and paste with one hand, where as with other notebooks I typically have to work the keys with one hand while I use the touchpad with the other. Truly brilliant.
RIGHT SHIFT KEY: As to the shift key, it is technically right where it is supposed to be -- at the far right side of the keyboard. Look down at whatever keyboard you are using and you'll see the right shift key at the far right of the other primary keys (not including the number keys). But to accomodate the up arrow, Asus made the shift key half-sized. So you will find yourself occasionally hitting the up arrow when you meant to shift. I've already programed my brain to reach a little farther when I use the right shift key, so it isn't a problem. Someone else mentioned that she used a program to switch the shift and arrow keys, so that is an option if it turns out to be a problem for you.
MEMORY: I ordered the 2GB memory card along with the notebook, and installed it before I ever turned it on. It was a one minute upgrade. Thank you to all that mentioned going to the bios so that the memory would be recognized. Note that you don't do anything in the bios, just go to there and then save and exit. RAM is the most important component relating to system speed, and the memory was about $30, so I can't imagine that anyone would not want to make that upgrade.
BATTERY LIFE: Battery life was one of the main reasons I bought this notebook, because the two hours I was getting on my other small notebook just wasn't cutting it. After fully charging the battery, I turned on the computer and checked the battery life, which was reported at just three hours! But as Windows got a feel for the battery, that number kept going up until it reached more than five hours. I haven't put a stopwatch to it, but I've actually been doing a little better than that with my daily use thus far. Nice to just sit down and get to work while everyone else is fighting over the electrical outlets at the local Barnes & Noble. UPDATE: I found an aftermarket 12,000 mHa battery on ebay for the 1000HA. With this battery I can go well over eight hours on a single charge! It's quite a bit bigger, so some portability is lost, but between the two batteries I can leave the power brick at home.
USB PORTS: There are two on the right and one on the left. With my other laptop, having all three side by side was a problem because sometimes the item you plug in extends over another port. I had to use a multi-tap just to plug in all my stuff. The one on the left is toward the back, which is cool because I can plug in my Sprint wireless and it is out of the way.
FUNCTION KEYS: I like that there are no separate buttons for mute, wireless, etc. Everything is controlled with the function keys.
SPEAKERS AND TYPING ANGLE: Another brilliant design point. With my other laptop, the speakers are where you wrest your palms while typing, which means I am covering the speakers any time I am typing. The Asus puts them underneath, and the laptop is slightly raised on feet at the back to both give clearance to the speakers and create a better typing angle. The sound is very impressive for such a small notebook, and the volume is very good.
SCREEN: I have no problem reading the screen, even with my tired old eyes. The native resolution of the screen in 1024 x 600. That second number means you'll be doing more vertical scrolling. Set the taskbar to auto hide and use full screen mode with your browser. I am really glad I went with this computer as opposed to the Acer One, which has a 8.9" screen. I wouldn't want to go any smaller than the ten inch screen on the Asus.
KEYBOARD: I'm a big guy with big hands, and I have no problem touch typing on this keyboard. I'd say my typos have probably increased 2% as a result of the smaller size.
BOTTOM LINE: I wanted a notebook I could throw in my briefcase and keep with me at all times, and would also allow me to get real work done when I used it, without major compromises. This small notebook completely fills the bill.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White

The Asus Eee PC 1000HA provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with an extra-large 10-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you'll also enjoy up to 7 hours of battery life with this Windows-powered laptop.
Much more compact than a standard-sized notebook and weighing just over 3 pounds, the Eee PC 1000HA is perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. The Eee PC 1000HA also features a 160 GB hard disk drive (HDD), 1 GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Secure Digital memory card slot, multiple USB ports, a VGA output for connecting to a monitor.
It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.
The new Eee PC 1000HA has a customized, cutting-edge Infusion casing technology in Pearl White. Inlaid within the chassis itself, the motifs are an integral part of the entire cover and will not fade with time. The Infusion surface also provides a new level of resilience, providing scratch resistance and a beautiful style while out and about.
It's also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for automatic detection and adjustments of CPU frequency, voltage, and LCD brightness to minimize system noise and power consumption to save up to 15 percent power consumption, or to maximize system performance according to individual needs.
For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution. The keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks, making it more comfortable to type for larger hands.
It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.
Nicely light at just 51 ounces (3.2 pounds), the Eee PC 1000HA has a 10-inch wide TFT LCD with a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (WXGA)--making it more comfortable on eyes than its predecessor. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet (10/100) connectivity and a 56K modem. You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot (compatible with MMC memory cards). It's equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family.
Battery-Sipping Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).
Together with the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you'll enjoy a longer battery lifespan of up to 7 hours, allowing you to stay in touch and be connected for a longer period of time while on-the-go. It offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to your computing needs. The Super Hybrid Engine toggles between the following three modes:
High Performance Mode (high performance with some power savings)
Super Performance Mode (maximum performance)
Power Saving Mode (maximum power savings and minimum noise)

Online Storage from ASUS With this Eee PC, ASUS also provides 10 GB of online storage (easily accessible via a desktop icon), which enables you to download up to 5 GB of data per day. It also provides secure file encryption and accessibility from both Windows and Linux platforms. Whether you want to share images with friends and family or store big business presentations, you can now access your data with ease and not worry about space constraints. The Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months, and it must be registered within the first 6 months after date of purchase.
Specifications
Operating system: Windows XP Home
Internal memory: 160 GB hard disk drive (HDD)
RAM: 1 GB DDR2
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
Memory expansion: Slot for MMC/SD(SDHC) cards
Screen: 10 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels, LED backlight
Networking: 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Bluetooth connectivity: No
Peripheral connectivity: Three USB 2.0
External video: One VGA
External audio: One headphone and one microphone port
Webcamera: Yes, 1.3 megapixels
Battery: 6 cells (6600 mAh), up to 7 hours
Weight: 3.19 pounds (51 ounces)
Dimensions: 10.5 × 7.5 × 1.5 inches


What's in the Box ASUS Eee PC 1000HA, AC adapter, printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
ZBD from ASUS All Eee PC's come with ASUS's ZBD (Zero Bright Dot) guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White

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1/23/2012

Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Multitouch Netbook (Black) Review

Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Multitouch Netbook (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Got this about 1 week ago with the 8 cell battery and 250GB hard drive. I upgraded the RAM to 2GB and have upgraded the OS to Win7 Pro in order to take full advantage of the touch/tablet features. Out of the box, this took only about 5 minutes to power on and setup. Lenovo tries to get you to pull the trigger on several add-on apps upon booting the first time, but you can skip it. These are programs like ID vault and other useful but unnecessary programs. After skipping that, I setup a few things for Windows, and we're in! My wireless network detected without a hitch. I'm using a Zyxel 550N router...great signal and reception.Touch screen:
I was anxious to try the touch screen, so I dove in and tried the Lenovo installed stuff 1st. Lenovo Natural Touch is the app that appears to be much like the U1 interface shown at CES. Very "iPhone-like". It runs a little laggy at first, but when you get a feel for the touch speed, it is actually quite responsive. I tried playing with pictures and the multi-touch works great! IT DOES WORK without having to upgrade windows to a higher version than starter edition...but, using Lenovo's custom software. I played the sample video which ran pretty smooth and looked just fine. I then tried the notes app and recorded a video of myself which worked as expected. I was able to write on sticky notes witout a problem using my fingertip. I also bought a Pogo which I think works fine for the touch points and just okay for actual writing.So, I had a license for Win7 Pro and decided to install it since it added full support for tablets. I got a student deal for $29 a while back...couldn't resist. So, I did the anytime upgrade and it took about 20 minutes total. Whalla...Win7 Pro.I quickly installed Office 2007 including OneNote. They all work fine and multi-touch works to zoom in Word and Powerpoint. OneNote is super for this tablet!!! You can take documents and use a highlighter on screen or scribble notes on top of text documents...VERY COOL and will be quite useful!LCD quality:
The screen is beautiful--very clear and while reflective/glossy, the quality is excellent, bright and easy to look at.
The screen of course can be viewed vertically or normally. In portrait mode, I found the picture to be a little less sharp and it puts a slight strain on the eye. I'm not sure if its the refresh rate or what, but there is a slight metallic sheen to images and a little bit of a contrast issue. Nothing major, but definitely noticeable. By default, the accelerometer is turned offWeb tests:
It of course has IE, but I downloaded Firefox for security and personal preference reasons. Both run fine. They both seem to respond to the multi-touch and the spread gesture zooms in, while swiping scrolls. You can easily navigate like you would on an iPhone. Speed was good.I played a few flash games and they played full speed. My 3 yr old daughter even played some games at [...] and used the touch screen to control them with ease!I then tried streaming movies on netflix....perfect playback although the screen size and format can waste a little screen real estate. I played a 4:3 movie and it wasted a lot of space until I went full screen...the small browser window made it so you had to scroll up or down a bit in order to see the whole picture. Going full-screen fixed it.
So, flash and silverlight work just fine. I plan to try some other games soon to push this a little....I'll report back as I get time.Inking:
I have no experience with other units that have the RF pens, but I can say that the inking/writing is not overly intuitive. Windows Journal and other tablet apps work great though. One I train myself and calibrate this to my writing, I think it'll improve a lot. The pen/highlighter that I can use in other Office apps is going to be useful for research and school work. The handwriting recognition is not super and almost a waste for inputting a lot of text, even with the Pogo stylus I bought. Plan to use this for drawing and less detailed writing...Misc. Stuff:
SD card reader works great and you can flip through pictures on the card via the Lenovo Natural touch app. The speakers and sound quality are not good at all. It is very "tin-ny" and not loud, though in a quiet room I guess it would be ok. Voices in a movie are audible, but the EQ is bad. I didn't try headphones, but I'm positive that they'd improve the listening experience. A program called "Bumptop" is included an pretty cool to show off touch features. It creates a 3-D environment for files and pictures that you can move around and stick on walls, stack up or sort. A brief tutorial shows you how...pretty cool. Like many other Lenovo products, this too has the facial recognition which works okay. It came with McAfee security suite on it, which I promptly removed since I'm not a fan. I am just using MS Security Suite and Malicious SW tools....works fine for me. I won't do any risky browsing anyway on this. I haven't tried an eBook, but I think this won't look any different than a regular notebook. The screen is certainly not e-ink though I think it'll serve the purpose for those of us who want the capability, but don't plan to buy a kindle or even the iPad.The 8-cell battery (getting 6-6.5hrs) works great as a grip when using this in portrait/tablet modes. The keyboard has a nice feel to it, though fast touch-typists like myself are going to struggle when trying to type a lot. The left-hand side of the KB is slightly smaller for shift/tab/caps keys, but still very useable. Full sized keys, but the layout is just slightly off. The SD slot is in the front and covered when not in use...Final Thoughts:
I bought this because I wanted something to travel with and Apple didn't really announce what I needed in January. So, I wanted something new and cool...which this is. I thought the idea of a touch interface was in line with progress and I'm happy I got this. For the price, this is a sound solution for a netbook that gives you just enough "shiny and new" to keep interest. The touch is not a gimmick and I will make use of it for sure. The build quality is solid and the look/finish is beautiful, though a finger print magnet for sure. Overall, I must say that I am quite happy with this purchase. As a Mac user, I often have a less than stellar outlook on PC machines, though Win7 is a huge improvement. Not without the issues that plague all Windows machines, this Lenovo is exactly what I wanted and will prove to be a great 2nd laptop and travel companion.
Dave

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Multitouch Netbook (Black)

Touch the Future with Breakthrough Technology You Can Carry with You. The Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t is a multitouch convertible tablet that functions equally well as a netbook or a tablet, with its 180 degree swivel screen and ultra-slim design under an inch thick. With the Lenovo NaturalTouch Panel, the S10-3t responds to the lightest of touches, making it fun and easy to use the range of NaturalTouch multimedia touch-optimized applications. The S10-3t also features DirectShare, so you can quickly synchronize your fles with another notebook without connecting to the web. When you do need the internet, Quick Start 2.0 will get you online in seconds with its 'instant on' function that lets you access the web, multimedia fles and other applications without booting to the desktop operating system. However you use the S10-3t, you'll fnd it easier, more interactive and more adaptable than any netbook you've ever seen.Best of all, it's from Lenovo, makers of the award-winning ThinkPad business notebook.
Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t Netbook Key Features
BREAKTHROUGH PORTABILITY

Touch tablet with 180 degree screen rotation
Ultra-slim design - just .8 inch thin, and only 3.31lbs
Long battery life
Integrated high-speed Wi-Fi

BREAKTHROUGH ENTERTAINMENT

Intel Atom N450 processor technology
Genuine Windows 7 Starter 10.1 inch LED backlight display, 16:9 widescreen
Lenovo NaturalTouch Panel - responsive fingertip touch screen technology
Stereo speakers with Dolby Headphone surround sound
More storage for multimedia files: 250GB HDD storage
Integrated 1.3M web camera
Integrated Card Reader & USB2.0 connectors for external media devices

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Active Protection System protects hard disk drive from shocks
DirectShare - easily synchronize your files with another notebook without connecting to the internet
Lenovo NaturalTouch - a range of touch-optimized multimedia applications
Get online in seconds with Quick Start 2.0 'instant on' function
OneKey Rescue System for quick and easy data recovery with antivirus protection
VeriFace facial recognition technology - a fun way to log in to your PC
VeriTouch touch-based log in system

DirectShare
OneKey Rescue System
QuickStart 2.0
Active Protection System
VeriFace and VeriTouch

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Click here for more information about Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Multitouch Netbook (Black)

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1/09/2012

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered my Acer Aspire One 10.1 Netbook (AOD150-1165) on Feb 28, 2009 from Amazon. Item shipped on March 2nd and arrived on March 14.
When I ordered only Sapphire Blue color was available but I am happy with Sapphire Blue. It looks very attractive. I would normally order either white or black model but I am glad they were not available :) The only thing I can complain is that it easily gets finger marks so I try not to touch the shiny surfaces.
When you unpack the box and hold it on your hand, you will realise how light this is (especially if you have been lugging a 17" laptop) This is very transportable and ideal for those small airplane tray tables (or your lap)
The 1.6Ghz N270 Intel Atom processor is a single core processor but it is pretty snappy and certainly more than enough for most office type usage. The Netbook ships with Windows XP Home w/SP3 installed instead of Vista so to me it feels as responsive as (or better than) a Core 2 Duo based laptop running Vista.
The unit is rather quiet. The fan or hard disk noise is minimal. The fan does not kick in often during normal use. It might be more active with some heavy CPU/HD activity tasks.
The screen is 1024x600 CrystalBright (shiny) type LCD but very comfortable to read under various light conditions. There is an integrated 0.3M megapixel (640x480) webcam and microphone embedded in the screen frame. Ideal to use a video phone/conferencing software like Skype, etc. BTW, to gain some vertical space on desktop, you might want to set Windows XP taskbar to auto-hide and pop-up when you move the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The keyboard is actually pretty well designed. Unlike some models from competitors, the shift, control, alt, tab, enter, backspace keys are all in the right places. Initially, I found the keys a bit small but after a few days of use, you get used to and avoid hitting two keys. The arrow keys could have been a bit bigger as there is room along the lower right side of the keyboard.
The touchpad on this model is made by Synaptics and is pretty configurable. Like everything else it is a bit small but works acceptably well. It would have been better if it was made wider. Touchpad buttons is another story. They are correctly placed below the touchpad but instead of using two independent buttons the designers chose to use one bar over the two buttons. This made the buttons much harder to press. I would have preferred two independent buttons. I think this is the biggest complaint about the design of this netbook. Nevertheless, the buttons do get softer over time. I have softened the buttons out by pressing both ends of the button bar at the same time repeatedly. I do this a number of times before using the laptop each day. So, it is not that hopeless.
Well, I do try to get myself used to build-in keyboard and mouse but those that are doing extensive work can still attach a regular USB keyboard and a USB mouse. For example, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a perfect match.
Alternatively, you can tap on the touchpad instead of pressing the buttons. The synaptics touchpad is pretty configurable. You can configure a corner of the touchpad for right button and anywhere else would be left button.
The speakers for this netbook is under it. They are pretty loud and sound quality is pretty decent. However, since the speaker openings are underside of the netbook, if you are holding it on a soft surface such as carpet or bed the sound can get muffled as the openings will be blocked. It's not a very good idea to keep it on the soft surfaces for a long time anyway as this will block the fan vents as well and cause the netbook to overheat.
There is 1GB RAM memory on DDR2 SODIMM module installed (mine was made by Samsung). There is no on-board soldered memory (the description on Amazon is incorrect and is referring to older 8.9" model). The memory is easily upgradable to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module. I upgraded the memory on 10.1" Aspire One to 2GB by installing a "Mushkin 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory - Retail" module (Mushkin part #991618). It works great! Please note that this module has CAS4 (4-4-4-12) timing instead of more common CAS5 (5-5-5-16). In other words, it is slightly faster memory as it has less wait states :)
The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS543216L9A300, 160GB 2.5" 5400rpm, Serial ATA, 8MB Cache disk. It's pretty quiet. I think there is plenty of space for most applications. If you need more you can attach an external USB hard drive or the hard disk itself can be upgraded almost as easily as the RAM memory.
The wireless chip (AR5007EG) is made by Atheros and supports 802.11b/g. The range is decent enough. I had no issues connecting to my home WiFi Access Point, at work or other free public hotspots. I used wifi at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and McDonald's among others (I get free WiFi at these locations since I have AT&T DSL). However, some users are reporting that they have some issues. The Atheros driver installed by default is old (version 7.6.0.260). The latest I have found for the AR5007EG wifi chipset is version 7.6.1.244 (dated 2/25/2009) and I believe might solve issues that some people are experiencing. (As a convenience, I've provided instructions at the bottom of this review for access to updated drivers) The device properties indicate that the WiFi chip is setup for maximum power saving. By the way, just like RAM and HDD, the wireless module is also accessible. Who knows, someone (or Acer) would come up with an replacement module for 802.11n or a Bluetooth+WiFi combo.
There is no build-in bluetooth capability. If you need to interface with Bluetooth devices you will need to buy a USB adapter such as Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter or you can get a combo with a bluetooth mouse such as Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Update: Apparently, Acer Aspire One AOD150 models build for some Asian markets do come with build-in Bluetooth. It's a pity Bluetooth is not included for American version. :(
Like many other early adopters, the laptop arrived with Panasonic Built 5800mAh, 59W battery. It lasts 7-8hrs under normal office type work with Wi-Fi enabled. This is a bigger capacity battery than it would ship normally (4400mAh, also 6-cell) but most everyone got the larger one so far.
There are 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x 10/100 Ethernet port, 1x VGA external monitor port and a single Multi-format flash memory card reader/writer (again, Amazon's description is incorrect about 2nd SD card slot). There are also a headphone and external microphone jacks and a Kensington style lock slot.
There is also a slot for 3G SIM chip beside the battery. My netbook did have the slot but no 3G hardware in there to accept the SIM card. Presumably some models will be equipped to have 3G wireless capability.
Unlike 8.9" predecessor, this 10.1 model did not come with a case. I picked a Neoprene sleeve from a local store that is designed for an 11" laptop (Sony VAIO 11.1-Inch Neoprene protection case). Please note that with 6-cell battery the width of the netbook is about 8.5". So, most 10" cases with width around 7-8" will either not fit or will require signficant stretching so choose your case accordingly. Actually, I personally use two cases. The neoprene sleeve goes inside a larger 12-13" laptop bag with enough storage pockets for the charger and other cables. When I go out to a cafe, I only take the netbook in sleeve and leave the rest in the car.
The netbook also does not come with system recovery disks. There is a Acer recovery utility pre-installed that will generate your recovery disks for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You never know when you will need them. You will need a USB attached CD/DVD writer and some recordable media (6 CD-Rs for System Recovery + 2 for Apps and Drivers, OR alternatively 2 DVD-R for Recovery + 1 DVD-R for Apps and Drivers). I've purchased a NU Slim USB External SuperMulti Drive DVD Burner ESW860 and worked for me well. It's slim enough to carry along with your netbook and you can watch DVDs if you like. You should be able to use it on any other laptop or desktop computer with USB 2.0 interface. Update: You can also order a set of recover CDs directly from Acer for $20. You need to go to Acer Support Website www.acerpanam.com and click on US on the map and select "eRecovery CD Purchase" link. It will verify the serial number of your netbook first.
Besides Windows XP Home, there is MS Works, a trial version of Microsoft Office 2007, a 30-day version of McAfee anti-virus suite and a couple other trialware installed. These can be uninstalled from Control Panel easily if desired (or needed).
Overall, I am very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. Obviously, I cannot talk about Customer Support/Service as I did not need to use the service. If your aim is to run your usual applications and surf the net with a decent screen size, this is the right one.
------
Update: Updating Atheros AR5007EG WiFi driver:
You can download version 7.6.1.244 (2/25/2009) driver free from Softpedia. Go to drivers.softpedia.com and enter AR5007EG at the top search box. Download the zip file (ar5_ar9_7.6.1.244.zip) and unzip it. Then go to Install_CD sub-folder and run setup.exe. When prompted choose to upgrade the driver. It's simple and painless... If you are still having problems after driver update, change the channel of your AP/Router. There may be high interference from a nearby wifi router/access point. Good luck!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life



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Click here for more information about Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

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12/30/2011

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered my Acer Aspire One 10.1 Netbook (AOD150-1165) on Feb 28, 2009 from Amazon. Item shipped on March 2nd and arrived on March 14.
When I ordered only Sapphire Blue color was available but I am happy with Sapphire Blue. It looks very attractive. I would normally order either white or black model but I am glad they were not available :) The only thing I can complain is that it easily gets finger marks so I try not to touch the shiny surfaces.
When you unpack the box and hold it on your hand, you will realise how light this is (especially if you have been lugging a 17" laptop) This is very transportable and ideal for those small airplane tray tables (or your lap)
The 1.6Ghz N270 Intel Atom processor is a single core processor but it is pretty snappy and certainly more than enough for most office type usage. The Netbook ships with Windows XP Home w/SP3 installed instead of Vista so to me it feels as responsive as (or better than) a Core 2 Duo based laptop running Vista.
The unit is rather quiet. The fan or hard disk noise is minimal. The fan does not kick in often during normal use. It might be more active with some heavy CPU/HD activity tasks.
The screen is 1024x600 CrystalBright (shiny) type LCD but very comfortable to read under various light conditions. There is an integrated 0.3M megapixel (640x480) webcam and microphone embedded in the screen frame. Ideal to use a video phone/conferencing software like Skype, etc. BTW, to gain some vertical space on desktop, you might want to set Windows XP taskbar to auto-hide and pop-up when you move the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The keyboard is actually pretty well designed. Unlike some models from competitors, the shift, control, alt, tab, enter, backspace keys are all in the right places. Initially, I found the keys a bit small but after a few days of use, you get used to and avoid hitting two keys. The arrow keys could have been a bit bigger as there is room along the lower right side of the keyboard.
The touchpad on this model is made by Synaptics and is pretty configurable. Like everything else it is a bit small but works acceptably well. It would have been better if it was made wider. Touchpad buttons is another story. They are correctly placed below the touchpad but instead of using two independent buttons the designers chose to use one bar over the two buttons. This made the buttons much harder to press. I would have preferred two independent buttons. I think this is the biggest complaint about the design of this netbook. Nevertheless, the buttons do get softer over time. I have softened the buttons out by pressing both ends of the button bar at the same time repeatedly. I do this a number of times before using the laptop each day. So, it is not that hopeless.
Well, I do try to get myself used to build-in keyboard and mouse but those that are doing extensive work can still attach a regular USB keyboard and a USB mouse. For example, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a perfect match.
Alternatively, you can tap on the touchpad instead of pressing the buttons. The synaptics touchpad is pretty configurable. You can configure a corner of the touchpad for right button and anywhere else would be left button.
The speakers for this netbook is under it. They are pretty loud and sound quality is pretty decent. However, since the speaker openings are underside of the netbook, if you are holding it on a soft surface such as carpet or bed the sound can get muffled as the openings will be blocked. It's not a very good idea to keep it on the soft surfaces for a long time anyway as this will block the fan vents as well and cause the netbook to overheat.
There is 1GB RAM memory on DDR2 SODIMM module installed (mine was made by Samsung). There is no on-board soldered memory (the description on Amazon is incorrect and is referring to older 8.9" model). The memory is easily upgradable to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module. I upgraded the memory on 10.1" Aspire One to 2GB by installing a "Mushkin 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory - Retail" module (Mushkin part #991618). It works great! Please note that this module has CAS4 (4-4-4-12) timing instead of more common CAS5 (5-5-5-16). In other words, it is slightly faster memory as it has less wait states :)
The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS543216L9A300, 160GB 2.5" 5400rpm, Serial ATA, 8MB Cache disk. It's pretty quiet. I think there is plenty of space for most applications. If you need more you can attach an external USB hard drive or the hard disk itself can be upgraded almost as easily as the RAM memory.
The wireless chip (AR5007EG) is made by Atheros and supports 802.11b/g. The range is decent enough. I had no issues connecting to my home WiFi Access Point, at work or other free public hotspots. I used wifi at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and McDonald's among others (I get free WiFi at these locations since I have AT&T DSL). However, some users are reporting that they have some issues. The Atheros driver installed by default is old (version 7.6.0.260). The latest I have found for the AR5007EG wifi chipset is version 7.6.1.244 (dated 2/25/2009) and I believe might solve issues that some people are experiencing. (As a convenience, I've provided instructions at the bottom of this review for access to updated drivers) The device properties indicate that the WiFi chip is setup for maximum power saving. By the way, just like RAM and HDD, the wireless module is also accessible. Who knows, someone (or Acer) would come up with an replacement module for 802.11n or a Bluetooth+WiFi combo.
There is no build-in bluetooth capability. If you need to interface with Bluetooth devices you will need to buy a USB adapter such as Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter or you can get a combo with a bluetooth mouse such as Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Update: Apparently, Acer Aspire One AOD150 models build for some Asian markets do come with build-in Bluetooth. It's a pity Bluetooth is not included for American version. :(
Like many other early adopters, the laptop arrived with Panasonic Built 5800mAh, 59W battery. It lasts 7-8hrs under normal office type work with Wi-Fi enabled. This is a bigger capacity battery than it would ship normally (4400mAh, also 6-cell) but most everyone got the larger one so far.
There are 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x 10/100 Ethernet port, 1x VGA external monitor port and a single Multi-format flash memory card reader/writer (again, Amazon's description is incorrect about 2nd SD card slot). There are also a headphone and external microphone jacks and a Kensington style lock slot.
There is also a slot for 3G SIM chip beside the battery. My netbook did have the slot but no 3G hardware in there to accept the SIM card. Presumably some models will be equipped to have 3G wireless capability.
Unlike 8.9" predecessor, this 10.1 model did not come with a case. I picked a Neoprene sleeve from a local store that is designed for an 11" laptop (Sony VAIO 11.1-Inch Neoprene protection case). Please note that with 6-cell battery the width of the netbook is about 8.5". So, most 10" cases with width around 7-8" will either not fit or will require signficant stretching so choose your case accordingly. Actually, I personally use two cases. The neoprene sleeve goes inside a larger 12-13" laptop bag with enough storage pockets for the charger and other cables. When I go out to a cafe, I only take the netbook in sleeve and leave the rest in the car.
The netbook also does not come with system recovery disks. There is a Acer recovery utility pre-installed that will generate your recovery disks for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You never know when you will need them. You will need a USB attached CD/DVD writer and some recordable media (6 CD-Rs for System Recovery + 2 for Apps and Drivers, OR alternatively 2 DVD-R for Recovery + 1 DVD-R for Apps and Drivers). I've purchased a NU Slim USB External SuperMulti Drive DVD Burner ESW860 and worked for me well. It's slim enough to carry along with your netbook and you can watch DVDs if you like. You should be able to use it on any other laptop or desktop computer with USB 2.0 interface. Update: You can also order a set of recover CDs directly from Acer for $20. You need to go to Acer Support Website www.acerpanam.com and click on US on the map and select "eRecovery CD Purchase" link. It will verify the serial number of your netbook first.
Besides Windows XP Home, there is MS Works, a trial version of Microsoft Office 2007, a 30-day version of McAfee anti-virus suite and a couple other trialware installed. These can be uninstalled from Control Panel easily if desired (or needed).
Overall, I am very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. Obviously, I cannot talk about Customer Support/Service as I did not need to use the service. If your aim is to run your usual applications and surf the net with a decent screen size, this is the right one.
------
Update: Updating Atheros AR5007EG WiFi driver:
You can download version 7.6.1.244 (2/25/2009) driver free from Softpedia. Go to drivers.softpedia.com and enter AR5007EG at the top search box. Download the zip file (ar5_ar9_7.6.1.244.zip) and unzip it. Then go to Install_CD sub-folder and run setup.exe. When prompted choose to upgrade the driver. It's simple and painless... If you are still having problems after driver update, change the channel of your AP/Router. There may be high interference from a nearby wifi router/access point. Good luck!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

Building on its line of popular Aspire One netbooks, Acer makes it even easier to stay productive while on the go with the larger 10.1-inch screen of the Aspire One AOD150-1165. A great choice for students as well as business travelers who like to travel light, the affordable Acer Aspire One weighs just under 3 pounds and has a 6-cell battery that provides up to 5 hours of battery life for extended use and productivity when away from an AC outlet. Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry, which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy
Offering a cool deep blue chassis, the netbook's smooth surface is comfortable to touch, and it's accented with distinctive details, such as the attractive orange hinge ring. You'll be able to easily video chat wherever you roam thanks to the Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, delivering smooth video streaming and high quality images even in low-light situations. And the built-in digital microphone delivers superior voice quality keeping background noise level low and minimizing echoes.

Packed with roomy 160 GB hard drive--great for storing a mobile digital audio and video library--this Aspire One also features 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), multi-format memory card reader, multiple USB ports, and built-in email, web browsing, and digital media applications.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage This version of the Aspire One comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a an extra-large digital audio library of and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

Memory The 1 GB of installed RAM (512 MB onboard memory and one 512 MB DIMM, 533 MHz) can be expanded to a maximum of 1.5 GB of RAM,

Screen, Video and Audio The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.

This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers.

Connectivity This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It has has one dedicated SD memory card slot as well as a second multi-in-one card reader that's compatible with five different types of memory cards--Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card--for maximum flexibility. The ability to have both a multi-in-1 card reader and a SD card reader at the same time allows you to download photos from the multi-in-1 to share with others and store to the SD card as an internal storage device simultaneously. Here's the full list of ports and external connections:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Multi-in-one card reader supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced Size MultiMedia (RS-MMC), Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Cards
1 VGA monitor port
1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection
Kensington lock slot

DVD/CD Drive Because of its size, the Aspire One does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

Operating System and Software

Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Acer eRecovery Management; Acer Launch Manager; Adobe REader; McAfee Internet Security Suite; Microsoft Office 2007 (Trial)

Dimensions and Weight This netbook measures 10.2 x 7.28 x 1.31 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 2.95 pounds.

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire One notebook PC (AOA150-1635), rechargeable 6-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.


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12/26/2011

ASUS Eee PC 1101HA-MU1X-BK 11.6-Inch Black Netbook - 11 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1101HA-MU1X-BK 11.6-Inch Black Netbook - 11 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Asus eee 1101 is Asus's first foray into the "bridge" gap between 10" netbooks and 12" laptops, and has a fair number of strengths and a few weaknesses.
A few differences between this and the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life:
* The 1101HA has a slightly slower processor (1.33 Ghz) versus 1.66 Ghz. You're able to overclock it to make up for that performance loss, however.
* The LCD on the 1101HA is is 720p (1366x768), but anything running at 720p will most likely overtax the CPU and make it a poor viewing experience. Even playing Quicktime mp4 (720p) with a 5mbps bit rate had frame dropping.
* Awesome battery life. Laptop Magazine reported nearly 9 hours of battery life on their torture test but it hit 7.5 hours in my test of WiFi + movie playing.
The main competition is the Acer Aspire One AO751h-1893 11.6-Inch Black Netbook - 8 Hour Battery Life, which has a slightly smaller pricetag to match the slightly less battery runtime. But it also includes Vista, a bigger hard drive and more memory. So, on the dawn of Windows 7's release date, having Vista would make the upgrade process to Windows 7 slightly easier. Even though I've had mixed experience with the Acer brand, it represents a better value than the 1101HA.
The problem that if you were to shop for a netbook today, you're almost innundated with choices. There are too many to choose from, and there's not one that stands out from the rest. The Asus 1101HA is an great netbook, but it doesn't make the decision easier to choose between this and the Acer A0751h.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1101HA-MU1X-BK 11.6-Inch Black Netbook - 11 Hour Battery Life

Go Anywhere in Style and Comfort with the Eee PC 1101HA Seashell Birthed from the creativity and engineering brilliance of ASUS innovation, the all-new Eee PC 1101HA Seashell gives you even more. The Eee PC burst into the computer market in late 2007 and soon became the must-have mobile companion across the globe. Now, Eee PC has grown into a full portfolio of highly sought-after netbooks that simply make people's lives easier. It was through this high-value, affordable netbook that a technology revolution was sparked. Soon other companies wanted to imitate ASUS by entering in the category. However, Eee PCs stand for more than just another netbook.They lead in setting the new benchmark of netbook innovation by being the first to incorporate the latest Intel processors, longest battery life, and overall features that optimize netbooks for easy and efficient computing. Today, the Eee PC revolution continues with the 1101HA: a bold step into the next frontier of netbooks with the largest screen ever featured on an Eee PC. Its 11.6-inch widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio displays HD-quality visuals at resolutions of up to 1366 x 768, and its 95-percent full-size keyboard keeps you comfortable after long use. Eee PC 1101HA has redefined mobility by combining the convenience and high performance of wireless N internet, and the 11 hours** of all-day computing battery life.


Key Features

Powered by an Intel Atom Z520 for energy saving performance (with 30% performance boost option)
11.6-inch widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio displays HD-quality visuals at resolutions of up to 1366 x 768
95-percent full-size keyboard for comfortable use
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for 11 hours of extended battery life**
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
1.3MP webcam and digital array microphones for simple and clear communication
170GB Hybrid Storage: 160GB, 5,400rpm hard drive plus 10GB online Eee Storage*
ASUS Infusion Design Technology for resilient beauty
Free carrying sleeve included

Learn More
The First HD-Ready Eee PC
11 Hours of Unplugged Power, All Day Long**
Your Ultimate Internet Companion
Convenient Hybrid Storage
A More Comfortable Netbook
Quick Recovery with Just One Press of a Key
Infusion Technology Style
Warranty
The industry's most complete netbook care package:
1 Year Global 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.
Two way free overnight shipping
24/7 tech support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1101HA Seashell (Black)
Travel Sleeve
AC Power Adapter
Battery Pack
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home
Display: 11.6-inch LED-backlit Color Shine WSVGA screen (1366x768)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom Z520
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD (5400rpm 2.5-inch SATA) + 10GB Eee Online Storage*
Camera: 1.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
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: Up to 11 hours** Li-Ion battery
Dimensions: 10.35 (W) x 7.00 (D) x 1.04~1.40 (H) inches
Weight: 3.08 lbs (with battery)
Color: Pearl Black *Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for a 6 month extension (depending on country) **Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. -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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11/17/2011

ASUS Eee PC 1015PED-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

ASUS Eee PC 1015PED-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was looking to buy a netbook for my upcoming travels as I did not want to bring my 14" laptop as well as planning on doing some writing outdoors.
After doing quite some research and reading, I narrowed down to Acer Aspire One AO533 and Asus Eee PC 1015PED (there are so many models within Asus that could get quite confusing.) Finding a Youtube video of over 500K+ views on how to install the 2GB memory on an Acer definitely discouraged me as how easy one might break a wire, in addition to automatically void the warranty as soon as you open up the case.
I am aware of those who have issues with Asus customer service as well as buying a lemon. But the usability and the really long battery power really made me decide to take a chance / leap of faith.
The matte shell and screen make the machine a perfect companion on the road, especially when using it outdoors. There are a lot fewer fingerprints and a lot less glare which are more suiting for the eyes.
The machine boots up very quickly and has a very bright screen. I was initially a bit worried about the chiclet keys, whether there might be too much space among the keys but it turned out the space was minimal and works well for me. The location of the special keys is similar to my SONY VAIO so it did not take much time for me to get adjusted to the smaller keyboard.
After successfully installing the final part of pre-installed Windows 7 Starter and confirming the machine was working correctly (took about 10 to 15 minutes), I went ahead and downloaded all the drivers from Asus Download site, including the latest BIOS as I would be reformatting the drive and installing Windows 7 Professional. At the time the direct BIOS upgrade from the internet did not work but downloading and installing the file did. Also note that the drivers are not always sorted by the version and you have to look at each one carefully to download the latest version.
The machine runs quite well even with just 1GB memory except with the more frequent hard drive access.
I then upgraded the memory to 2GB with Crucial DDR3 1333. Crucial Memory Advisor tool will guide you to the right memory and I like how the company guarantees the compatibility. I had tried a few others (Super Talent and Hynix) and my machine either would not recognize and boot up, would not boot up after restarting the machine, or I had to wait for a few minutes after shutdown before being able to reboot. The Amazon's "Frequently Bought Together" incorrectly picked DDR2 memory as part of the package. It should have been DDR3 instead. There is a separate door just for the memory so the upgrade was a breeze and you just have to make sure you push the memory all the way into the slot (seating.) To confirm I also hit F2 when starting the machine to validate it is loaded with 2GB memory. The additional memory did not dramatically increase the performance though it definitely significantly decreases the usage of the hard drive.
While the machine works overall very well to my needs (internet and a few MS apps), I did find the touch pad to be overly sensitive. I downloaded and installed the latest ELAN and Synaptics TouchPad drivers and was then able to change the Palm Tracking Setting to less sensitive. The large smooth touch pad that causes the accidental and easily palm over makes the touchpad almost useless unless you have the netbook way sitting below your palm when typing.
Battery wise it's about 7 to around 10 hours of normal usage (surfing, documents, installing and running software, etc.) which is extremely good. Though I did find the machine was getting quite warm after about 5 hours of usage and when charging the battery. The battery charger also gets quite hot after a few hours of charging. The battery meter is somewhat accurate on the overall percentage but does fluctuate every few minutes or and can easily go up and down +/- 10 to 20 minutes.
The following were the steps I took to install Windows 7 Professional that should work in general:
1) Use a 4GB USB drive (any drive that has 3GB or more), format it through Windows Explorer with NTFS
2) Download and install MBRWizard. Open up command prompt and type: mbrwiz /list
3) Find the Disk number that belongs to the USB drive (usually 1 or higher as 0 is most likely your system / primary drive. Run the command: mbrwiz /disk=1 /active=1
In this case 1 is the USB drive. Type "Y" to confirm. Run this command again to confirm the drive is active: mbrwiz /list
4) Run the following command to set the USB drive to be bootable:
e:\boot\bootsect /nt60 D:
E: being the Windows 7 CD drive and D: being the USB drive
5) Copy all Windows 7 Professional files to the USB drive.
6) Copy all contents from the current netbook C: drive to the USB drive as a backup.
7) Download all drivers from Asus Download site to the USB drive. Also download anti-virus / firewall software such as AVG and ZoneAlarm to the USB drive.
8) With the USB drive plugged in, reboot machine and hit F2 to get into BIOS setting. In Boot -> Boot Settings. You will now see Boot Device Priority and Hard Disk Drives. Choosing Removable Device as the first boot priority would not work since the USB drive is actually categorized as a hard drive instead. Choose Hard Drive Disks and you will see the USB drive as well as the C: drive. Move the USB drive to the first priority and have the hard drive (C:) as second. Keep the first boot priority as Hard Disk.
9) Follow the Windows formatting and installing. Make sure you unplug the USB drive when Windows restarts after completing the installation and hit F2 to change the BIOS setting back to using C: as the first hard drive.
10) Install all the drivers especially the screen resolution, ELAN and Synaptics touch pad devices, latest BIOS, firewall and anti-virus programs.
11) Install the LAN driver and you should be good to go.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1015PED-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black)

Natural Beauty – Mobility has Evolved The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking for outstanding wireless connectivity and efficient on-the-go performance. Thanks to the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 13 hours of unplugged freedom.1 The Eee PC 1015PED-PU is encased in a smooth matte-finished shell that captivates onlookers and features the Intel Atom N475 processor for efficient performance for your everyday tasks. Plus, it boasts outstanding comfort with a chiclet keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient hot keys – granting you quick access to Express Gate, the mini-operating system, and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that instantly optimizes system performance for the task at hand. Throw in a generous 250GB hard drive with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage2 and you get the ability to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere.

Key Features
Matte finish cover for stylish and smudge-resistant protection (Learn more)
Up to 13 hours of battery life1 for all-day, unplugged freedom (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine boosts performance and saves battery life (Learn more)
Chiclet keyboard and large, multi-touch trackpad for comfortable, intuitive navigation (Learn more)
High-speed wireless N and Bluetooth v3.0 for fast Web surfing and enhanced Bluetooth peripheral connectivity (Learn more)
ASUS WebStorage2 to easily backup and share your data anywhere you have Internet access (Learn more)
0.3 mp webcam with security lens adds additional protection (Learn more)
Express Gate starts up in seconds for quick access to the Internet, music, games, and more

Learn More
Get up to an Amazing 13 Hours of Battery Life
Enhanced Connectivity
Efficient Display. Robust Protection.
Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Even More Storage
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 – Life Made Easier
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch LED-Backlit display (1024 x 600)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N475 processor (1.83 GHz)
Chipset: Intel GMA 3150
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz) & Bluetooth V3.0
LAN: 10/100 Mbps/ RJ-45
Memory: 1GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM (up to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage2
Camera: 0.3 megapixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers
Card Reader: 3-in-1 (MMC, SD, SDHC)
Input / Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15 pin) , 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 1 x headphone, 1 x mic
Battery: 6 cell battery (up to 10 hours1)
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 0.93 ~ 1.43 (H) inches
Weight: 2.76 lbs (with battery)
Color: Black, Blue, Red, White
© 2010 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications are subject to change without notice and features are only in select models. Products may not be available in all markets. Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. 1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, please visit http://event.asus.com/eeepc/battery/index.htm. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007. 2 ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. 3 Bluetooth v3.0 transfers files at roughly 480 megabits (60 Megabytes) per second in close proximity, and 100 megabits (12.5 Megabytes) per second at 10 meters. Actual results may vary depending on usage scenarios.


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11/10/2011

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Good Stuff:
- I type thirty or so pages a week between three different computers. The keyboard on this little guy works great for my purposes. I'm 6'3", 280 lb. and yeah, I have big hands. - Minimal bloatware. Took just a couple minutes to remove the stuff I didn't want.
- Attractive and practical design.
- It has a good display and decent sound... for a netbook.
[Edit] As far as sound goes, it depends on what you're listening to. My Baroque Classical and Russian Chant sounds great, as does anything spoken word. My Swedish Death Metal (and anything similar) sounds tinny and weak.
- While it was no use to me, it came with some basic office programs already loaded. Just one of many things Asus did to try and make this netbook ready to use straight out of the box.
- At least so far... the battery life is pretty close to what's advertised.
[Edit] I'm able to get just under eight hours of operation out of it, without turning the screen brightness all the way down or wireless/bluetooth options off.
[Edit] Swapping out the 1GB Memory stick for a 2 GB Memory stick was easy.
Bad Stuff:
- It attracts finger prints like bees to flowers. Get skins/decals/stickers for the outside cover if you're really OCD.
- Doesn't make coffee.
- Bulky. The wife has a 1002HA with a 2 cell battery and it is soo slim and strim looking compared to mine. Hers is a half pound lighter too. She still gets 4-5 hours of battery life out of hers even with the smaller battery.
Thoughts:
For the money, it's one of the best netbooks out there. I looked at almost every netbook available and read over 500 reviews before deciding on this one. I bought the 1002HA (brushed aluminized) for my wife because she didn't need the battery life and wanted something more professional looking.
[Edit] I spent the weekend passing it around to people I know and letting them type on it, and everyone (big or small) pretty much agreed that it was an easy keyboard to adjust to and comfortable. My father ordered the Blue 1000HE (from Amazon!) he liked it so much.
Update [Feb 24th, 2010]
I used this device for almost a year before selling it on the cheap to my friend. His wife quickly laid claim to it however, leaving him sad and bereft. After a year of heavy use my Asus 1000HE held up perfectly. No dead pixels. 200+ recharges later, the battery still held the same charge as the day I laid hands on it. Within my circle of friends and family, two other folks bought the same device and continue to use them as I write this. One friend in particular has dropped hers several times, and while the rattling of small broken pieces emanates from within, the device still continues to function perfectly in spite of its wounds. I've had the opportunity to use and examine other Netbooks and I can say with some confidence, no one has made a better model than this one.
Even the Netbooks Asus put out in the last year have been disappointing in both their manufacturing and composition. The keyboard on this model was unbeatable, as was the power and flexibility it provided, balanced with a lengthy battery life. Had Microsoft not so woefully bungled the transition from XP to Windows 7 (among other things), and Apple's new OS X not been so appealing, I might never have relinquished my Asus Netbook.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life

Catapault to the forefront of technology with Eee PC 1000HE, the first netbook to have the Intel Atom N280 processor. With up to 9.5 hours of battery life, the 1000HE enables you to bring internet and multimedia wherever you go, without a power cord. Furthermore, its 10-inch display, 3.2 pound lightweight chassis, flush fitting battery pack, and large ergonomic chiclet keyboard will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. Its generous 160 GB of built-in storage—along with an additional 10 GB of Eee Online Storage—will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Here are what some experts had to say about the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE: "A smart netbook that not only gets the design right -- and it's priced to move." - PC World, February 2009 "The best Eee PC yet, ASUS has tweaked the 1000HE to near-perfection." - Computer Shopper, February 2009 "The Eee PC 1000HE […] clearly stands out as the best netbook value under $400." & "The bottom line is that consumers who want the most bang for the buck will find the 1000HE an ideal choice." - Laptop Magazine, February 2009 "The battery life…is the greatest out of any netbook we have reviewed." - NotebookReview, February 2009


Key Features
Up to 9.5 hours battery life
First netbook with the Intel Atom N280 processor (667MHz FSB)
10-inch screen & large chiclet keyboard for comfort
160GB hard disk drive plus 10 GB Eee online storage
Built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy wireless connectivity
Multi-touch touchpad for ease of use

Learn More
Large LED-Backlit Screen and Chiclet-style Keyboard for Comfortable Use
Super Hybrid Engine for Extended Battery Life
Powered by the Latest Intel Atom N280 Processor
Large Data Capacity with Hybrid Storage
Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1000HE
Ground-Breaking Multi-Touch Touchpad
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
It's Better with Windows
Warranty
Flawless Display Guarantee and 1-Year Warranty from ASUS All Eee PCs come with ASUS' Zero Bright Dot Guarantee and 1 year of Eee PC warranty. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.
What's in the Box The Eee PC packaging comes with an ASUS Eee PC 1000HE, AC adapter, travel sleeve, and printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP
Display: 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen LCD (1024x600)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth V2.0
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 SODIMM (memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage **Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depends on country)
Camera: 1.3 megapixels
Audio: Build-in stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC and SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: headphone & mic-in
Battery: Up to 9.5 hours*, 8700mAh *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.
Dimensions: 10.47 (W) x 7.53 (D) x 1.12-1.50 (H) inches
Weight: 3.20 lbs
Color: Black - All specifications 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. - Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.


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