Showing posts with label netbooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label netbooks. Show all posts

8/31/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-EU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 4 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-EU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 4 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
All in all, the 10005ha is probably the best all around netbook you can buy. While the toshiba and the samsung have better keyboards, and the toshiba has a better mouse...the samsungs speakers are much improved...each oft hose has major flaws (toshibas battery sticks out of the case and their speaker is on the BOTTOM...Samsung used a glossy screen that reflects direct light and becomes unwatchable unless shaded! Plus its a 270 prcoessor not a 280, and no BT).
If you want the biggest and baddest power netbook out there, the asus is it.

Just not THIS one. There are various flavors, all called 1005HA. You really WANT the bigger one. You get BluteTooth, you get a 10.5 hour battery instead of this measly 3 cell 4 hour thing, and you also get a real camera (1.3mp, good enough for skype chatting at decent level...the 0.3 that this stripped down model comes with I wouldnt OWN! Thats designed output resolution size smaller than a PDA screen!!! Cellphones have better cameras!)
Yes, I strongly recommend the asus...they make a good machine. Anything with an N270 or 280 really isnt half bad. Unfortunately newer netbookz will all start getting the cheaper slower Z processors...thank you for that INTEL....so if you are planning to do MORE Than email or chat...wanna run some programs...or god forbid MULTITASK, the newer 12 inch netbooks will all be SLOWER! The few already available all have Z processors, and all the future ones are scheduled to. Its a chip thing. Plus the N's like the 1005ha are ridiculously power efficient...hence the longer battery lyfe.

But a 1005 (or a 1008, less battery, but prettier with covered side ports...if that matters to you)
You cant go wrong with a toshiba either. I liked mine, the keyboard was great, so was the mousepad...samsung also...but you try all 3, and you realizee mostly identical after practice....but the asus has better performance in all the unfelt but measurables. longer battery, beter performance (slightly) bluetooth, Wireless N, its the one. At least for the moment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-EU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 4 Hour Battery Life

Go anywhere in style with the Eee PC 1005HA-E.Weighing less than 2.5lbs, the 1005HA-E is the perfect on-the-go companion.With built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, a .3MP webcam and Digital Array Mic, you can stay connected with friends wherever you go.The 1005HA-E's 92%-scaled ergonomic keyboard and Multi-Touch touchpad make it a breeze to type and navigate through content. And a brilliant 10.1 inch matte LCD display makes viewing documents and multimedia content more comfortable than ever.With its sleek curves and smooth lines, the Eee PC 1005HA-E offers superior style without sacrificing performance or mobility.

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8/10/2012

Nokia 10.1-Inch Booklet 3G (Black) Review

Nokia 10.1-Inch Booklet 3G (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have bought this item couple of days ago. I can only say that with one minor exemption it's a perfect product.
Pros:
battery performance
display quality
3G modem included into main body
silence of work (no internal fan)
design and quality- body shell and keyboard
Cons
expensive
GPS performance ( I cannot come to terms with it- shame!)
basic software only
overall perfomrance not the best in class (not relevant- unless you buy netbok for games)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia 10.1-Inch Booklet 3G (Black)



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8/04/2012

Asus Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Black) Review

Asus Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Ordered this netbook because I was looking for an n450 powered device akin to the 1005 line.
Well let me say that I'm glad I didn't spend the extra 60 bucks. This computer has everything the 1005 line has minus bluetooth (honestly, I don't think I've ever met a person who uses bluetooth) battery life (11 vs 14 hours, real world 8 vs 11 hours), harddrive space (160GB versus 250GB which is a negligible difference), display (matte screen vs glossy screen equal resolution), wireless (g vs n) and finish (matte vs glossy).
Now, that seems like a lot of differences, but all of them, save battery life, are pointless bells and whistles that do nothing to affect the performance of the computer (akin to putting a moon roof and a spoiler on a car and jacking the price up).
Battery life is the only worthwhile difference between the two models (maybe worth 60-80 bucks depending on what your plans are). It would have been nice to have wireless n, but most users probably won't notice a difference.
As far as the screen and finish go, I think matte is actually an advantage. A glossy screen is exhausting to read on in bright light. I'll never understand what the recent obsession with glossy screens is; they are murderous to the eyes. As for a glossy finish, your netbook will look like a piece of well worn packing tape after 15 minutes (big greasy fingerprints everywhere!).
I've heard a lot of people complain that the keyboard of this model feels spongy, but I think they must be typing with mallets, because the 1001p keyboard feels like every other laptop I've ever used. It does not depress in the corners or anywhere for that matter and I'm a fairly hard typist.
The first thing I did when I got this computer was clean install windows 7 ultimate and office 2003 (office 2007 being an unholy abomination; a grievous injustice perpetrated upon all of mankind). So far the netbook has been breezing through applications on 1GB ram with nary a stutter. I would highly recommend upgrading from the absolute garbage windows 7 starter, it doesn't even let you change the wallpaper and is solely intended to annoy you. Furthermore, you might as well get rid of all the asus software (it periodically generates pop-up ads asking if you want to pay for something) and just install the drivers for lan and wireless, you really don't need the others.
In conclusion (ah, high school english where would I be without you) The 1001P is a solid, surprisingly powerful little netbook with excellent design. It is more than adequate for most computing tasks short of video editing. And for 280$? Are you kidding me? How can you complain?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asus Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Black)

Eee PC 1001P-M The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1001P-M Seashell shines as the ideal Eee PC for the traveler looking for outstanding wireless connectivity and efficient Eee PC performance. Thanks to the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) and the new power sipping Intel Atom N450 processor, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 11 hours of unplugged freedom.* The Eee PC 1001P-M is encased in a checker-patterned (latticework) shell that captivates onlookers and features the next generation Intel Atom N450 processor for extraordinary battery life. Plus, it gives you extended comfort with a smooth and easy to use keyboard, large palm-rest, and multi-touch trackpad. For more convenience, the Eee PC 1001P has hotkeys placed above the keyboard – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that instantly optimizes system performance for the task at hand. Throw in a generous 160GB hard drive and you get the ability to store and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1001P-M provides unsurpassed battery life and superior portability that liberates you from wall chargers and brings you into the next generation of mobility.


Key Features

Up to 11 hours of unplugged all-day computing to go further than ever before* (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) innovatively saves battery life and boosts performance (Learn more)
Intel Atom N450 processor is now even more power efficient in combination with ASUS SHE
10.1-inch LED-backlit display uses less energy for longer use (Learn more)
92-percent full-size keyboard for a comfortable and precise typing experience (Learn more)
Multi-touch trackpad for intuitive and quick control (Learn more)
160GB Hard Disk Drive Storage for convenient storage on-the-go
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
1GB system memory (easily upgradable to 2GB)
Convenient Wi-Fi networking (802.11 b/g) for wire-free mobility (Learn more)
Integrated webcam and digital microphone for video/voice conversations with your friends and family
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation (Learn more)
Warranty: 1 year global warranty and 30-day Flawless Display Guarantee: If a single bright dot is found, a free panel replacement is guaranteed within 30 days of original purchase

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Get up to an Amazing 11 hours of Battery Life
Special Design with Sophistication to Match
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Strikingly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
A Brand that Sparked a Revolution - The First Netbook
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
1 year global warranty
6 months battery warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost
Free one-way standard shipping
24/7 tech support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1001P-M Seashell (Black)
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch LED-Backlit Display 1024x600 (matte screen)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N450
Wireless Data Network: 802.11b/g
Memory: 1GB (upgradeable to 2GB)
Hard Disk Storage: 160GB HDD
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in digital 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: Up to 11 hours*, Li-Ion battery
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.80 lbs (with battery)
Color: Black (latticework finish, non-glossy) * Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, please visit http://eeepc.asus.com/global/computing.html. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007. ** ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.

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3/07/2012

Toshiba Mini NB305-N440BN 10.1-Inch Netbook (Java Brown) Review

Toshiba Mini NB305-N440BN 10.1-Inch Netbook (Java Brown)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Let's get real here. Netbooks ARE NOT replacements for those of you folks who should be shopping for a NOTEBOOK. Having owned at least 4 Toshiba notebooks in the past and currently on my first Sony notebook, I'd expect those machines to do the heavy lifting... serious Photoshopping, DV editing, CAD modelling, rendering, moderate gaming, etc. It'd be irresponsible to ding netbooks on how inadequate they are at these tasks. With this in mind, the Toshiba NB305-N440 fills a very helpful role for those of you who already have a full-fledged notebook or desktop chugging away in the background.
The Toshiba netbook's 3lb weight and size makes it incredibly portable, handleable, and stowable. Grab it single-handedly at the palmrest, grab it at the hinges, or scoop it up from underneath; it's construction feels sturdy and solid where you don't have to worry about something falling off from this kind of abuse. For you existing notebook users, ever feel like you're devoting 80% of your backpack to carrying around that bohemoth... or how about trying to use a 15" screen on the dining tray in the cattle-section of an economy flight? ESPECIALLY when you're just using it to compose a few paragraphs for a meeting, class, or email rant? The NB305 netbook remedies this exactly. The 10.1" screen can be comfortably angled away from you even when the passenger in front decides to stay reclined throughout the flight. Size and weight. Advantage? Netbook.
Unlike other netbooks, Toshiba's NB305 has a design that accomodates a 6-cell battery as standard. No outrageous goofy protrusion as in HP and Sony's extra-cost offering. With the lid closed, the whole package remains as svelte and stowable as lesser competitors with their 3-cell designs. And BECAUSE the Toshiba NB305 has a 6-cell Li-Ion as standard, real-world usage equates to a 5-7 hour run-time with the brightness set at max while pounding away at tasks that make the hard drive thrash around. Coming from a decade of using 2-hour notebooks, its amazing to be away from an AC outlet for that long.
How about useability for a 1.66ghz machine? With the Microsoft-imposed configuration of 1gig RAM, I had my doubts about Windows 7 Starter edition. It turns out the NB305-N440 boots into the desktop in a reasonable amount of time and simple websurfing, emailing chores are handled without issue. Sites that make use of Flash like Hulu, Youtube, and a myriad of other flash-navigation stuff is very surfable on this netbook. The VGA webcam offers adequate resolution and has a wide enough capture angle to make this netbook suitable for video Skyping. Where it falls short is the speaker volume. This is pandemic of all netbooks. When in the boundaries of your personal space, the dinky speakers are barely audible enough for a conversation in all but the emptiest of coffee shops. Those of you hoping to give one of these to grandma as a dedicated Skype device should hope grandma doesn't mind wearing headphones. No issues with the netbook's mic as the other party will hear you fine. Did this netbook slow down? Eventually. By the time I had Skype fired up, two tabs in IE8 loaded on sizeable pages and a THIRD tab buffering a show on Hulu, the 1gig ram had to swap stuff into the hard drive. Bumping up to 2gigs DDR3 RAM would help, but you'll have to yank out the existing one.
At first unboxing, the Toshiba NB305-N440's brightness is set midway; passable, but not something I'd want to scowl at for more than an hour. Crank up the brightness settings and the Toshiba's efficient LED backlit screen shows itself to be very crisp, very readable, quite bright. The next several hours was spent installing personal stuff, Win7 updates (224megs), and removing the thankfully small amount of Toshiba bloatware. All that time the bright screen was legible and comfy on the eyes. Even after Windows Update did everything it wanted, the netbook still booted up in the same 40-ish second span. That's kinda impressive considering they're still using a non-SSD traditional hard drive. Part of this can be attributed to the reduced amount of OS baggage in Windows 7 Starter edition. On that note, there was hardly anything I missed in this OS-lite. Can't change the wallpaper? No big deal. The only plausible nit here is that Win7 Starter lacks multiple user accounts... so those hoping to lock things down and hand it to their tots might have to upgrade beyond "Starter Edition".
The heat vent on the left side emitted therms about the equivalent of holding your hand up near a fluorescent desklamp. It's there, but in no way bothersome.
While Senor Jobs positions his iPad to be a "consumption" device, there are those of us who wish to stay productive and the reason for a netbook's existence is to sport that keyboard. The Toshiba NB305 netbooks don't disappoint here. Touch-typists will appreciate chicklet keys that feel as nicely spaced as all the other keyboards they've worked on. Toshiba saved space by narrowing the traditionally long caps-lock, shift, and enter keys. The touchpad is nice too... full-size just like most big-boy notebooks. Possibly the biggest of ANY netbook. Dedicated left and right buttons are in the appropriate expected spot.
The last and most prominent nit is that the NB305 lacks built-in Bluetooth. Bluetooth would allow the Toshiba netbook to simultaneously control a mouse, feed a wireless headset, and transfer files between your smartphone. Being internal, it wouldn't eat up a USB slot. Alas, neither the preconfigured units or ToshibaDirect offers internal Bluetooth in their netbooks. (Oddly, the Bluetooth SOFTWARE stack is already installed) The only recourse is their low-profile USB Bluetooth 2.1 dongle. Speaking of USB, one of the three slots on this netbook offers power even when the machine is off. This means only having to carry a USB charge cable for your phone instead of a larger dedicated wallwart when travelling lite.
This leaves the last de rigueur issue, High Definition. It's seems the rage to pair up HD with netbooks nowadays. I'm one of the biggest HD snobs out there, but after using a netbook for several hours, forcing HD into a netbook form factor is just pointless... moreso when it only serves to kill the battery life with its high CPU/GPU requirement and the high-capacity battery requirement itself. Being able to stay productive for a 6-hour stretch on a Toshiba netbook trumps the notion of hunching over a 10" screen squinting at a "high definition" file for two hours. If I'm missing a show, I'm willing to "settle" for a 480P stream from Hulu on a Toshiba NB305-N440 rather than give up two thirds the amount of battery life in some of these HD netbooks. Need a portable high-definition playback machine? Get a full-fledged notebook; full-HD widescreen, larger/louder speakers, blu-ray drive. I suggest this from first-hand experience.
Need to be productive while staying highly mobile? This Toshiba NB305-N440 is appropriate for THAT task. I can't really ding it for lack of internal Bluetooth now that Toshiba offers their low-profile dongle. Yes it takes up a precious USB port, but it'll make up for it by its versatility in handling a (Bluetooth) mouse, headset, smartphone, pen tablet, etc. The streamlined 6-cell battery and other forward-thinking features like LED backlight, USB charging, diminuitive AC adapter, and draft-N WiFi makes this a well-focused netbook. In its pricepoint, the NB305-N440 netbook offers a great degree of functionality out-of-the-box, exudes a good amount of sturdiness, comes with a 3 year warranty, and is born from a company that's been into mobile computing for nearly two decades now.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba Mini NB305-N440BN 10.1-Inch Netbook (Java Brown)


Enjoy the lighter, brighter side of mobility with the affordable, super-compact Toshiba Mini NB305-N440BN, which weighs less than 3 pounds, is small enough to throw in a purse or bag, and has a brightly colorful 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen. Offering a durable textured finish and cover in Java Brown, it features a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing and a larger touchpad with Multi-Touch Control, which enables you to navigate documents, web pages and images more easily.

Combining the power of the latest Intel Atom N455 processor and NM10 Express chipset with a six-cell battery for up to 8.75 hours of battery power, you'll be able to go through an entire day of school, work or errands without worrying about a recharge. The battery pack is neatly hidden under the casing of the netbook to preserve its sleek, ergonomic design.

The 250 GB hard disk drive is protected using an integrated 3D impact sensor which detects freefalls, shocks and vibrations. The Toshiba Mini also features a USB Sleep-and-Charge port, which allows external USB devices such as mobile phones and personal media players to charge from the netbook even when it is turned off. Other features include fast DDR3 RAM, an integrated webcam, and a mono speaker.

This Toshiba Mini comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system (32-bit version).



Key Features
10.1-inch LED backlit widescreen display (1024 x 600-pixel resolution) provides richer colors and clearer definition--perfect for browsing the Internet.


1.66 GHz Intel Atom N455 processor (512 KB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB) combines performance and energy efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.


250 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)


1 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (667 MHz; expandable to 2 GB)


Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 video processor with up to 250 MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory.


Wireless Connectivity
With its integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers.



Included Toshiba Software:
Toshiba Media Controller offers simplified media sharing. Using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, it lets you share videos, music and pictures from the media library on your laptop with compatible devices in your home entertainment network, or with other compatible laptops and devices, like an Xbox 360 game console. And you can do it all without moving equipment, burning discs or fumbling with cables.
Toshiba Bulletin Board is an easy-to-use organizational and productivity app that lets you build your own personalized space on your desktop. With Toshiba Bulletin Board, you can quickly and easily manage your to-do lists and calendars, plus create your own custom work area by pinning your favorite photos, documents, links and more.
Toshiba ReelTime helps you cut down the time it takes to search for files. The easy-to-use app takes traditional text-based file structures one step further to help you find what you're looking for more quickly. Accessible from your taskbar, it shows you a visual timeline of your recently accessed files--using graphical thumbnails--so you can easily identify and get to your files faster.



Included Toshiba Utilities:
USB Sleep and Charge offers a great way to keep your portable electronics powered up without requiring your laptop to be on. With this laptop's Sleep and Charge USB port, you'll be able to charge your smart phone, MP3 player, and other portable electronics--all without having to keep your laptop awake.
Hard Drive Impact Sensor takes the worry out of taking your most important files and multimedia on the go. Able to detect sudden movement along three different dimensions, the impact sensor (a complex system of hardware and software) helps safeguard your data by "parking" the hard drive heads in the event of a drop or sudden movement. And it works faster than you can blink to help protect your laptop and all-important data.



Up to 8.3 hours of battery life (6-cell battery; 48 Wh)


Dimensions & Weight: 10.47 x 7.57 x 1.43 inches (WxDxH); 2.6 pounds



Microsoft Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Windows 7 Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. Some features include:

Features like Jump Lists, Pin, Snap, and Windows Search all make using a small notebook PC simple and easy
Joining home networks with other PCs running Windows 7 is easy and simple
Connecting to printers and devices is easier than ever
Supports the latest hardware and software
Internet Explorer 8 improves the safety of web browsing

Environmental Specifications
Energy Star 5.0 certified
Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
RoHS compliant effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances

Learn more about Toshiba's environmental commitment.

Learn More


25th Anniversary of Toshiba Laptops
This year, Toshiba celebrates its 25th anniversary of innovations and quality in the notebook PC business. Beginning with the launch of the Toshiba T1100, the world's first clamshell-type, fully functional laptop PC, Toshiba has led the with such innovations as the first laptop with a color monitor in 1991 and a laptop with integrated CD-ROM drive in 1995 (followed by the addition of a DVD drive in 1998). And in 2009, Toshiba unveiled the world's first ultraportable laptop with 512GB solid state drive.

Today, Toshiba continues to be a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, with virtually all of its consumer laptops earning EPEAT Gold status for meeting standards that help reduce overall environmental impact.


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3/02/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BU Refurbished Netbook Review

ASUS Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BU Refurbished Netbook
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is the best Netbook I have ever used. If you need Powerful computer, you should look for a Laptop. But if you need a basic computer for everyday computing, this gives you the most bang for the buck.
Pro:
- 6 to 8 hours of battery life
- 11.6" screen with 1366 x 768 resolution gives you the perfect balance
- Wifi N gives you greater range for Wireless use
- Only 3 pounds, even with a 6-cell battery
Con:
- Glossy palmrest - easy to get your fingerprint on it. (You should carry a wiping cloth all the time)

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1001P-MU17-BU Refurbished Netbook



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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
Average Reviews:

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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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery



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3/01/2012

Samsung N120-13GBL 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 8.3 Hours of Battery Life Review

Samsung N120-13GBL 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 8.3 Hours of Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Quick thing to know: The blue Samsung N120-13GBL has a higher capacity (5900 v. 5200) battery than either the black (13GBK) or white samsungs. I strongly recommend the blue 13GBL. You can verify this on Samsung's website, although it will take some digging.
Now, on to the netbook itself. I am amazed at how capable this thing is. I immediately installed windows 7 professional which worked without a hitch. I did not upgrade the RAM (although I will probably do so eventually) and it does all of the neat interface things windows 7 has built into it. It also runs microsoft office 2007 ultimate flawlessly and internet explorer runs great as well. Netflix movies play without any stuttering issues. The hard drive is massive enough, just remember if you buy this netbook that when you first turn it on, you will set the partition in the set up, and you CANNOT go back and revise without downloading third party software!
If you do choose to install windows 7, Samsung has current drivers and software available that have been recently updated (December 22nd).
Battery life seemed phenomenal... after turning off bluetooth, my gf's computer estimated over 9 hours of battery life remaining (didn't have chance to run it down), but I am sure that it is an excess of 6-7 hours with ease.
Connectivity was great out of the box, wifi worked like a charm both before and after installing windows 7. Webcam and microphone work awesome and put my gf's huge HP laptop to shame.
If you are wondering whether this netbook is too small, don't sweat it. I bought this for my gf and then went to costco to check it out. They didn't have this model, so i looked at the hps and other netbooks. The keyboard was so cramped I could hardly type on them, the touchpads were all weird, and the sound sucked. They were pretty much below my expectations and made me doubt my decision to purchase this for my gf.
Once it arrived, I couldn't believe how nice the keyboard is, it is just short of fullsize and puts other manufacture's 10.1" keyboards to shame... i could type flawlessly and comfortably on it. Touchpad works great, the mouse buttons are a little stiff, but I don't generally use those, and they work fine. HP netbooks have the mouse buttons on the side of the touchpad, instead of below, which is an absolutely unacceptable layout no matter how long you use it. Also, to squeeze in the full size keyboard this laptop has a slightly larger footprint than other 10.1 netbooks, but it is almost imperceptible and is far and away worth it for the typing experience and the speakers (see below).
Glossy screen is great at displaying colors and visuals and did not reflect as bad as some other reviewers have claimed. My laptop has a matte screen and I honestly didn't notice much difference between the two as far as reflections go when they were turned on.
On an entirely different note regardiding the case of the laptop,I am very irritated by glossy casing (not the screen, but the casing, e.g. the lid and what the laptop is made out of) on other laptops/notebooks. They get dirty very easily, reflect everything, look unprofessional, and pick up fingerprints like crazy.
This netbook has a matte case that does not pick up smudges or get dirty easily, in addition, the shade of blue is just right for style and professional appearance. It looks slightly purple on this website, but in real life it is a classy dark blue and everyone that saw it loved the color, saying it looked better than obnoxious designer laptops or boring thinkpad-esque designs. The blue is also nice because it is limited to this netbook, other manufacturers do not have comparable blue matte netbooks, so it stands out just enough to not be any nameless glossy-black asus, hp, or dell.
I will say that compared to my current huge laptop (dual core, 2GB ram, dedicated graphics), the netbook is a little sluggish when booting up programs and the like, but it isn't really a huge issue, especially if you just leave the programs you normally utilize running in windows 7. Waiting an extra second or two is not a big deal in my opinion, and adding additional ram (40$ or less) will increase performance if it is a concern. Recent games are not going to run, but that is the same for all netbooks, and if you need WoW or something slightly older, it will work fine. These machines are not meant for intense 3D gaming sessions, but are great for multitasking office programs, music, and internet.
Also, the sound seems fairly robust for a netbook, it is actually significantly better than thinkpad single underneath the chassis speakers and also trumps my gf's HP laptop. Make sure to adjust the sound using realtek audio HD. Absolutely no bass, but that is to be expected, and the audio works for presentations and casual watching of netflix, etc etc. Fills up a living room with ease and no distortion, although again, not the most amazing sound. Also, the bezel may seem a little thick online, but the effect disappears in real life because of the built in speakers, which make the netbook's bezel seem relatively svelte and also looks great. Earphones produce great sound.
As far as ports, it has 3 USB, which is plenty, but also built in Bluetooth (somewhat rare) which makes synching your phone a cinch, and also allows the use of bluetooth mice and other devices which is a nice feature that is usually 40-50 dollars extra on mainstream laptops. This does drain battery life though, think about turning it off if it is not something you will use on a regular basis.
As far as mobility goes, the aforementioned battery life is great, but the netbook itself is a little bit heavier than I thought it would be... probably on account of the more beefy battery in this model (speculation), but it is fine to carry around even for the smallest people. When I was looking at other netbooks, some of them had a really wimpy power adaptor, it looked like a flipping needle to plug into the netbook that would never last longer than a month or two. Samsung netbooks have a nice beefy plug that looks like it will stand the test of time.
Samsung bundles in a nice neoprene case that prevents scratches and damages if you put it in a purse (it will fit), but doesn't probably do much for a substantial drop.
I was originally set on purchasing a thinkpad for lawschool, but after using this N120, realized it was just as capable and about 1/3 the cost of what I would spend on a laptop...
Using this netbook for a few years, and then upgrading to a more powerful netbook is much better than being stuck with a laptop that is outdated because you dropped 1200$ on it and don't want to buy another one.
As far as performance goes, if you are waiting for next generation intel hardware, I wouldn't bother. The intel pinetrail platform which will be released in January has the same exact clock speed and reviewers have found almost identical performance between the two... the only real difference is an increase in battery life, which imho is not necessary with this notebook as the battery life is already great.
Two years from now Intel will release cedar trail processors for netbooks which will be a different story, a much bigger step for performance... the upcoming pineview is more of a testing out of new technologies (and a reason to jack up prices for netbook manufacturers) and again, probably not worth the wait and extra cost. Pick up one of these with an N270 processor while they are being phased out to make room for the massively overpriced pineview intel netbooks as they will perform just as well. You'll have to wait several months for pineview netbooks which perform almost identically to get anywhere close to current prices, and by that point, it might be better off to wait for cedar trail. Also, don't delay too long, since this N120 and other netbooks will be phased out in a very short time-frame by a massive influx of new netbooks with pinetrail.
My gf and I will have matching N120s and look forward to using them for the forseeable future.
Hope this review helped and best of luck! I spent forever researching and if you want the best netbook on the market, this is it. I looked at upcoming trends, past reviews, different configurations, anything and everything and this netbook is as good as you will get for price and performance. I ordered it from a COST effective COrporate bulk retailer that that has great return policies and free extended warranties and expedited shipping, and allows you to purchase with a negligible surcharge if you do not have a membership(5%), but it is still cheaper than other places that have way less friendly return policies and benefits for purchase. Just an FYI. ;-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N120-13GBL 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 8.3 Hours of Battery Life

pGet the ultimate multimedia experience with the N120 Netbook. It comes with an integrated 1.3 MP digital motion camera making it easy to chat with friends and family through video-conferencing or live messaging. And two speakers with SRS audio technology ensure incredible audio for your movies, music and video games./p

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Click here for more information about Samsung N120-13GBL 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 8.3 Hours of Battery Life

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2/26/2012

Gateway LT2030u 10.1-Inch Red Netbook - Over 7 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter) Review

Gateway LT2030u 10.1-Inch Red Netbook - Over 7 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this notebook (Black LT2032u) at Best Buy a few days before Black Friday, and so far, I'm rather impressed. Bought this more my wife, since she can never seem to get on my computer (I'm always on it). Plus, it's so small and light, we can leave it downstairs on the entertainment center, instead of her having to go upstairs to the computer room to use a computer.
It's form factor is just about the perfect size. My only complaints are:
1. The keyboard is a bit cramped for my bigger hands (but it's a netbook, so I can't really fault it for that, as I knew what we were buying)
2. The fact that the edges of the lid don't have any lips or hold points, so opening the cover when it's closed can be a bit tricky. A lot of times, I have to use my fingernail to start prying the lid from the base. Overall, not a deal breaker by any means, but can be annoying sometimes.
3. It comes with a Gateway Backup Utility for backing up your PC, but since the Netbooks don't come with a writable DVD drive (or any for that matter), the utility says no drive is available, and won't do a backup. Personally, I think this a flaw that Gateway should have considered, and modified the program to let you write to a DVD drive if you have one, or write an image to the Hard Drive, so you can move it to another PC on the network, and burn it to a DVD there.
The pc itself runs good. It came with the standard Atom 270, 1 GB RAM, built in Video Card, built in webcam, etc, except, this had a 250 GB HDD instead of a 160 GB HDD, and it came with Windows 7 Starter. While I don't care for how scaled down Win 7 starter is, again, I can't fault Gateway for that (blame Microsoft). I immediately upgraded the RAM to a 2 GB chip (replacing the 1 GB), and it is rather quick with this addition. Plus, I installed Google Chrome (which is much quicker than IE, and even Firefox by a bit), and it cruises the web with ease. I also uninstalled all the Norton bloat ware, and installed Windows Security Essentials Antivirus, which, believe it or not, is really very good and light (great for a Netbook). Oh, and it's free! Also pulled of the Microsoft Office Trial, and installed OpenOffice (also good and light, and great for a Netbook).
After two weeks of playing with it (yeah, I know, I supposedly bought it for my wife!!), I find myself not going upstairs to the computer room to use my main PC (a 6 month old new Toshiba Laptop) as much, and instead, I can do most of what I need on this one.
Really haven't run into to any other issues (other than those mentioned above), and I have to say, we're very glad we got it. Plus, when it was on sale at Best Buy for $279, it was a great price, considering all the other netbooks with Win 7 and a 250GB HDD were at least $350. I was originally considering the Toshiba NB205-N330, but that was $399+. Yeah, it may have had a N280 instead of the Gateway's N270, and a little bit fast BUS speed, and Bluetooth (I can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for $4 if I need one), but, to save over $120, it was worth it. I don't think I would have really noticed the difference too much (at least not when I was playing with both at Best Buy side by side).
I'm very glad I purchased it, and I highly recommend it. Even a few of my friends who've come over, and I showed it to them, were very impressed. Save yourself a few bucks, and go with this over the higher priced Toshiba, Asus, etc. You won't be disappointed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gateway LT2030u 10.1-Inch Red Netbook - Over 7 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

The ultra-portable design of the Gateway LT netbook (model LT2030u) is ideal for those on the move who need a quick, easy way to connect to the Internet and stay in touch with family and friends. Weighing less than 3 pounds, it features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display and an easy typing keyboard. Check e-mail, communicate with friends via VOIP and webcam, share photos, surf the web, listen to music, watch movies and more--wherever you are. It also features a multi-gesture touchpad that enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers for an intuitive navigation of web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. And you'll get extended use on the go with the included 6-cell battery, which provides up to 7 hours of continuous use.
The Gateway LT has a luxurious look with a high-polished finish, rounded edges, silver hinges and engraved metallic logo. Plus, its textured palm rest hides fingerprints and wears much better than glossy-finished palm rests--making it as durable as it is chic.

It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system, which combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. It includes new Windows 7 features like Jump Lists to help you to better find and manage files, and connecting to printers and peripherals is easier than ever. (Learn more about Windows 7 Starter below.)

This netbook is powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, which is designed especially for mobile devices and features an innovative hafnium-infused circuitry that reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy. The integrated 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) will keep you connected to email and all your social networks. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (667 MHz), three USB ports, and 5-in-1 memory card reader.



Key Features
10.1-inch high-brightness LED-backlit display delivers a 1024 x 600 resolution for less scrolling while searching the Internet and staying productive while traveling
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. (Learn more)
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
Multi-gesture touchpad allows you to intuitively navigate WebPages, media libraries, photos, spreadsheets and more by simply flicking, swirling and pinching your fingers.
1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor extends battery life and power efficiency to deliver excellent mobile performance and Internet connections on the go (includes 533 MHz front side bus and 512 KB L2 cache)
250 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
1 GB of RAM (667 MHz) to help complete your netbook tasks quickly and easily.
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 integrated video processing
0.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the display bezel for easy video chats and conferencing
54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
VGA video output for connecting to an external monitor
5-in-1 memory card reader
VGA video output
Built-in stereo speakers
Dolby Headphone Technology provides the dramatic sound effects of a 5.1-channel soundtrack.
HD Audio provides your system with the support it needs to handle the most cutting-edge audio content. Plus, you'll hear more of your tunes and tones, with auditory playback coming out at a higher quality than systems without HD sound.
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
6-cell battery for up to 7 hours of use
Dimensions: 10.17 x 8.04 x 1.03 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.95 pounds
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This netbook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks, and it also provides Fast (10/100) Ethernet networking.

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Analog video output: 1 VGA
5-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and xD-Picture Card
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
10/100 Fast Ethernet

What's in the box This package contains the Gateway LT2030u netbook, 6-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed documentation

It also comes with the following software: Microsoft Works (applications for word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, and email); 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007

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Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do—less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Windows 7 Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.



Intel Atom Processor: Your PC's Perfect Internet Companion Take the Internet to more places with the long battery life and flexibility of a compact, lightweight netbook powered by the incredibly small, amazingly smart Intel Atom processor. It features a 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).

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Click here for more information about Gateway LT2030u 10.1-Inch Red Netbook - Over 7 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

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2/25/2012

Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue) Review

Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
=================================
October 28 (most recent update June 23, 2010 below)
=================================
I received the ASUS EEE PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook two days ago. My initial impression is that this is a great computer. Below are more specific comments.
1) OS: Windows Starter
------------------------------
Runs really well without any problems. I think another 1GB of RAM would make it faster, but I can easily live without it for my main purpose of taking research notes, writing papers, and using the Internet.
I have not had a chance to try out all of my software yet, but Windows Office 2007, bLADE Wiki, Chrome, and other programs I frequently use work just fine. Windows 7 Starter does run more than three applications. I have four open now.
Thankfully, I had no difficulty enabling language support (IME) for Japanese and Chinese. In general, I have also found some things a little more intuitive than XP or Vista. At this point, I see absolutely no reason to buy an upgrade.
The inability to change your desktop image is a mean-spirited marketing decision that I hope Microsoft will reconsider. Not only that, but the wallpaper makes it look like you have a crack or dust on your screen. You can get around this and speed up your computer a little bit in the process. In your start menu right-click on computer, select properties, advanced system settings, performance, and "Adjust for best performance." Your background will be solid blue.
2) Screen
------------------------------
Surprisingly crisp and clear. Yes, it is small, but so is the computer :)
3) Keyboard
------------------------------
I have no trouble at all typing on it. Some owners of past Asus models have complained about a warped space bar. Indeed, the space bar is slightly elevated on the left side. However, I believe this was intentional. When you press the function key with the blue "running man" mark on the left it switches power settings (see comments below for an update on the keyboard).
4) Battery
------------------------------
I am not sure yet how to get the advertised 10.5, but I am easily getting 9+ hours out of it on the power saver mode. It is incredible. The power adapter is quite small and seems to charge it up very quickly.
5) Sturdiness / Quality
------------------------------
The computer feels surprisingly solid and less flimsy than more expensive computers I have bought in the past. It is not the most elegant computer out there, but it seems well-built. It has a wonderful lack of annoying lights. The only one remaining is the power light in the upper right. The blue LED is annoying (as it is on most computers made nowadays), but much less of a problem than others out there. If computer manufacturers would put the power light back on the bottom right under my hand with the rest of the lights I would be grateful.
6) Partitions
------------------------------
My memory was partitioned into a C and D drive. There are good reasons to have a partition, but personally I prefer none. It is relatively easy to change the partition.
7) Bloatware
------------------------------
One or two programs (as far as I can tell) that I was able to quickly remove. Nothing at all like my last computer that had over a dozen.
=================================
November 5, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
It is a fabulous computer and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again if I had the chance. At this size (10.1 inch) and with these specs (battery life, memory, etc.) it seems to be the best computer on the market. I still give it 5 stars.
However, I have had concerns with the keyboard. Be sure to inspect it thoroughly when it arrives. I ordered the same model for someone else and it arrived with what looked like melted keys next to the spacebar. We sent it back to Amazon for a replacement and the new one that arrived is just fine.
My "w" key was sticking the other day. I sprayed some compressed air under it and it started working again. I never eat or drink near the computer, so I cannot imagine what it was. That is the first time I have had something like that happen on any computer. It has been about a week since that happened and has been working fine.
After looking at last year's models in the store, I can see that my "warped" space key was probably not intentional. It doesn't hit the screen and is barely noticeable, so I have not shipped it back for a replacement. I remain pleased with the product overall, but I think they really need to work on quality control for their keyboards.
=================================
November 17, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
I remain extremely pleased with the product. I just wanted to write another update here to encourage potential buyers to make sure that the reviews on Amazon for this product are written by people who have actually purchased and/or used THIS product. Those who owned the previous model have had power supply, battery, and keyboard issues. I encourage you to read reviews of earlier models to learn more (I did before making this purchase), and I appreciate that people are willing to share their experiences, but it seems unfair to the company and misleading to consumers when reviews are posted here for another product (no matter what the apparent similarities are).
=================================
December 12, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
I've had the computer for about two months now and I would still give it five stars. The battery indicator tells me I have 10 to 11 hours after a full charge, but I have never had that many hours of straight use to actually test it. All I can say for sure is that I am very happy with the battery life.
Windows 7 Starter is great. It hasn't crashed once since I purchased the computer. I always liked XP (disliked 98 and Vista), but given time I might end up liking this OS even more. It seems pretty snappy, even with just 1GB RAM.
The trackpad has raised bumps and seems to work best with a delicate touch. It's OK, but personally I prefer smooth surfaces. If any ASUS engineers are reading this, I recommend a trackpad like the one on the Panasonic Lets Note R8 CF-R8WWLAJP.
=================================
June 23, 2010 UPDATE
=================================
COMPUTER EXTERIOR AND ACCESSORIES:
Keyboard, display, and everything else is in perfect shape. Power cord is fine and absolutely no issues with it (previous models apparently had an issue with the power).
BATTERY:
As expected, battery performance has dropped over time. This is NOT an issue unique to this product, but a problem with any battery in any computer. I have used it every day since I bought it and I estimate I get about 7 hours after a charge in the power saving mode. This is still fabulous, and about 6 hours more than what my previous laptop was getting, so I am pleased.
RAM:
I ended up installing extra RAM. I don't know for sure if it got faster, because I changed how I use the computer. I decided to stop using my desktop completely, so I have been using memory hogs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and so forth. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend getting it no matter what you are doing.
OS:
I believe this is a Windows Starter issue, but my operating system slowed down considerably over time. A couple of weeks ago I backed up everything and re-installed the OS. Now it runs snappy again. I have had to re-install Windows operating systems regularly in the past for other computers, so I would say this is no big deal. It is a relatively painless procedure with the Asus. I plan to do it about every 6 months.
COMPARABLE PRODUCTS:
There is a newer version of this with longer battery life and a different keyboard. I would recommend giving the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life) a try. Asus still seems to be the best small computer manufacturer around.
If I were deciding between this and an ipad (assuming I couldn't get both!) I would choose this one. I've played around with the iPad in stores, but as a machine for getting work done, it does not even come close to having the features I need. It's an exciting technology, but would be just a toy for me in its current state.
BOTTOM LINE:
I may be done with desktop computers after owning this netbook. I originally had a desktop for home and the netbook for outside the house, but not anymore. I sold the monitor, and the desktop is now hooked up to the TV for streaming video. Asus has made a convert out of me.
Sometimes I carry the Asus alone with me when I go out (I am still amazed by how lightweight it is!), and other times I bring a riser to lift the computer up to about the same level as a monitor would be (Logitech Notebook Riser (N110)), a bluetooth mouse (Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows), and a bluetooth keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)). All of this is portable (fits in my backpack), so I can have a pleasant work environment no matter where I go.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue)

The Best has just gotten better! - Mobility has Evolved with the Eee PC 1005HA-P. The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell, with Windows 7 Starter Edition and enhanced storage, shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking to have it all. It is encased in a smooth pearlescent shell to captivate any onlookers or passers-by.But the Eee PC 1005HA isn't just looks; inside it features a higher-capacity storage than its predecessors. Plus, it offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92-percent scaled keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient instant keys – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE). Take the Eee PC 1005HA wherever you choose with all-day battery life and enjoy the brilliant clarity of its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display for comfortable computing for hours on end. And its generous 250GB HDD with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage** enables you to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-P provides multi-tasking performance and superior portability, liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.


Key Features

10.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Incredibly spacious 750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**)
10.1-inch LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024 x 600)
92-percent full-size keyboard for comfortable typing
Multi-touch trackpad for effortless control
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
SRS surround sound for premium audio
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
0.3MP webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Windows 7 Starter for a more intuitive and reliable interface
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation
1 year global warranty
30-day Flawless Display Guarantee

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Inspired by Nature, Innovatively Crafted
Battery and Performance Boosting Features You'll Only Get with Eee PC
Even More Storage
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity to Nationwide Hotspots
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
Warranty
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
1 Year Global Warranty
6 Months Battery Warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost.
Free one-way standard shipping
24/7 technical support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell (Blue)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 10.5 hours* Li-Ion battery †
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Blue *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.

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Click here for more information about Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue)

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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
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
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

HP Mini 210-1080NR 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.75 Hours of Battery Life Review

HP Mini 210-1080NR 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.75 Hours of Battery Life
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QUICK SUMMARY: This HP netbook is n-network ready and has good style, functionality and features for its price-point. A somewhat troubled installation process and a few design complaints make it an almost 5-star product. Recommended!
Confused about all the different HP Mini 210 models? Check the bottom of my review for a comparison chart.
WHAT I *LIKE* SO FAR:
- It's small and lightweight, like any other netbook
- The screen is LED backlit and very bright and colorful
- The keyboard has good tactile feel, and isn't noisy while using it
- I almost always touchtype the correct key on the keyboard (even the Backspace and Delete keys), even though the keyboard is smaller than my 15" laptop computer's keyboard
- It's not sluggish using Office 2007 programs
- You can upgrade the RAM yourself (without tools!)
- Streaming of my in-home, High-Def home videos went perfectly smoothly
- No vents on the bottom of the netbook, only on the sides, so the netbook doesn't gasp for air circulation while sitting on your lap
- I could upgrade the RAM with a 2GB memory module
- The upgrade to Windows Professional edition went without a hitch
- The oversized battery tilts the keyboard a bit so it's easier to type on
- Nice audio sound from the earphone jack
WHAT I *DISLIKE* SO FAR:
- The battery is huge! Check out Amazon's product pictures and you'll see it's oversized -- great for long battery life, but *awful* for aesthetic reasons. The bloated battery ruins the svelte form factor of this netbook. Worse, HP currently makes no provision to buy a second, smaller, 3-cell battery that would fit the natural contours of this device (I checked with HP about this, and they confirmed they have no stock of 3-cell batteries for the Mini 210). The upside? It gives the keyboard a pleasant tilt to type on.
- The battery lock is spring-loaded on one side, but not on the other. The side that's not spring-loaded can be unlocked accidentally and easily, causing the whole battery to half fall-off the back of the netbook (this actually happened to me).
- It uses a power-on switch you have to slide with your fingernail, rather than using a simple, power-on button
- Some indicator lights, like the disk activity light, are placed on the side of the unit where you can't see them, rather than above the keyboard where you can see them
- I'm not a fan of glossy screens -- too many fingerprints to clean!
- HP replaces my [...] homepage with an HP version of [...], and that version doesn't render reliably when I fire up Internet Explorer
- The edge of the netbook below the keyboard is uncomfortably sharp when you rest your hand on it while typing; I wish HP had used a smoother, tapered edge for hand-resting comfort.
BACKGROUND:
This is my first netbook purchase, although I'm a very experienced computer user. I bought it to use at work to replace my paper notebook and to use Microsoft Office products common in the workplace. I sought for a very lightweight netbook with long battery life, good performance for its size, and a good feel to the keyboard. I looked online and in brick-and-mortar stores, and ordered this HP netbook from Amazon after first examining it in a local retailer who had it in stock (though with the battery removed, which is why I was surprised at how big this netbook's battery really is).
INSTALLATION & CONFIGURATION:
The out-of-box experience started off well. HP includes a big, can't-miss-it poster that you see immediately after opening the packing box. It concisely describes how to start configuring your new HP netbook. Basically, plug-in your netbook and turn it on, then go through the configuration steps -- like choosing your computer's name and your timezone -- to setup Windows 7 Startup edition.
When it comes to setting up the wireless network, I dispensed with HP's hand-holding setup program since I know how to setup wireless network connections on a computer. HOWEVER, I was baffled for a while trying to figure out how to turn-on the wireless card. I'm used to my Dell laptops, where there is a hardware switch somewhere on the side of the computer. With this HP netbook, there is no WiFi hardware switch. Instead, you have to use an HP software utility for enabling the wireless card. Then, you also have to press F12 to turn-on the now-enabled WiFi card. I'd prefer a slide switch to enable/disable the WiFi card. BTW, the WiFi is b/g/n-network compatible.
I encountered a problem with the battery receptacle on the netbook. When I first tried inserting the battery, it just didn't seem to fit very well. Mind you, I am *careful* with new electronics I buy, so I didn't want to force the battery without knowing what kind of force was really necessary. I did apply a fair amount of pressure to insert and lock-in the battery, but after the first reboot, the whole netbook appeared to have just died! All I saw was a black screen and a white cursor after I slid the power-on switch. I was nearly ready to pack the whole thing back to Amazon when I returned to the battery that was hard to install. I detached the battery and looked at the netbook's pin receptacle -- one of the pins was bent! I used a steak knife to unbend the pin and tried reinserting the battery once more -- it slid more easily this time, and the netbook subsequently powered-on normally. I'm convinced the pin was bent off the factory assembly line. So, if you buy this netbook, examine the battery pins at the back of the netbook to make sure they're straight!
Once you connect to the Internet, you have to do all the latest patching of Windows 7 (other programs will automatically try to get updated, too, like Java and Adobe Reader). I did the essential patching to Windows 7 only, because I needed to deal with the bloatware.
This HP netbook comes with some bloatware and assorted shortcuts that I immediately removed, including Norton Antivirus (*hate* it - use Microsoft Security Essentials, which is free, instead), a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home & Student Edition, Adobe AIR, Times Reader, a bunch of Windows Live programs, and a bunch of HP programs. I uninstalled everything except the HP stuff, since I'm not certain what each HP program does at this point. HP is baked-in to Internet Explorer, too, in ways that make it hard to remove. There are a few other unknown programs I'm leaving for the time being. I've seen worse cases of bloatware on a new computer, so this actually wasn't too bad.
After uninstalling what I could, I installed Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Security Essentials, and my favorite utilities. The installation of Office went smoothly, including the subsequent Internet activation of the software.
Even after uninstalling a lot of crapware, I used MSCONFIG to find more than a half-dozen, non-Microsoft services that automatically start-up when booting this netbook (these aren't in the Startup folder, either). One of these services -- I suspect the HP service that enables the WiFi card -- interferes with my automatic backup to my Windows Home Server. I tried disabling all these services, but then the audio sounded *awful* without the "IDT Audio" service, so I re-enabled that service. What does this mean to you? Use MSCONFIG (Click the Start button, then type MSCONFIG) to disable these unnecessary, mostly HP services unless you really have a reason to use them.
All of this takes several hours to do.
USABILITY:
I've only owned this HP netbook for two weeks, so I can't say I've had a lot of experience with it as yet. So far, I like using it well enough. It boots up to the login screen in 45-50 seconds (Note: after I upgraded the RAM to 2GB, it takes about 35-40 seconds to get to the login screen). It takes about another minute after you've logged in to start-up Windows Desktop and the start-up programs. Starting Microsoft Word 2007 takes 10 seconds. In my home, where I have all g-network devices (but an n-network router), this HP netbook will connect with a speed of no greater than 65Mbps -- slightly faster than a g-network device. If I was able to convert all my devices to n-network connections, I could turn-off mixed mode on the router and achieve much faster n-network connection speeds. Be aware of this if you have an n-network router with g-network devices attached to it -- you won't get the benefit of this netbook's n-network capability.
In general, the speed is good enough for regular computing needs. My general purpose computer is a 2.5Ghz, Core 2 Duo, 3.5GB RAM, 15" Dell XPS M1530 laptop. This netbook obviously is slower than my 15" laptop! Sometimes scrolling large Amazon product sheets takes a bit of time, and sometimes I have to wait a bit while this netbook chugs away at some compute-intensive tasks. In general, though, I find the speed to be suitable for my casual work.
Playing audio and video through Windows Media Player was a pleasure, thanks to WMP's audio Enhancements (which are hard to find, sadly).
WINDOWS 7 STARTER EDITION:
Know what you're buying when you get this (or any other) netbook with Windows 7 Starter Edition. This edition of Windows has fewer features than even Home Basic, and much fewer than Home Premium or Professional editions of Windows 7. You *can*, however, use Microsoft's Anytime Upgrade to move from the Starter edition to a higher-level edition. It took me one day to decide to spend and extra $119 to upgrade from the Windows 7 Starter edition to Windows 7 Professional (upgrading to Home Premium costs $79). With the Starter edition, there is...Read more›

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HP Mini 210-2080NR 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue) Review

HP Mini 210-2080NR 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue)
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Although the first product ordered had to be returned (several letter keys did not function), amazon being excellent on returns as usual immediately sent out a replacement. The second one arrived and now seems to be in excellent working condition. The only drawback is the windows starter edition that it comes with but can be updated to windows premium for a small cost. Otherwise this is an excellent buy and would purchase again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP Mini 210-2080NR 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue)

Enjoy Web browsing and entertainment with an ultra-portable netbook. The HP Mini 210-2075NR has integrated Broadcom HD Decoder video graphics that let you stream high-definition videos without using a lot of power. Watch videos, view photos and edit documents on the 10.1-inch diagonal flush glass display. Type with ease using the island-style keyboard and get fast access to email, IM and social networking sites. Plus, use the integrated webcam and microphone on this HP netbook to video chat with family and friends across the globe. With a charcoal finish, the HP Mini 210-2075NR is a great choice for anyone. Transfer photos from a memory card to your netbook using the 5-in-1 digital media reader. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you browse the Web from any room and on the go without using cables. You can also store important files on the 250GB hard drive and connect this HP netbook to an MP3 player, digital camera or external optical drive easily using one of the USB ports.

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2/11/2012

Acer AS1551-4650 11.6-Inch Notebook Review

Acer AS1551-4650 11.6-Inch Notebook
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We have been using this netbook for just over a month now and we are very happy with our purchase. We had a Gateway before and it was good but it died on us so I did a tonne of research before we bought this one.
This one had everything we wanted; HDMI, dual processor, full Windows 7 etc. We think it works very fast, especially compared to our old laptop which we thought was pretty fast. The size of this one is perfect too. I wasn't keen on the 10.1 inch ones because I thought they were too small and our last one was a 15.6 inch which was a little too big to be portable.
We love the HDMI output, we hook it up to our TV to watch stuff from Hulu and Netflix. I also like how it seems to auto-adjust when you plug in the HDMI cable, we always had to fiddle with the settings on our Gateway to get it to display correctly on our TV. All in all I am glad we went with this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer AS1551-4650 11.6-Inch Notebook



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2/08/2012

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008HA-MU17-PI 10.1-Inch Pink Netbook - 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter) Review

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008HA-MU17-PI 10.1-Inch Pink Netbook - 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)
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I decided to purchase this one because it met and exceeded my requirements for a NETBOOK. The specs on this baby match up better than most. Great keyboard and mouse, keys feel great, wireless n, fast boot, upgradeable from 1GB to 2GB, user friendly ASUS Bios updater interface, Microsoft works, lightweight. You must understand first the context of my statement. I wanted a NETbook. Not a Laptop. I didnt want an "ultimate" or Professional" version of ANYTHING running on this NETbook. I wanted it to be lean and mean. I wanted a small, powerful, convenient AND FAST NETbook for casual surfing and email. If you wanted more, your in the wrong market. I didnt buy this to play games, edit, video, watch TV or DVD's, etc. Like I said I didn't want a Laptop. Windows Starter 32 bit is an excellent match for a NETbook. Think of Windows 7 Starter as just that, the place to start. I figured, if I NEED an "anytime upgrade" Ill get it. At this point, having had used it for a week, I'm not changing a thing. Less is more with a NETbook. Ill save upgrades for my LAPtop and DESKtop. From when I push the power button to my first opening click of Firefox = less than one minute. I removed some preloaded crapware, i.e. ASUS whistles and bells and some preloaded games. Added Norton Internet Security Netbook Edition, and bingo, the perfect NETbook.

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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
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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.

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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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