Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I tend to think of myself as very methodical when it comes to electronics purchases, and my netbook purchase was no exception. I wanted great construction, performance, battery life, and value. That's a lot to ask for anything. But here is why I picked the 1005PE-MU17. For reference, here are the other considerations that I had in mind before I settled on the 1005PE-MU17.
1) Asus 1005PE-PU17 ($372)
2) HP 5102 ($400+)
3) Toshiba NB305-410 ($400)
Construction:
I'll admit it, the HP 5102 and Toshiba NB305 are better constructed. The 1005PE-PU17 has the same construction as this one. However, that doesn't mean this netbook's construction is poor in any sense. It feels solid throughout, the screen isn't flimsy, and the keystrokes are crisp. I don't really have a problem typing on the keyboard, but the right shift key will take some time to get used to (not that I use it that often anyway). It is light, and the screen is beautiful for its size. At full power, the graphics on screen are very crisp, I always love gloss screens, because they play videos and so much better. A BIG part of the reason I went with the 1005PE-MU17 over the 1005PE-PU17 is the color choice. The 1005PE-PU17 has only gloss black and gloss blue finishes. I saw these netbooks with dirty fingerprints at the store, and it really takes a lot away from your netbook. By trying to get those fingerprints off, you get more on, and it's really just an endless uphill battle. You can't win. This was enough to warrant me from getting the 1005PE-PU17 series. Luckily, the 1005PE-MU17's 11 hour battery life (as opposed to the 14 hour battery life in the 1005PE-PU17) suits me, and I can live without the bluetooth that the PU17 series adds. The gloss white finish is beautiful, and you can't notice fingerprints on any of the white parts. It's also very attractive, giving off kind of an ipod-esque feel. Get the gloss white, you'll be happy you did.
Performance:
It's great. In all test reviews I read (a lot) the 1005PE series beats out the Toshiba and the HP series netbooks. All were equipped with the new N450 Atoms. While only very marginally, real performance gains are to be had. An attractive feature however, is the Asus ExpressGate. It boots up almost instantly into this mini OS and from there you can chat or surf the web. It's simple and easy. Mouse controls feel slightly different in this Expressgate configuration, but you get used to it. Also, reviews indicated that the HP 5102 tended to get a bit hot and the fan made audible noise in quiet rooms. This is great for libraries, and the fan goes, but you really can't hear it. I've found no hot spots either. So it performs better and runs cool? Yes it does, and extremely well.
Battery Life:
One of the biggest points of owning a netbook is battery life. You want a small computer you can use everywhere, but you shouldn't have to carry a charger everywhere you go. Can you imagine if you needed to carry around your battery charger everywhere you went with your cell phone? No, and it's great that for this netbook, you don't have to. A full charge, under reasonable conditions (not a fully lit screen or super high performance mode) should last you all day. No need to visit an outlet or hunt for one in a crowded coffee shop. Whether it's school or work or simply going to Starbucks for the day to read, you can stay connected without having to lug around the charger. That is one of the biggest benefits of the new N450 Atom processor. You can look forward to nearly 11 hours. I could have gotten the 1005PE-PU17 with the 14 hour battery, which is great in itself, but I knew the fingerprints would have driven me crazy. With the 1005PE-MU17 and its 11 hour battery life, it is nearly as good, but you don't have to be committed into an insane asylum after constantly fighting off the fingerprint smudges. And if anyone wants to know, the charger is tiny anyway, nothing near what my full size notebook needs. So even if you do have to carry it, you can throw it into your purse or backpack and its minimal anyway. Big plus!
Value:
At around $320-$330, this netbook is a steal for this value. While the other netbooks have slightly better construction materials, they don't really beat this one in performance (other than the 1005PE-PU17, but like I said....FINGERPRINTS). This is the core netbook that all netbooks on the market try to beat. And everyone knows it. Asus is still king of the netbook market bar none.
Final Thoughts:
I really wanted the 1005PE-PU17 because it had even better battery life and the extra bluetooth , but I couldn't find anything but that fingerprint attracting gloss black and gloss blue in the US. Those colors are not designed for function, they're designed for PR photos. It looks attractive and all when it's new and untouched, but in actual execution it's not so great. Go check any of the gloss options at retail stores, you'll see what I mean. I don't know who decides on the colors, but there needs to be more options other than that. I wish I wish I wish. But, the 1005PE-MU17 stepped it up with its beautiful gloss white finish, excellent performance, and great battery life. I know there's people out there who are in the same dilemma about the fingerprints, and this netbook is your answer. Get it and be merry.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-MU17-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 11 Hours of Battery Life)Eee PC 1005PE-M The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005PE-M Seashell with Windows 7 Starter shines as the ideal Eee PC for the traveler looking for outstanding wireless connectivity and efficient Eee PC performance. Thanks to ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 11 hours of unplugged freedom.* The Eee PC 1005PE-M is encased in a smooth pearlescent shell that captivates onlookers and features the next generation Intel Atom N450 processor for outstanding battery life. Plus, it gives you extended comfort with a chiclet keyboard, large palm-rest, and multi-touch trackpad. For more convenience, the Eee PC 1005PE 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 250GB hard drive with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage** and you get the ability to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. ASUS worked closely to make your Windows 7 experience better with groundbreaking utilities such as FastBoot and LocalMe. With ASUS FastBoot technology, this Windows 7-enabled Eee PC starts up fast so you wait less and do more. LocalMe is a GPS-like application that when connected to the internet provides easy access to local areas and gets you where you want to be. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005PE-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
750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage** (Learn more)
10.1-inch LED-backlit Color-shine display uses less energy for longer use (Learn more)
92-percent full-size chiclet keyboard for a comfortable and precise typing experience (Learn more)
Multi-touch trackpad for intuitive and quick control (Learn more)
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
1GB system memory (easily upgradable to 2GB)
High speed Wi-Fi networking (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz) for wire-free mobility (Learn more)
Windows 7 Starter for the most reliable and simplest Windows operating system to date (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
Learn More
Get up to an Amazing 11 Hours of Battery Life
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Strikingly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity
Even More Storage
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
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 1005PE-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 (1024 x 600) with Color Shine glossy finish
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N450
Wireless Data Network: 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
Memory: 1GB (upgradeable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage
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 * 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. Note: This Eee PC features a glossy finish chassis. Reflections in photos may vary. Color of the chassis is single-toned. 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.
Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-MU17-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 11 Hours of Battery Life)
