Netbook...

[Nantosh]

So I need to by a netbook for School.
I have two questions.

a) Is the Asus Eee PC 1005HA-P any good?

Spoiler!

Product Features
Up to 10.5 Hours of Battery Life and Free Sleeve Case Included
Intel Atom N280 Processor 1.66GHz
1GB DDR2 RAM, 1 x SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) and 10GB Free Eee Storage
Windows XP Home Operating System, 10.1-inch WSVGA 1024x600 LCD Display
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280
System Bus Speed: 667
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 1000 MB
RAM Type: SODIMM
Special Features
Display Type: LED backlight
Display Type: WSVGA
Screen Size: 10.1"
Maximum Resolution: 1024 x 600
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Size: 1GB
Capacity: 10GB
Capacity: 160GB
HDD/SSD Drives Included: 1x 160GB
HDD/SSD Drives Included: 10GB (Eee Storage)
Drive Types: Hard Drive
Lifestyle: Netbooks
Condition: New
Operating Systems: Windows XP Home
Startup Operating System: Windows® XP Home
Platform: Netbook
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Class: Atom
Processor Type: Single-Core
Processor Speed: 1.66GHz
Hard Drive
Size: 160 GB
Manufacturer: Portable
Type: Serial ATA
Cases and Expandability
Size (LWH): 10.31 inches, 7.01 inches, 1.02 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Power
Rated Charge (normal use): 10.5 hours

The biggest draws for me would be the 10.5H batter life (usually people get 8.5~9H), aesthetics and 92% keyboard.

b) What do you think is the best netbook on the market or coming, and what can you say about any you own(ed)?

[Draquish]

My sis got the Asus...

Could be her own fault, but: The Charger stopped working within a week. And also, the keys started getting stuck. Hopefully your luck will be different.

[Nantosh]

My sis got the Asus...

Could be her own fault, but: The Charger stopped working within a week. And also, the keys started getting stuck. Hopefully your luck will be different.

Did the warranty cover it? Some Amazon reviews said the same thing about the charger, so I wouldn't think it was her fault.

[Da_Realest]

Variations of Asus' Eee PC are the best netbooks on the market. Good choice.

I'll be buying a model similar to yours soon.

[Nantosh]

Variations of Asus' Eee PC are the best netbooks on the market. Good choice.

I'll be buying a model similar to yours soon.

Can I ask which one?
I'm rather ignorant on news and value of netbooks, and don't want to make a mistake because I bought too early or chose poorly. Do you mean the 1008?

[Draquish]

Yes, the warranty DID cover it.

[Da_Realest]

Variations of Asus' Eee PC are the best netbooks on the market. Good choice.

I'll be buying a model similar to yours soon.

Can I ask which one?
I'm rather ignorant on news and value of netbooks, and don't want to make a mistake because I bought too early or chose poorly. Do you mean the 1008?

I'm not sure if I will buy the 1005HA or the 1008HA.

The 1008HA cost more but it is not as heavy and looks better than the 1005HA. However, it does not have a long battery life(only 7.5 I think), no VGA port, and the battery is not removable.

There is suppose to be a new Atom type of processor releasing later this year from Intel so I suggest you wait until next year if you're thinking of buying the 1005HA as a long term investment. If you really need one this year, there is no netbook under 500 USD that is overrall better than the 1005HA.

I will probably end up going with the 1005HA or waiting until next year.

[cpinney]

my friend just bought one and brought it to my house yesterday, its very nice, perfect for what i need in college so i am going to get one as well. altho my friends had a smaller battery, it still runs nice it could even play age of empires 3 lol.

[Deadsolid]

Def get the 1005 or 1008. The seashell is so very sexy. I would, however, advise against a netbook for college (if thats the kinda school you are talking about) unless you have a solid desktop to do your main work on.

Netbooks are nice but underpowered.

Check engadget for these reviews.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/asus ... w-roundup/

Check with HP and Dell. Thats who I would go to if I didnt get the Seashell. (On second thought...I really dont care if they have better machines, I would settle for a Eee Pc, seashell, of course)

[cpinney]

yeah i have a very solid desktop im bringing with me, i want it mostly for taking notes in class and so i can do work in groups around the college. deff worth the money imo.

[Nantosh]

Well, what I need would be...

- Essay friendly keyboard
- Runs for a day on battery
- Handles Google Docs
- Plays 720p MKV files smoothly
- Google Chrome
- Small
- Sturdy
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Windows 7

From the research I've done, it can do all these things with an upgrade ($20) to 2gb RAM. Anyone think it isn't capable of something here?

[Deadsolid]

Well, what I need would be...

- Essay friendly keyboard
- Runs for a day on battery
- Handles Google Docs
- Plays 720p MKV files smoothly
- Google Chrome
- Small
- Sturdy
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Windows 7

From the research I've done, it can do all these things with an upgrade ($20) to 2gb RAM. Anyone think it isn't capable of something here?

No can do sir, The screen is 1024 x 600 pixels. I dont know of any netbook with a 720p capable screen other than the $500 Sony W (or is it M? idk). Like I said, netbook isnt really the way to go unless you have a decent desktop with you. Sorry.

[Da_Realest]

The 1000HE, 1005HA, and 1008HA are capable of 720p playback smoothly. I'm not 100% sure if it will playback the MKV or H.264 containers back smoothly though.

[Nantosh]

Well, what I need would be...

- Essay friendly keyboard
- Runs for a day on battery
- Handles Google Docs
- Plays 720p MKV files smoothly
- Google Chrome
- Small
- Sturdy
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Windows 7

From the research I've done, it can do all these things with an upgrade ($20) to 2gb RAM. Anyone think it isn't capable of something here?

No can do sir, The screen is 1024 x 600 pixels. I dont know of any netbook with a 720p capable screen other than the $500 Sony W (or is it M? idk). Like I said, netbook isnt really the way to go unless you have a decent desktop with you. Sorry.

Well no sh//t it doesn't have the screen size, but it can run HD videos. Not stream them, but I don't stream HD videos anyways, so it doesn't really matter. All I care about are the shows I download.

Proof @ 1:35
Code: Select all

[Deadsolid]

When you say play 720p movies i assume you mean view movies in 720p. Idk anyone who feels content with watching them in lower resolution. Of course, you can always buy a monitor to hook it up to but that begs the question why dont you just spend the extra money on a laptop (doesnt have to be a monstrosity, at least 13 inch) with a real screen. I'm just trying to help dude, dont get offended.

[Nantosh]

When you say play 720p movies i assume you mean view movies in 720p. Idk anyone who feels content with watching them in lower resolution. Of course, you can always buy a monitor to hook it up to but that begs the question why dont you just spend the extra money on a laptop (doesnt have to be a monstrosity, at least 13 inch) with a real screen. I'm just trying to help dude, dont get offended.

Nah nah, didn't mean to be harsh.
No, I'm good watching vids on a 10.1, it was more the quality of the video that disconcerted me. I do actually have an external 19" anyways, so yah.

But anyways, what I'm getting from this thread is that this is one of the best (if not the best) netbooks on the market currently. And with an all said and done cost of $450 CAD, it's within budget. I'll probably wait for any Sept, Back to School sales, before purchasing.

Thanks guyz.

[.AWAKE.]

MSI Wind u100 , u120