Criteria
Comments
Rating
- Speed and features No comments
- Design and form factor No comments
- Battery life No comments
- Display No comments
- Durability No comments
- Expandability No comments
- Noise No comments
- Portability (size / weight) No comments
Detailed review
Pros
-Screen is outstanding; LED Backlight is bright but efficient.
-Keyboard is a fine size even for those with medium sized hands.
-Performance is the best of any netbook I've used.
-Comes pre-partitioned with two equal partitions so you can install a second OS.
-The battery works AS ADVERTISED with anywhere from 9.5-11 hours of battery life.
-Build quality is superior to other netbooks I've tested, especially those from Dell or HP. It feels extremely solid and well built while still weighing in at just 1.27 kg.
Cons
-A bit fat for a netbook due to the large and rather heavy battery.
-Touchpad is very love/hate. I like the raised bumps just as well as any other touchpad, but I've had at least 3 co-workers say it was rubbish.
-Wireless is a little less than optimal, sometimes speed or range is very poor.
-I am surprised that a machine with such high performance specifications has only 1 GB of RAM standard. This machine MUST be upgraded to 2 GB to properly enjoy the benefits of the machine. I was able to upgrade to 2 GB for about $25.
-As mentioned by just about every other reviewer, this machine is a fingerprint magnet. Anyone with an iPhone or other similar device should be used to this by now- the shiny plastics look pretty for new buyers and draw in customers based on visual appeal. This is a rather small quibble for me, I really don't mind it much.
Other Thoughts
I work for the Department of IT at my University and I have tested at least 10 different makes and models of netbook. I've used models from most of the big names including Dell, HP, Acer, and Samsung. I have been impressed with ASUS overall as a brand, but their 1005HA in particular really blew me away. As soon as I got my hands on the 1005HA, I decided I needed one for myself.
I currently use Windows XP, Ubuntu 9.10, and Windows 7 RC on three separate partitions. Each OS works excellently for nearly everything I've tried to do. Very high quality video works poorly as javascript:void(0);well as any professional type of application like photo or video editors.
The most important thing about this Netbook is that the battery truly lasts for anywhere from 9-11 hours on a charge, making it extremely valuable for users that need a long lasting battery. For me, I work in an Immunology lab with nowhere to plug in to AC power, and to have a machine that works for a complete 6 hour shift while recording data is a dream come true. I highly recommend this netbook.
-Screen is outstanding; LED Backlight is bright but efficient.
-Keyboard is a fine size even for those with medium sized hands.
-Performance is the best of any netbook I've used.
-Comes pre-partitioned with two equal partitions so you can install a second OS.
-The battery works AS ADVERTISED with anywhere from 9.5-11 hours of battery life.
-Build quality is superior to other netbooks I've tested, especially those from Dell or HP. It feels extremely solid and well built while still weighing in at just 1.27 kg.
Cons
-A bit fat for a netbook due to the large and rather heavy battery.
-Touchpad is very love/hate. I like the raised bumps just as well as any other touchpad, but I've had at least 3 co-workers say it was rubbish.
-Wireless is a little less than optimal, sometimes speed or range is very poor.
-I am surprised that a machine with such high performance specifications has only 1 GB of RAM standard. This machine MUST be upgraded to 2 GB to properly enjoy the benefits of the machine. I was able to upgrade to 2 GB for about $25.
-As mentioned by just about every other reviewer, this machine is a fingerprint magnet. Anyone with an iPhone or other similar device should be used to this by now- the shiny plastics look pretty for new buyers and draw in customers based on visual appeal. This is a rather small quibble for me, I really don't mind it much.
Other Thoughts
I work for the Department of IT at my University and I have tested at least 10 different makes and models of netbook. I've used models from most of the big names including Dell, HP, Acer, and Samsung. I have been impressed with ASUS overall as a brand, but their 1005HA in particular really blew me away. As soon as I got my hands on the 1005HA, I decided I needed one for myself.
I currently use Windows XP, Ubuntu 9.10, and Windows 7 RC on three separate partitions. Each OS works excellently for nearly everything I've tried to do. Very high quality video works poorly as javascript:void(0);well as any professional type of application like photo or video editors.
The most important thing about this Netbook is that the battery truly lasts for anywhere from 9-11 hours on a charge, making it extremely valuable for users that need a long lasting battery. For me, I work in an Immunology lab with nowhere to plug in to AC power, and to have a machine that works for a complete 6 hour shift while recording data is a dream come true. I highly recommend this netbook.
good review!
3 people find this review helpful