ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life) | 
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| Brand: Asus
Category: Personal Computer
This item is no longer available
Rating:  42 reviews
Sales Rank: 350
Color: Black
Media: Personal Computers
Operating System: Windows 7 Starter
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 1.66
CPU Type: Intel Atom N450
System Memory: 1
Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive Size: 250
Free Memory Slots: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.8
Dimensions (in): 10.3 x 7 x 1.4
MPN: 1005PE-PU27-BK
Model: 1005PE-PU27-BK
UPC: 884840587750
EAN: 0884840587750
ASIN: B003AM8OXK
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| Features:
| • | 1.66GHz Intel N450 Atom Processor (512KB L2 Cache) | | • | 1 GB DDR2 SODIMM memory, Max Capacity 2 GB | | • | 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) + 500GB Free Web Storage; Chiclet Keyboard | | • | 10.1-Inch Color-Shine 1024X600 WSVGA LCD Display; 802.11 b/g/n; 0.3MP Webcam | | • | Windows 7 Starter; High Capacity 6 Cell Battery; 14 Hours of Battery Life; Black Soft Touch Finish |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon Exclusive Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 - Soft-Touch Black Edition
The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 Seashell with Windows 7 Starter is 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 and high-density battery, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 14 hours of unplugged freedom.*
The special edition Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 is covered by a durable smudge-free LCD cover that's luxuriously soft and smooth to the touch. On the inside, it features the next generation Intel Atom N450 processor for extraordinary 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 with Microsoft 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-P 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 14 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
- Tactually soft and smooth midnight black cover for a classy and practical look (Learn more)
- 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)
- 1GB system memory (easily upgradable to 2GB)
- High speed Wi-Fi networking (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz) + Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 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  | Only ASUS has the innovative ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) that gives you ultimate control of your Eee PC 1005PE-P. With a hot key above the keyboard, you can instantly command the processor to run faster for more performance or conserve speed to prolong battery life. Matching it with the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, it provides even more battery life than ever before on any Eee PC.
Through its innovative design, the ASUS SHE utility combined with a high-density 6 cell battery, a power-saving display, and an energy-efficient Intel Atom N450 processor deliver up to 14 hours of battery life –the longest to ever be featured on an Eee PC. Imagine enjoying 14 hours flying from New York to Tokyo with your favorite movies and music on a single charge. Imagine 14 hours of wireless freedom and productivity all-day and night- from the bus ride to school, to the time your Eee PC tucks you in at night.
Never again will you scramble to find an outlet or wish you had brought a wall charger, the Eee PC 1005PE-P gives you a reassured peace of mind with mobile power to last nearly all day long. |
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 | Flawlessly smooth, the Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 Seashell draws its inspiration from the curvature of an ocean seashell. With the latest matte Soft-Touch black finish that is soft and smooth to the touch, the Amazon exclusive Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 is a pleasant tactile experience.
The new finish is also ultra-durable, made with a specialized manufacturing process that ensures it looks like new day after day.
The eye-catching Eee PC 1005PE-P is specially designed to be ultra compact so you can use it in the smallest areas with ease. Its portable size makes it perfect during long airplane trips, classroom desks, or boardroom meetings. |
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 | The Eee PC 1005PE-P Seashell comes with a 92-percent full-size chiclet keyboard with a spacious palm rest that’s ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and offer a more comfortable experience during prolonged use.
It also features a user-friendly multi-touch trackpad that helps you navigate documents and web pages. With a simple touch of your fingertips, you can effortlessly scroll up and down, and zoom in and out, so that every detail is brought front and center with ease. |
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 | The Eee PC 1005PE-P features the latest generation of LED-backlit technology for ultra-thin, ultra-bright, and energy-efficient portability and versatility. A brilliant 10.1-inch LED-backlit Color-shine display makes reading documents and surfing the Web comfortable and easy.
With a 1024 x 600 resolution screen, you can coast through most of your favorite web pages without having to resize your browser or scroll left and right. The 1005PE-P also features a brilliant Color-Shine glossy display technology normally found on high-end notebooks so your movies, games, and photos are displayed in true and vibrant colors.
But what good is a beautiful display when it is not flawless. ASUS offers the Eee PC 1005PE a 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. |
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 | The Eee PC 1005PE-P Seashell connects you to your wireless world with built-in 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity and Windows 7 Starter to deliver definitive wireless accessibility. Plus, its integrated Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR gives you the flexibility and convenience to sync your most commonly used Bluetooth devices.
A spring-loaded Plug-and-Play flash card slot (MMC/SD/SDHC) expands your storage capability so you can view and share your digital photos, videos, and external data files instantly.
A built-in 0.3 megapixel webcam and a digital microphone combine to give you clear video conferencing so you can have clear on-the-go video chats with family and friends. |
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 | The Eee PC 1005PE-P hard drive has been expanded to give you 250GB of storage capacity and comes with an additional 500GB of ASUS WebStorage, a free and secure database to store your treasured data.
ASUS WebStorage allows you to easily share and safeguard your movies, music, and files, so you can access them anywhere in the world that has an internet connection. Create and share additional user accounts that let you securely and safely share your precious stored files, videos, music and more, with friends and family. |
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 | The Eee PC 1005PE-P makes system reinstallation simple with a built-in recovery program that can restore your system to its original factory settings by simply pressing F9 three times during start-up.
Coupled with ASUS WebStorage, you can easily back-up your data prior to system recovery to pick up wherever you leave off without a hitch. |
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 | Explore the great new features of Windows 7 Starter with the Eee PC 1005PE-P. Featuring optimized energy-saving features and easy-to-use shortcuts, the Windows operating system is redesigned to give you an enhanced user experience making your everyday tasks simpler than ever before. Plus, Windows 7 has easy networking sharing that helps connect you instantly to Wi-Fi hotspots and networking hubs. Share more with friends and surf the Web better with Windows 7 and the Eee PC 1005PE-P.
Windows 7 Starter makes Eee 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. Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. |
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 | In 2007, the Eee PC forever reshaped the definition of mobile computing.
Birthed from the creativity and engineering brilliance of ASUS innovation, it soon became the must-have netbook across the globe. Following that year, the Eee PC brand grew into a full portfolio of highly sought-after mobile and compact PCs with one goal “to make people’s lives easier.”
The first netbook to market, ASUS has continued to lead this developing category with the longest battery life, exclusive features, and world-class design. Today, Eee products are the upmost symbol of how innovative technology can bring excitement and convenience to every person it touches. |
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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
Eee PC 1005PE-PU27 Seashell (Soft-Touch Black) Power Adapter ? User Manual Warranty Card
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) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR 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 14 hours high-density 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: Soft-Touch 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 finished palm-rest. Reflections in photos may vary. Color of the palm-rest 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. Check Out Other ASUS Notebook Computers and Accessories
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ASUS Eee PC Seashell Optical Mouse - Black
Its slim and sleek design makes the Eee PC Seashell Optical Mouse the perfect accessory for your Eee PC Seashell. | 
ASUS BX700 Bluetooth Laser Mouse
The ASUS BX700 Bluetooth laser mouse offers freedom of movement, as well as dong away with wire clutter with Eee PC 1005PE-P's built-in Bluetooth receiver. | 
ASUS Oxygen Blue 10-inch Netbook Carrying Bag
Made of extremely light, durable and protective Neoprene fabric, this official ASUS sleek Oxygen carrying bag is tailored to perfectly fit your Seashell Eee PC. | 
ASUS Slim External Optical Drive/DVD Writer
Create and read CDs or DVDs with speed, style, and simplicity with the ASUS Slim External Optical Drive and your Eee PC. | 
ASUS UL30A-X5 Thin and Light Laptop
Looking for great battery life and processing power? Check out the Amazon exclusive thin and light UL30A-X5 laptop. |
Product Description
The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005PE-PU27-BK is the ideal netbook for the traveler looking for outstanding battery life and wireless connectivity. Thanks to the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, a high-density 6-cell battery, and the next generation Intel Atom N450 processor, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 14 hours of unplugged freedom. Built-in wireless N technology allows for the latest in wireless connectivity with superior range and speed. The Eee PC 1005PE-PU27-BK features a Soft-Touch finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping your Eee PC looking good. The chiclet keyboard, large palm-rest, and multi-touch trackpad provide a comfortable platform for extended computing sessions. Hotkeys placed above the keyboard grant quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that optimizes system performance for the task at hand.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 37 more reviews...
Great Netbook March 25, 2010
Turtle James
282 out of 285 found this review helpful
This is the exact same netbook as the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life). The only difference is the cover, which is a matte black slightly rubbery material. There is a slight price premium, but I believe it is worth it as it attracts no finger prints and it appears it would scratch less. The inside, however is still the same glossy plastic as the other models.
Impressions So Far:
Very good tiny computer. Easy to use. Using the specs below, the following run fine: HULU 360p videos (slight stutter depending on computer load and connection speed), Open Office, 700~MB (avi) files, etc. High Def movie files 720p or greater stutter and can't be played. 480p Hulu videos will play, but it will be choppy. Computer stays cool. Contrast appears washed out if not viewed from a limited angle range. Keyboard and track pad are both very easy to use. 8.5 hours of battery under full load. It is an excellent netbook, but I gave it four stars because I feel the viewing angles could've been better and I wish the overclock setting on super performance mode was a little higher. You can overclock even more using third party software, and it will improve video playback, but it's a hassle. Don't expect the same processing power as a larger laptop or desktop and you will definitely not be disappointed.
Useful Information:
There are pages of reviews covering most of the technical aspects of this machine, so I will focus on what was the most difficult information for me to find on my own once I decided to purchase. I realize that many of you may not be technically savvy, so I will try to be detailed as possible.
What to Purchase
ASUS 1005PE-PU27 (Obviously)
Kingston ValueRAM 2 GB 800MHz DDR2 CL5 SODIMM Notebook Memory KVR800D2S5/2G (Optional)
SanDisk Extreme III 4 GB Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Card SDSDRX3-4096-A21 (Optional)
*Edit* A few people commented they had trouble using the previously recommended Transcend 4 GB Class 6 SDHC card for ReadyBoost.
Although I had no problems using this product for Ready Boost, I have changed the recommended card to the above. YMMV. Thank you.
What to Do Once You Receive
1) Insert battery. Charge for 8 hours. Most people say Li-Ion batteries do not require conditioning. This is probably true, but the manual explicitly states to do this. Conditioning means that you will charge the battery to capacity and run it empty a few times. At best this will give the maximum amount of battery charge over the life of the battery. At worst, you won't be able to play with your new netbook for 8 hours.
Running the battery to 0% once in a while will also help maintain the accuracy of the battery meter. Remember this computer will auto shut off once at about 10%. Turn it back on and use until 0%.
2) Once fully charged, turn the computer on and follow the instructions. It is very straight forward. Select language, time, etc. This will take a few minutes as it finishes installing everything. Be patient.
3) Once you get to your desktop you can proceed to remove bloatware. What is bloatware? The extra programs delivered with the computer that at best take up space, and at worst, slows down your computer. Go to the "start menu" (little windows icon on lower left) and select "control panel". Under "programs" click the link that says "uninstall a program". This will bring up a list of all the programs you have installed on your computer.
This is all optional and may be harmful to your computer if done incorrectly. Please proceed with caution. Highlight the program you would like to remove and click on the "uninstall/remove" button on the top bar. Click yes to any menu. Each uninstall will take a few minutes. I removed the Trend Micro Antivirus, anything that says Microsoft Office (like 6 items), and the Chicken game and game client. These are all trialware and not very good. I will tell you what to use instead later.
*Next Steps require internet connection*
4) Go to your Asus docking menu. It's the menu on the top of the screen. Go to "Eee Tools" (last one) and click. Choose Live Update. Update whatever files it tells you to (it was just Vibe for me).
5) Update your Bios. You would think it would be part of Asus Live Update but it's not. Go to your "start menu". Click on "All Programs". Click on the "Asus" folder. Choose the "AsusUpdate for Eee PC" folder and click on the "ASUSUpdate" icon. A gold and silver menu will appear. Choose update through internet and follow the directions. Choose the latest Bios version and update. Simple.
6) If you are upgrading your RAM do so at this point. There are a lot of people complaining about RAM upgrading issues. Follow these instructions and you will be ok. Purchase the RAM mentioned above. It works and Amazon sells it. Why do the Crucial ones have so many problems? It could be they are CL6 and you need a CL5. It could be the older BIOS. It could be a lot of other things. Just buy the Kingston 2GB 800MHZ DDR2 CL5. Why risk the headache? It ships free from Amazon and it's about the same price.
Restart your computer. As soon as it turns on, click on F2 a couple times. You will get into the "BIOS SETUP UTILITY". Use your arrow keys to go right until you reach the "Boot" menu. Press down until you reach "Boot Booster". Press enter. Choose "Disabled" and enter. Click right to "Exit" menu. Choose "Exit & Save Changes".
Turn off your computer.
Turn it over. Use a phillips head screw driver to unscrew the small rectangular cover on the bottom. Remove the cover. You will see the RAM module with two metal clips on each side. Make sure you have no static charge on your hands. Use your thumbs to gently push the clips outwards to the side. Use your other finger to gently lift the top of the module up towards you. It should pop up so the module is now at a 45 degree angle. Pull the module out carefully. Take the new 2GB module and insert it in the same angle making sure its fully in. Don't push too hard. Just make sure its in. Then gently push the module down flat. The clips will fall into place automatically. Replace cover and screw.
Turn on the computer and get into the "BIOS SETUP UTILITY" again pressing the F2 key. "Enable" Boot Booster using the same steps as above. Start the computer as usual. You are done. RAM recognized. No shutdown errors corded or battery. Yay.
7) ReadyBoost (Optional) - ReadyBoost is a nifty little feature on Windows Vista and 7 that let's you use a solid state device like flash drives or sd cards to cache data instead of using your hard drive. Basically it may make your computer faster. 4GB is the most you can allocate, so anymore than this and you will use the rest of the space as extra storage. The ASUS comes with a little slot for SDHC cards so that is what I used.
Insert the SDHC card. Click on the "Computer" icon on your desktop. Right click on the storage drive. Should be "Removable Disk E:". Choose "format". "FAT 32" "Quick Format" "Start".
Right click again on the "Removable Disk E:" and choose "Properties" (last one). You should see a series of tabs on the top. Choose "ReadyBoost" "Dedicate the device to ReadyBoost". "OK" Done.
If you ever want to not use the SD card for ReadyBoost, then go to the "ReadyBoost" tab and click on the "Do not use this device" option.
8. How to change your wallpaper. Windows 7 Starter doesn't let you. But it doesn't mean you can't. Go to your ASUS Docking Menu again. The one on top. Choose "Eee Tools" and then select "System Setting". It will bring you to a wallpaper options page. You can select one image or a slide show.
You don't have a "System Setting" option? Don't panic. Apparently some computers do not come with this function installed. Do not install third party wallpaper managers. I don't think I can post links, but here [...]. Run this and it will put the System Setting option in your dock. If the link didn't post, you can find it on the ASUS website. It's called SystemSetting_Setup-1_1_0_8.zip under Utilities. Enjoy!
9. What programs should you replace the Microsoft Office and Trend Micro Anti Virus with? I chose Open Office. It's free and it does everything MS Office does. Google it. For antivirus, Microsoft offers a free one that is actually very good. It's called Microsoft Security Essentials. You can search for it too.
Another free program I like to use is Picassa. It's a photo viewing and editing tool made by Google.
If you like to watch movies and such the following is really important. Search for and install K-Lite Codec Pack. It basically puts in all the various video codecs so you can play most video and audio files.
Finally, I installed Fire Fox as my default browser. I feel IE is very slow.
10. You can now run windows update and update everything you need to. If you still see MS Office updates, that means you didn't delete all the Office programs.
11. Finally, ASUS comes with the hard drive in two partitions. This means instead of having one 250GB hard drive you have one C: boot drive (100GB) and one partitioned D: drive (120~GB). If you're fine with this then ok. Leave it alone. If you want to make it into one drive read on.
The following may be dangerous. Don't do it if you don't want to risk reinstalling everything from disk.
DON'T USE any third party programs like Partition Wizard. Windows 7 has its own tool.
Go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "Administrative Tools" > "Create and format hard disk partitions"
Click on your "(D:)" drive and select the "X" (delete) on top. You now have one C: 100GB drive. Don't panic. *Make sure you don't have any data on D: first*
Click on your "(C:)" drive. Right click and choose "Extend Volume". It will bring you to another menu telling you the amount you can expand. Just press OK. You should now have one drive C: with 222.87GB.
12. OK that's it for now. I hope this helps any of you. If you find any mistakes or suggestions, I will edit. Thanks.
One last thing. Probably most of you know this, but just in case. The F keys have different functions such brightening or dimming your screen, controlling volume, etc. To use these you must press a Fn key in addition to the above. The Fn keys are located on either side of the keyboard.
 Who ever said bigger is better!? April 12, 2010
Fatymonk
27 out of 30 found this review helpful
After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to purchase this Netbook. This is even after highly considering the PU17 which as mentioned earlier comes with a recovery disk but not the nice matte soft touch exterior. The reason this specific model does not come with a recovery disk is because there is one-touch recovery built in which will restore the PC to its original state from files which are located on the hard drive. From my understanding, people better start getting used to this since it seems to be where every manufacturer is going. I also chose to install Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit instead of sticking with the Starter Edition (see ya later bloatware!!!) which runs very very well on only 1GB of RAM. I have the 2GB upgrade coming this week (just make sure you get a RAM with CL=5). The reason I didn't install 64-bit is because you can't use more than 2GB of memory and also because I didn't want to have any driver issues. In the end, it makes very little difference. So far it seems that Win7 Ultimate even runs better and smoother than the Starter version, mostly due to the removal of all the crapware that comes pre-installed.
Couple of things to note: I installed the new OS using a bootable flash drive due to the lack of a CD/DVD Rom Drive (You can make any basic flash drive bootable). Also, when I was installing the new OS, there were 4 partitions on the HDD. Two of the partitions were your basic space allocated to storing installed programs/data storage etc, however, there was also 10GB and 17MB partitions which from my understanding contain recovery files. To be safe, just leave these partitions alone.
All in all, I am very happy with this Netbook and am glad I purchased it.
P.S. - BOO to all the people giving negative reviews because of their own ignorance! Ex: The description clearly states that there is no Recovery DVD included in the box! Do your homework people!
P.P.S. - Google is your friend!
 May be a decent computer, but service is poor. July 1, 2010
David Wolf (U.S.)
22 out of 24 found this review helpful
A few days ago, I received this netbook, and was fairly impressed with it. At the beginning of my review, let me recommend the review by "Turtle James," which is currently the top review for this product. He includes much helpful information about the setup of this netbook, and I find his information to be quite flawless, though I'm not sure it is necessary to combine the partitions of the hard drive. The computer itself seemed to run well, and was not nearly as slow as some people make it out to be, but it is with regret that I must tell the tale of the defective charger, which turned the computer into an expensive paperweight.
I followed the instructions in the manual (which matches Turtle James's review well) regarding the charging of this netbook, and I think I would have discovered a quite long battery life as a result, if I would have kept it long enough to evaluate that part. However, I encountered a problem with a small defect that made the netbook unusable.
The charger, the AC adapter that plugs into the power outlet was unusual from the beginning. After the first charge, I noticed that the blue light that lights up on the charger would stay lit for a while after unplugging from any power source. Not having any experience with this particular adapter before, I was not sure if that was normal, and in fact am still not sure.
After going through two cycles of charging and depleting the battery, as instructed, I attempted to charge the netbook for the third time, and behold, the charger did not work at all. When this happens, one cannot charge the netbook, and therefore cannot use it until one obtains a new charger. Buying a new charger after only two charges is in my opinion ridiculous, and to be avoided on principle.
So, I set about to rectify the situation, first calling the manufacturer, ASUS (pronounced ay-soos' by the service personnel). After messing about for some time trying different things with the technician, it became apparent that the charger must be defective. They said I could begin the process for an RMA, if I like, and I did like that idea, until I got further into the details.
It came as a surprise to me that ASUS would require me to send the defective part back to them first, upon receipt of which, they would begin the process to send me a new part that functioned correctly. I was informed that the RMA process at that point would take 10 - 14 business days. I asked what shipping method would be used to send the new part to me, and was informed it would be Fed-Ex...Ground.
The entire process, therefore, would take about a month to get what was rightfully mine in the first place for having purchased the device, after which I would not be able to return the device.
So, I chose to return the device to Amazon instead, because I learned the valuable lesson of what it is like to deal with the ASUS service department. I cannot thank ASUS enough for clarifying to me what type of company I was dealing with when purchasing this magnificent piece of . . . gadgetry.
I also made the mistake of ordering RAM and a case for the netbook at the same time, accessories I have no further need of, so I returned those as well. We shall see if I get a complete refund or not (I did, as Amazon has integrity). This has also been a valuable lesson on the folly of purchasing accessories before being certain the main product is stable.
Well worth the money April 27, 2010
Dusty Roads (Virginia Beach, VA)
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
I just paid $340 for this netbook, and it was well worth the money. I bought it for my wife to use around the house, and to take with her to class. Once she got used to using the smaller 'laptop' she loves it. I did all the research I could and came down to the fact that this was the best buy. The build quality, features (including Bluetooth!), low heat output, and excellent battery life I've seen on it so far make me feel like I could've paid $400 for it.
The first thing I did was try a recovery using the hidden partition. You basically don't need any CD like the one review complained about. The recovery partition acts as your restore cd. The 3 step directions are in the short user manual on how to use it. I restored it to factory settings in about 15 minutes, just to try it out.
Next thing I did was clean up all the extra add-on softare. There's plenty to remove so try out everything first, then decide what you can remove to free up some resources.
Another intersting feature is the 'instant on' feature. It's like another power button, but boots right into a menu that will open a basic web browser and let you get on the internet, all without ever having to wait to boot into Windows. I could see her using it to quickly jump on and look up something.
Adding another 1GB of RAM would probably be nice, but she's not crunching anything intensive on this thing to make it worthwhile. If you're doing a lot of multi-tasking you probably want a beefier laptop anyway. Maybe down the road when the RAM is $20 we'll throw it in, but she's only doing one or two things at a time anyway.
I'm an IT professional and would recommend this over anything else right now to those looking for a netbook. You won't find anything else that compares at this price range.
Good value but be careful August 1, 2010
RockyMtnShamrock
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Purchased this computer for my wife before we travelled to europe so she could stay in touch with her 92 year old father thru Skype. It works fine except for the inevitable MS upgrades that you have to buy seperately. But that's the MS curse we are all familiar with.
Did decide and would strongly recommend the upgrade to 2GB RAM. Since I'm a clueless, wannabe techie I did figure out how to install the RAM. It's quite simple. However, getting MS Windows 7 to recognize it is another trick no one told me about. But I finally "fingered" it out.
I bought the Kingston 2GB upgrade from Amazon and the install went without a hitch. When I turned the netbook on and went into the properties of the computer it didn't recognize the new RAM and only showed the original 1GB. Finally found some online help that talked about accessing BIOS on startup, which I did. But then what do you do? Finally discovered that once BIOS accessed (through F2 key at start up) just had to F10 and save changes. Now the RAM is recognized by MS Windows 7.
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