For my needs, this baby is the perfect solution. My workplace uses a PC network. At home, I use a Macbook. I wanted a mobile workstation at work that I could bring home and finish tasks, etc.
First, my overall impressions.
After being used to the Macbook this machine seemed a bit thick. The battery sits under the LCD screen and makes the back side thicker and creates an wedge shaped effect. However, upon using the computer I found this creates a very ergonomic angle and I can work comfortably for hours! It slides easily into my briefcase, the extra 3.2 lbs is noticeable, but not bad. The fine ebony finish is nice, but any touch creates a fingerprint/smudge. The cloth included in the box does wipe them away pretty easily. I would have preferred the smooth aluminum that I am used to in the Macbook, but oh well... I could buy 5 of these for 1 Macbook, so I think I can deal with it!
On to specifics
The screen is very bright with vivid colors, much better than I expected. I watched a Netflix instant movie, it was a bit grainy, but I am pretty sure it was due to a slow internet connection. Pictures are vivid and clear. There is very little glare off this screen, which I LOVE. I find the 10" size to be quite adequate for internet and word processing, a bit small for spreadsheets. If you want a smaller unit, the 904h would probably be good, but the extra real estate to me was worth the extra $45.
The mousepad/right/left click. The finger tracking is precise and smooth, but it does not smoothly scroll (internet) with the two-fingered drag like I am accustomed to with my Macbook; but overall it is fine. There seems to be some misunderstanding on how the right/left click works. First, I do all my single clicks and double clicks on the mousepad and it works great! To use the right/left click you need to press on the bevel and it is a firm click but quite easy. I use my thumb for this. I think if it was any easier you would have a lot of unintended clicks just by resting your hand there. So I think this is a design strength, not a liability.
The keyboard; I was worried that the small keyboard would be hard to type on. Boy was I wrong! I actually type faster and with greater accuracy than I do on a full sized keyboard. The only flaw here is the right shift key. It should be where the page up arrow key is. So I employed a fix found on the 8.9" 904h EEe review. I downloaded Windows framework 3.5 and Sharpkeys 2.1. Install Framework first, then Sharpkeys. Then you simply run Sharpkeys and re-assign the two keys. You can physically change the keys by prying them up from the LEFT edge until they pop off, then just push them in place and you are good to go.
The overall speed is quite a bit better than expected. I did install the 2GB ram upgrade (buy this separately, Kingston, on Amazon for $22) , and so far haven't noticed much difference other than app's opening more quickly. It can't keep up with the Macbook (core 2 duo), but man, it amazes me how much computer I just got for the money. I haven't yet installed Quickbooks Pro, so I may update this later...
The hard drive partition irked me. So I followed the advice from the aforementioned 904h review and downloaded eeasus partition manager. I didn't completely delete the D partition, but I reduced it to 20 Gb.
Battery life. I am always using wifi. With my screen brightness at about 25% (and very adequate) I am getting 4.5 hrs. Not too bad, but not the 7hrs advertised.
Lack of cd/dvd rom. No problem. I simply share the drive on a network computer at work and can load any programs/data/movies/music from that machine. Yes, a bit slower, but it was one less accessory I had to buy.
I am 100% satisfied so far, after 10 days of use. I will add updates if necessary, but give this puppy 5 stars so far.
Get more detail about ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB E-Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony.
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