Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)=================================
October 28 (most recent update June 23, 2010 below)
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I received the ASUS EEE PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook two days ago. My initial impression is that this is a great computer. Below are more specific comments.
1) OS: Windows Starter
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Runs really well without any problems. I think another 1GB of RAM would make it faster, but I can easily live without it for my main purpose of taking research notes, writing papers, and using the Internet.
I have not had a chance to try out all of my software yet, but Windows Office 2007, bLADE Wiki, Chrome, and other programs I frequently use work just fine. Windows 7 Starter does run more than three applications. I have four open now.
Thankfully, I had no difficulty enabling language support (IME) for Japanese and Chinese. In general, I have also found some things a little more intuitive than XP or Vista. At this point, I see absolutely no reason to buy an upgrade.
The inability to change your desktop image is a mean-spirited marketing decision that I hope Microsoft will reconsider. Not only that, but the wallpaper makes it look like you have a crack or dust on your screen. You can get around this and speed up your computer a little bit in the process. In your start menu right-click on computer, select properties, advanced system settings, performance, and "Adjust for best performance." Your background will be solid blue.
2) Screen
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Surprisingly crisp and clear. Yes, it is small, but so is the computer :)
3) Keyboard
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I have no trouble at all typing on it. Some owners of past Asus models have complained about a warped space bar. Indeed, the space bar is slightly elevated on the left side. However, I believe this was intentional. When you press the function key with the blue "running man" mark on the left it switches power settings (see comments below for an update on the keyboard).
4) Battery
------------------------------
I am not sure yet how to get the advertised 10.5, but I am easily getting 9+ hours out of it on the power saver mode. It is incredible. The power adapter is quite small and seems to charge it up very quickly.
5) Sturdiness / Quality
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The computer feels surprisingly solid and less flimsy than more expensive computers I have bought in the past. It is not the most elegant computer out there, but it seems well-built. It has a wonderful lack of annoying lights. The only one remaining is the power light in the upper right. The blue LED is annoying (as it is on most computers made nowadays), but much less of a problem than others out there. If computer manufacturers would put the power light back on the bottom right under my hand with the rest of the lights I would be grateful.
6) Partitions
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My memory was partitioned into a C and D drive. There are good reasons to have a partition, but personally I prefer none. It is relatively easy to change the partition.
7) Bloatware
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One or two programs (as far as I can tell) that I was able to quickly remove. Nothing at all like my last computer that had over a dozen.
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November 5, 2009 UPDATE
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It is a fabulous computer and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again if I had the chance. At this size (10.1 inch) and with these specs (battery life, memory, etc.) it seems to be the best computer on the market. I still give it 5 stars.
However, I have had concerns with the keyboard. Be sure to inspect it thoroughly when it arrives. I ordered the same model for someone else and it arrived with what looked like melted keys next to the spacebar. We sent it back to Amazon for a replacement and the new one that arrived is just fine.
My "w" key was sticking the other day. I sprayed some compressed air under it and it started working again. I never eat or drink near the computer, so I cannot imagine what it was. That is the first time I have had something like that happen on any computer. It has been about a week since that happened and has been working fine.
After looking at last year's models in the store, I can see that my "warped" space key was probably not intentional. It doesn't hit the screen and is barely noticeable, so I have not shipped it back for a replacement. I remain pleased with the product overall, but I think they really need to work on quality control for their keyboards.
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November 17, 2009 UPDATE
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I remain extremely pleased with the product. I just wanted to write another update here to encourage potential buyers to make sure that the reviews on Amazon for this product are written by people who have actually purchased and/or used THIS product. Those who owned the previous model have had power supply, battery, and keyboard issues. I encourage you to read reviews of earlier models to learn more (I did before making this purchase), and I appreciate that people are willing to share their experiences, but it seems unfair to the company and misleading to consumers when reviews are posted here for another product (no matter what the apparent similarities are).
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December 12, 2009 UPDATE
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I've had the computer for about two months now and I would still give it five stars. The battery indicator tells me I have 10 to 11 hours after a full charge, but I have never had that many hours of straight use to actually test it. All I can say for sure is that I am very happy with the battery life.
Windows 7 Starter is great. It hasn't crashed once since I purchased the computer. I always liked XP (disliked 98 and Vista), but given time I might end up liking this OS even more. It seems pretty snappy, even with just 1GB RAM.
The trackpad has raised bumps and seems to work best with a delicate touch. It's OK, but personally I prefer smooth surfaces. If any ASUS engineers are reading this, I recommend a trackpad like the one on the Panasonic Lets Note R8 CF-R8WWLAJP.
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June 23, 2010 UPDATE
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COMPUTER EXTERIOR AND ACCESSORIES:
Keyboard, display, and everything else is in perfect shape. Power cord is fine and absolutely no issues with it (previous models apparently had an issue with the power).
BATTERY:
As expected, battery performance has dropped over time. This is NOT an issue unique to this product, but a problem with any battery in any computer. I have used it every day since I bought it and I estimate I get about 7 hours after a charge in the power saving mode. This is still fabulous, and about 6 hours more than what my previous laptop was getting, so I am pleased.
RAM:
I ended up installing extra RAM. I don't know for sure if it got faster, because I changed how I use the computer. I decided to stop using my desktop completely, so I have been using memory hogs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and so forth. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend getting it no matter what you are doing.
OS:
I believe this is a Windows Starter issue, but my operating system slowed down considerably over time. A couple of weeks ago I backed up everything and re-installed the OS. Now it runs snappy again. I have had to re-install Windows operating systems regularly in the past for other computers, so I would say this is no big deal. It is a relatively painless procedure with the Asus. I plan to do it about every 6 months.
COMPARABLE PRODUCTS:
There is a newer version of this with longer battery life and a different keyboard. I would recommend giving the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life) a try. Asus still seems to be the best small computer manufacturer around.
If I were deciding between this and an ipad (assuming I couldn't get both!) I would choose this one. I've played around with the iPad in stores, but as a machine for getting work done, it does not even come close to having the features I need. It's an exciting technology, but would be just a toy for me in its current state.
BOTTOM LINE:
I may be done with desktop computers after owning this netbook. I originally had a desktop for home and the netbook for outside the house, but not anymore. I sold the monitor, and the desktop is now hooked up to the TV for streaming video. Asus has made a convert out of me.
Sometimes I carry the Asus alone with me when I go out (I am still amazed by how lightweight it is!), and other times I bring a riser to lift the computer up to about the same level as a monitor would be (Logitech Notebook Riser (N110)), a bluetooth mouse (Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows), and a bluetooth keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)). All of this is portable (fits in my backpack), so I can have a pleasant work environment no matter where I go.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black)

The Best has just gotten better! - Mobility has Evolved with the Eee PC 1005HA-P. The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell, with Windows 7 Starter Edition and enhanced storage, shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking to have it all. It is encased in a smooth pearlescent shell to captivate any onlookers or passers-by.But the Eee PC 1005HA isn't just looks; inside it features a higher-capacity storage than its predecessors. Plus, it offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92-percent scaled keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient instant keys – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE). Take the Eee PC 1005HA wherever you choose with all-day battery life and enjoy the brilliant clarity of its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display for comfortable computing for hours on end. And its generous 250GB HDD with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage** enables you to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-P provides multi-tasking performance and superior portability, liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.


Key Features

10.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Incredibly spacious 750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**)
10.1-inch LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024 x 600)
92-percent full-size keyboard for comfortable typing
Multi-touch trackpad for effortless control
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
SRS surround sound for premium audio
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
0.3MP webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Windows 7 Starter for a more intuitive and reliable interface
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation
1 year global warranty
30-day Flawless Display Guarantee

Learn More
Inspired by Nature, Innovatively Crafted
Battery and Performance Boosting Features You'll Only Get with Eee PC
Even More Storage
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity to Nationwide Hotspots
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
Warranty
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 technical support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell (Black)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in 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: 10.5 hours* Li-Ion battery †
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Black *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **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. 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 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black)

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ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-EU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 4 Hour Battery Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)All in all, the 10005ha is probably the best all around netbook you can buy. While the toshiba and the samsung have better keyboards, and the toshiba has a better mouse...the samsungs speakers are much improved...each oft hose has major flaws (toshibas battery sticks out of the case and their speaker is on the BOTTOM...Samsung used a glossy screen that reflects direct light and becomes unwatchable unless shaded! Plus its a 270 prcoessor not a 280, and no BT).
If you want the biggest and baddest power netbook out there, the asus is it.

Just not THIS one. There are various flavors, all called 1005HA. You really WANT the bigger one. You get BluteTooth, you get a 10.5 hour battery instead of this measly 3 cell 4 hour thing, and you also get a real camera (1.3mp, good enough for skype chatting at decent level...the 0.3 that this stripped down model comes with I wouldnt OWN! Thats designed output resolution size smaller than a PDA screen!!! Cellphones have better cameras!)
Yes, I strongly recommend the asus...they make a good machine. Anything with an N270 or 280 really isnt half bad. Unfortunately newer netbookz will all start getting the cheaper slower Z processors...thank you for that INTEL....so if you are planning to do MORE Than email or chat...wanna run some programs...or god forbid MULTITASK, the newer 12 inch netbooks will all be SLOWER! The few already available all have Z processors, and all the future ones are scheduled to. Its a chip thing. Plus the N's like the 1005ha are ridiculously power efficient...hence the longer battery lyfe.

But a 1005 (or a 1008, less battery, but prettier with covered side ports...if that matters to you)
You cant go wrong with a toshiba either. I liked mine, the keyboard was great, so was the mousepad...samsung also...but you try all 3, and you realizee mostly identical after practice....but the asus has better performance in all the unfelt but measurables. longer battery, beter performance (slightly) bluetooth, Wireless N, its the one. At least for the moment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-EU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 4 Hour Battery Life

Go anywhere in style with the Eee PC 1005HA-E.Weighing less than 2.5lbs, the 1005HA-E is the perfect on-the-go companion.With built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, a .3MP webcam and Digital Array Mic, you can stay connected with friends wherever you go.The 1005HA-E's 92%-scaled ergonomic keyboard and Multi-Touch touchpad make it a breeze to type and navigate through content. And a brilliant 10.1 inch matte LCD display makes viewing documents and multimedia content more comfortable than ever.With its sleek curves and smooth lines, the Eee PC 1005HA-E offers superior style without sacrificing performance or mobility.

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Acer Aspire One AOD150-1577 10.1-Inch Diamond Black Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered my Acer Aspire One 10.1 Netbook (AOD150-1165) on Feb 28, 2009 from Amazon. Item shipped on March 2nd and arrived on March 14.
When I ordered only Sapphire Blue color was available but I am happy with Sapphire Blue. It looks very attractive. I would normally order either white or black model but I am glad they were not available :) The only thing I can complain is that it easily gets finger marks so I try not to touch the shiny surfaces.
When you unpack the box and hold it on your hand, you will realise how light this is (especially if you have been lugging a 17" laptop) This is very transportable and ideal for those small airplane tray tables (or your lap)
The 1.6Ghz N270 Intel Atom processor is a single core processor but it is pretty snappy and certainly more than enough for most office type usage. The Netbook ships with Windows XP Home w/SP3 installed instead of Vista so to me it feels as responsive as (or better than) a Core 2 Duo based laptop running Vista.
The unit is rather quiet. The fan or hard disk noise is minimal. The fan does not kick in often during normal use. It might be more active with some heavy CPU/HD activity tasks.
The screen is 1024x600 CrystalBright (shiny) type LCD but very comfortable to read under various light conditions. There is an integrated 0.3M megapixel (640x480) webcam and microphone embedded in the screen frame. Ideal to use a video phone/conferencing software like Skype, etc. BTW, to gain some vertical space on desktop, you might want to set Windows XP taskbar to auto-hide and pop-up when you move the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The keyboard is actually pretty well designed. Unlike some models from competitors, the shift, control, alt, tab, enter, backspace keys are all in the right places. Initially, I found the keys a bit small but after a few days of use, you get used to and avoid hitting two keys. The arrow keys could have been a bit bigger as there is room along the lower right side of the keyboard.
The touchpad on this model is made by Synaptics and is pretty configurable. Like everything else it is a bit small but works acceptably well. It would have been better if it was made wider. Touchpad buttons is another story. They are correctly placed below the touchpad but instead of using two independent buttons the designers chose to use one bar over the two buttons. This made the buttons much harder to press. I would have preferred two independent buttons. I think this is the biggest complaint about the design of this netbook. Nevertheless, the buttons do get softer over time. I have softened the buttons out by pressing both ends of the button bar at the same time repeatedly. I do this a number of times before using the laptop each day. So, it is not that hopeless.
Well, I do try to get myself used to build-in keyboard and mouse but those that are doing extensive work can still attach a regular USB keyboard and a USB mouse. For example, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a perfect match.
Alternatively, you can tap on the touchpad instead of pressing the buttons. The synaptics touchpad is pretty configurable. You can configure a corner of the touchpad for right button and anywhere else would be left button.
The speakers for this netbook is under it. They are pretty loud and sound quality is pretty decent. However, since the speaker openings are underside of the netbook, if you are holding it on a soft surface such as carpet or bed the sound can get muffled as the openings will be blocked. It's not a very good idea to keep it on the soft surfaces for a long time anyway as this will block the fan vents as well and cause the netbook to overheat.
There is 1GB RAM memory on DDR2 SODIMM module installed (mine was made by Samsung). There is no on-board soldered memory (the description on Amazon is incorrect and is referring to older 8.9" model). The memory is easily upgradable to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module. I upgraded the memory on 10.1" Aspire One to 2GB by installing a "Mushkin 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory - Retail" module (Mushkin part #991618). It works great! Please note that this module has CAS4 (4-4-4-12) timing instead of more common CAS5 (5-5-5-16). In other words, it is slightly faster memory as it has less wait states :)
The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS543216L9A300, 160GB 2.5" 5400rpm, Serial ATA, 8MB Cache disk. It's pretty quiet. I think there is plenty of space for most applications. If you need more you can attach an external USB hard drive or the hard disk itself can be upgraded almost as easily as the RAM memory.
The wireless chip (AR5007EG) is made by Atheros and supports 802.11b/g. The range is decent enough. I had no issues connecting to my home WiFi Access Point, at work or other free public hotspots. I used wifi at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and McDonald's among others (I get free WiFi at these locations since I have AT&T DSL). However, some users are reporting that they have some issues. The Atheros driver installed by default is old (version 7.6.0.260). The latest I have found for the AR5007EG wifi chipset is version 7.6.1.244 (dated 2/25/2009) and I believe might solve issues that some people are experiencing. (As a convenience, I've provided instructions at the bottom of this review for access to updated drivers) The device properties indicate that the WiFi chip is setup for maximum power saving. By the way, just like RAM and HDD, the wireless module is also accessible. Who knows, someone (or Acer) would come up with an replacement module for 802.11n or a Bluetooth+WiFi combo.
There is no build-in bluetooth capability. If you need to interface with Bluetooth devices you will need to buy a USB adapter such as Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter or you can get a combo with a bluetooth mouse such as Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Update: Apparently, Acer Aspire One AOD150 models build for some Asian markets do come with build-in Bluetooth. It's a pity Bluetooth is not included for American version. :(
Like many other early adopters, the laptop arrived with Panasonic Built 5800mAh, 59W battery. It lasts 7-8hrs under normal office type work with Wi-Fi enabled. This is a bigger capacity battery than it would ship normally (4400mAh, also 6-cell) but most everyone got the larger one so far.
There are 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x 10/100 Ethernet port, 1x VGA external monitor port and a single Multi-format flash memory card reader/writer (again, Amazon's description is incorrect about 2nd SD card slot). There are also a headphone and external microphone jacks and a Kensington style lock slot.
There is also a slot for 3G SIM chip beside the battery. My netbook did have the slot but no 3G hardware in there to accept the SIM card. Presumably some models will be equipped to have 3G wireless capability.
Unlike 8.9" predecessor, this 10.1 model did not come with a case. I picked a Neoprene sleeve from a local store that is designed for an 11" laptop (Sony VAIO 11.1-Inch Neoprene protection case). Please note that with 6-cell battery the width of the netbook is about 8.5". So, most 10" cases with width around 7-8" will either not fit or will require signficant stretching so choose your case accordingly. Actually, I personally use two cases. The neoprene sleeve goes inside a larger 12-13" laptop bag with enough storage pockets for the charger and other cables. When I go out to a cafe, I only take the netbook in sleeve and leave the rest in the car.
The netbook also does not come with system recovery disks. There is a Acer recovery utility pre-installed that will generate your recovery disks for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You never know when you will need them. You will need a USB attached CD/DVD writer and some recordable media (6 CD-Rs for System Recovery + 2 for Apps and Drivers, OR alternatively 2 DVD-R for Recovery + 1 DVD-R for Apps and Drivers). I've purchased a NU Slim USB External SuperMulti Drive DVD Burner ESW860 and worked for me well. It's slim enough to carry along with your netbook and you can watch DVDs if you like. You should be able to use it on any other laptop or desktop computer with USB 2.0 interface. Update: You can also order a set of recover CDs directly from Acer for $20. You need to go to Acer Support Website www.acerpanam.com and click on US on the map and select "eRecovery CD Purchase" link. It will verify the serial number of your netbook first.
Besides Windows XP Home, there is MS Works, a trial version of Microsoft Office 2007, a 30-day version of McAfee anti-virus suite and a couple other trialware installed. These can be uninstalled from Control Panel easily if desired (or needed).
Overall, I am very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. Obviously, I cannot talk about Customer Support/Service as I did not need to use the service. If your aim is to run your usual applications and surf the net with a decent screen size, this is the right one.
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Update: Updating Atheros AR5007EG WiFi driver:
You can download version 7.6.1.244 (2/25/2009) driver free from Softpedia. Go to drivers.softpedia.com and enter AR5007EG at the top search box. Download the zip file (ar5_ar9_7.6.1.244.zip) and unzip it. Then go to Install_CD sub-folder and run setup.exe. When prompted choose to upgrade the driver. It's simple and painless... If you are still having problems after driver update, change the channel of your AP/Router. There may be high interference from a nearby wifi router/access point. Good luck!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire One AOD150-1577 10.1-Inch Diamond Black Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

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HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Firstly, this review is being written on the 1.6Ghz, HP2133 Mini Note with 2Gb RAM and Vista Home Basic (which was installed at the factory). I have also read the myriad comments in the other reviews about poor CPU performance and warm operation. Therefore, I'll avoid similar statements, only to say that I have also noticed these issues under certain circumstances.
Nevertheless, I have turned off most of the useless bells and whistles in Vista and customised the OS to work adequately for the tasks I perform. And what I do isn't necessarily trivial. I have Office 2007 installed and it works fine to write university assignments and work reports, etc. Word, with the screen set to "page width" view is readable and as functional as my desktop. I also installed Adobe CS3. Yes, it can be slow at times, but it performs well enough to get the job done (using InDesign, Photoshop and occasionally, Dreamweaver). However, I understood when I bought the Mini Note, that it was not designed for multimedia production, but more for multimedia presentation and for basic computing. It is NOT a desktop replacement and was never intended to be.
The more I use my 2133, the more I love it. That doesn't mean I haven't noticed some negative issues (other than those highlighted in other reviews). I'll outline these below.
I won't comment on the touchpad, because I rarely use it. Most of the time, I use the Mini Note on a desk or on my briefcase (placed on my lap), so I plug in a laptop mouse. I would do this with ANY laptop or notebook. However, the Mini Note does allow for more space to use a mouse than a conventional laptop. Once I have finished using the Mini Note, it fits in my briefcase with all my other stuff.
Talking of placing the Mini Note in a briefcase; I am astonished that there isn't a case or bag for it. Most laptop bags are too big and would defeat the purpose of buying the Mini Note. As a result, I use a cloth bag I got with a mixer tap (faucet) I bought for a renovation. It is the perfect size to protect against scratches and marks. This is not to say the nice brushed aluminium (aluminum) case is susceptible to scratches; it's not, I just like to protect my equipment.
The Mini Note's screen hinge and battery design prevents any connectors from being located at the back of the unit (where I'd like them). Hence, all the connections are on the left and right sides of the machine. I usually plug the notebook mouse into the left USB port and run the cable around the back of the Mini Note to the right side. This keeps the cable out of the way and gives me more room on the right for the mouse. This is OK if I am working off the battery. But when the Mini Note is connected to mains power, the huge power plug that sticks out the right side is quite annoying and can get in the way of the mouse. HP, take note; please redesign the next series to have an "L" shaped connector to keep it out of the way.
Some other reviewers mentioned the lack of battery life. I agree with this, too. Nevertheless, there are configuration tweaks you can apply to help maximise battery life. In the BIOS I turn off the hardware I don't regularly use, such as Bluetooth, LAN, Express card, web cam, etc. If I need them, I just turn them back on.
Now, the screen; I love it. At 1280x768, it is bright and sharp, therefore, usable. Yes, it presents some text and menus in tiny fonts, but at the distances most people would use this machine, the screen is readable. Most web sites fit within the browser view port without horizontal scrolling. I'd prefer this over the offerings from other UMPC manufacturers.
I know I said I wouldn't mention the temperature issues, but, I feel compelled to state that after an hour or so spent writing this review (I was distracted by a phone call) the Mini Note is hardly warmer than the ambient room temperature. Of course, this is just running Word 2007. But, as far as I am concerned, this is the sort of thing the Mini Note is designed for; simple productivity tasks.
Additionally, one reviewer stated that the CPU fan runs flat-out all the time. He obviously missed the setting in the BIOS that lets you turn this "feature" off. Normally, the Mini Note runs very quietly, as is the case with mine right now. Although, I must admit that twice now, when waking from "sleep" mode, the fan in my Mini Note seemed to get stuck on full speed. A reboot fixed this, which implies it is an OS problem, not the hardware.
What would make the Mini Note perfect? OK, a faster CPU would definitely be welcome. Secondly, the 225mm (8.9") screen is fine; however, the lid has a lot of wasted real estate. After moving the speakers, it could accommodate a screen 50mm (2") larger (275mm or 11"). Even at the same resolution, this would make the Mini Note considerably better.
That seems to sum up all my main thoughts on the Mini Note. But suffice to say, after another hour using it, I love it even more. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP 2133-KX870AT 8.9-Inch Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Small but mighty, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC offers you a full-function laptop that weighs just 2.8 pounds. Designed to go where you go without weighing you down, it's perfect for young students in your home, and robust enough to handle demanding business applications for road warriors. Despite its size, it features an 8.9-inch scratch-resistant display with a WXGA resolution and a nearly full-size keyboard (92 percent). A durable all-aluminum case encompasses the top and bottom of the notebook, while an internal magnesium alloy support structure helps protect sensitive components from damage.
It's powered by the VIA C7-M ULV processor, which provides a 1.6 GHz clock speed and excellent power management capabilities. Other features include a 120 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), integrated Bluetooth, lightning quick Gigabit Ethernet, VGA webcam built into the screen's bezel for video chats, and up to 4.5 hours of battery life.
It comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Business, which has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, that makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
Processor: The VIA C7-M ULV (ultra-low voltage) processor has a 1.6 GHz speed, 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 128 KB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
Operating at an average power of less than 1W, the VIA C7-M ULV processor is the embodiment of cool processing and sets the standard for next generation low power mobile and personal electronics systems. It also features VIA PowerSaver technology that further reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting the frequency and the voltage of the VIA C7-M ULV processor as the system requires. This innovative technology can reduce power consumption by as much as 50 percent while still ensuring seamless mobile operation.

Hard Drive: The 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 20,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0. It also includes HP's 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock by using a three-axis digital accelerometer chip.

Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB, PC2-5300) maximizes the capacity for this PC. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.

DVD/CD Drive: The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC does not include an integrated optical drive, but HP offers optional drives that connect to the Mini-Note using the optional HP External MultiBay II.

Keyboard & Mouse: The spill-resistant keyboard is 92 percent of full size, 101/102-key compatible with isolated inverted-T cursor control keys, both left and right control and alt keys, 12 function keys, and hotkey combinations for audio volume, power conservation, brightness, and other features. It also features HP DuraKeys, which have a clear coating applied over the keyboard to protects the finish and printed letters and characters. The touchpad includes a scroll zone and two soft-touch buttons.
Screen, Video & Audio The 8.9-inch display has a 1280 x 768-pixel resolution, for native 720p high-resolution clarity, and the Mini-Note includes a VGA output for connecting to an external monitor or projector. Video is powered by the integrated Via Chrome 9 video/graphics card, and it includes an integrated high-definition audio card for crisp sound via the internal 2-watt stereo speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This notebook has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It's compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.0), you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. You also get super-fast wired connectivity via the Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).
This notebook includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. And it offers a Secure Digital memory card slot for downloading pictures and videos from your digital camera, or filling up a card for your MP3 player. It includes the following ports:
2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
1 Secure Digital memory card slot
1 headphone/line-out and 1 microphone
1 VGA monitor port
1 RJ045 for 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

Operating System The Windows Vista Business operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software Microsoft Office Ready 2007, Norton Internet Security, MS Live Messenger, Adobe Flash Player, Roxio Creator Basic, Intervideo WinDVD, HP Backup and Recovery Manager
Dimensions & Weight This notebook measures 10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds.
Power This model is powered by 6-cell high capacity lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which can provide up to 4.5 hours of battery life.
What's in the Box This package contains the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC (model KX870AT), rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

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