Is this Netbook a Goodin'?

[NorthQuad]

I was looking to buy a netbook. Mainly for wireless internet around the house. Would this be a half decent Netbook for the purpose?

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA (http://ca.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=24&l2=164&l3=0&l4=0&model=3052&modelmenu=1)

I'll probably find other uses for it as I go but I'll be using it mainly to screw around on the net. Outside on the deck or wherever.

And I was also wondering if it would work well with this wireless router?

D-Link Router (http://www.dlink.ca/products/?sec=0&pid=501)

Can you think of any better netbooks or any reason this would be a bad choice?

Thanks!

[rybread]

It has one good review on NewEgg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220554), and it seems like it has some good features, have you looked it up on any hardware review websites? You'll find more information there than here.

[Le Type Français]

A goodin'? Dave, I'm going to smack you with my dick. :p:D

[worthless]

Seems to be a pretty good netbook. I haven't played with that particular model, but I've been impressed with previous Asus eee models.

After reading some reviews of this one, I've found two things to consider. First, it only comes with 1gb of RAM (though most netbooks in this price range are only going to have 1gb). I like to have 2gb with Windows XP, but honestly 1gb is enough for most things you would do on a netbook. The 1005HA does have an easily accessible RAM compartment, so if you feel like upgrading later it shouldn't be a problem.

The second thing to consider is that it is a little thicker than the average netbook, due to the removable battery. This probably won't be an issue for you, but I thought I'd point it out just in case you were looking for something really tiny.

As for the router, the two should work great together. Both support 802.11n, and I have had great luck with D-Link routers. I currently use a D-Link DIR-655 and it is the most reliable router I have ever owned, and I've owned several over the years.

Hope this helps!

[NorthQuad]

It has one good review on NewEgg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220554), and it seems like it has some good features, have you looked it up on any hardware review websites? You'll find more information there than here.

Yeah, for sure. I've checked out a few youtube reviews along with cnet and a few random others. I've found most of them were positive but I'm such a sceptic that I have to try almost every avenue for feedback before purchasing most everything.

[NorthQuad]

A goodin'? Dave, I'm going to smack you with my dick. :p:D

hahaha.

[NorthQuad]

Seems to be a pretty good netbook. I haven't played with that particular model, but I've been impressed with previous Asus eee models.

After reading some reviews of this one, I've found two things to consider. First, it only comes with 1gb of RAM (though most netbooks in this price range are only going to have 1gb). I like to have 2gb with Windows XP, but honestly 1gb is enough for most things you would do on a netbook. The 1005HA does have an easily accessible RAM compartment, so if you feel like upgrading later it shouldn't be a problem.

The second thing to consider is that it is a little thicker than the average netbook, due to the removable battery. This probably won't be an issue for you, but I thought I'd point it out just in case you were looking for something really tiny.

As for the router, the two should work great together. Both support 802.11n, and I have had great luck with D-Link routers. I currently use a D-Link DIR-655 and it is the most reliable router I have ever owned, and I've owned several over the years.

Hope this helps!

It does help actually. One of my only worries was the 1gb of ram. But if that's sufficient enough, I'm ok with that. And if I can upgrade that later, that's perfect.

Thanks!

[uscmolly]

I've been looking at this netbook too. Where did you find the best price? Seems like some places don't have it in stock yet (in certain colors).

A few others, I've checked out with similar capabilities (ignore my color selections ;) )
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=631532&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=604764&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=618579&is=REG

My husband (who was an IT guy for 10 years), seems to like the MSI best.

[NorthQuad]

I haven't really found the lowest price yet. I'll probably pick it up at a local electronics retail store. My best guess for a price will be about $450 Canadian. Which is the average for up here.

I was looking at the acer netbooks as well. For some reason I just like the look of the asus more. I know it's what's on the inside that counts but...

I think I'll go black for the color. :)

Hopefully you find a good one too.

[uscmolly]

I haven't really found the lowest price yet. I'll probably pick it up at a local electronics retail store. My best guess for a price will be about $450 Canadian. Which is the average for up here.

I was looking at the acer netbooks as well. For some reason I just like the look of the asus more. I know it's what's on the inside that counts but...

I think I'll go black for the color. :)

Hopefully you find a good one too.

I like the looks of the Acer better as well. Hey, when they all seem to be pretty much the same on the inside, might as well go with what looks best! I'm hoping to get the Acer in pink, but it still "coming soon" on most websites. I think I'll wait another week or two and see...

Let me know if you get one in the meantime. I'd love to hear how you like it!

[Lazlo]

Some of these netbooks cost as much as a "regular" small laptop.

[live2ride]

From what I have read, it seems that windows XP is limited to 1GB in these netbooks. You need to go vista or Linux to be able to use 2GB. I was hoping to add the extra GB but doesn't seem much point unless you change OS (and then would Vista use up the extra RAM anyway?)

I'm going to be travelling a lot over the next few months and trying to write up my PhD thesis. Carrying a regular laptop is just a bit heavy for me by the time you put it in a padded backpack + extras. I'd like to be sure that it will handle the word processing (talking rather large document with lots of formatting here) and a bit of analysis in excel alright. I know they are good for internet.

[cavemuscle]

And I shall give you the standard answer I give all PC queries.

get a Mac.

'nuff said

B

[worthless]

The way I understood it (and I could be wrong!) is that the 1gb limit is a licensing thing with Microsoft and not a hardware or software limitation. More info here http://apcmag.com/microsoft_hobbles_xp_mininotes_with_1gb_ram_limit. htm

In order to keep low cost XP netbooks from replacing more expensive vista netbooks and notebooks in the value market, Microsoft has a very strict set of rules as to what hardware can be factory installed on a netbook class device that includes Windows XP (for example, 1gb of RAM, 160gb hard drive limits).

As far as I know, you should be able to upgrade these components... unless, of course, they are physically impossible to get to (some netbooks have to be completely disassembled to access the RAM slots, some others have the RAM soldered onto the main board).


*Edit*
I'm reading conflicting reports, some people are sure the 1gb limit is in the OS version Microsoft supplies for netbooks, others say it is just a scare tactic and they have upgraded just fine. As I don't have a netbook, I can't say for sure. However, if it turns out the 1gb limit is software related, you could always re-install XP using a non-netbook version. Like one that came with a previous computer.

[Lazlo]

Unless you absolutely have to have Microsoft Office (vs. OpenOffice which is file-format compatible with Microsoft Office) you could go with a Linux based netbook and perhaps save a few $$.

[live2ride]

I was thinking about Linux. Two things concern me.
1 - how easy is it to convert from open office back to microsoft office (word specifically).
2 - I was going to 'try' and run a GIS (Geographic information system) package to see whether it was doable - at least for some basic mapping. This is a bit of a pipe dream probably as it would really need the 2GB to even do the most basic stuff, but it doesn't come in a linux version. How hard is it to change OS - start with Linux for example, but then load regular windows XP over the top if I wanted to do so down the track a bit?

(I probably know just enough about all this to be dangerous!)

[Lazlo]

Hmmm, if there are Windows-only packages that you want to use, you're probably best just starting off with Windows preinstalled. You can probably install Windows later but getting it to run just right with the hardware might be a hassle.

OpenOffice will open Word and Excel documents just fine, and you can save files in either Microsoft Office format or in OpenOffice native format. You can download it and try it out on the computer you've got now.

[Van Quad]

I was thinking about Linux. Two things concern me.
1 - how easy is it to convert from open office back to microsoft office (word specifically).
2 - I was going to 'try' and run a GIS (Geographic information system) package to see whether it was doable - at least for some basic mapping. This is a bit of a pipe dream probably as it would really need the 2GB to even do the most basic stuff, but it doesn't come in a linux version. How hard is it to change OS - start with Linux for example, but then load regular windows XP over the top if I wanted to do so down the track a bit?

(I probably know just enough about all this to be dangerous!)

Do you have a surveying or mapping background? I'm wondering about the GIS application.

[live2ride]

Environmental scientist - doing a PhD looking at large inland wetlands in Australia using time-series remote sensing to understand the vegetation response to flooding. Hoping to use this information to model the system for water management. Most of the analysis is done, but still a lot of maps to prepare for the thesis. I also do a bit of consulting on the side mainly remote sensing analysis. I'm a mature age student, having spent my career working in river and wetland management.

[Lazlo]

Environmental scientist - doing a PhD looking at large inland wetlands in Australia using time-series remote sensing to understand the vegetation response to flooding. Hoping to use this information to model the system for water management. Most of the analysis is done, but still a lot of maps to prepare for the thesis. I also do a bit of consulting on the side mainly remote sensing analysis. I'm a mature age student, having spent my career working in river and wetland management.

Cool!

[Van Quad]

Environmental scientist - doing a PhD looking at large inland wetlands in Australia using time-series remote sensing to understand the vegetation response to flooding. Hoping to use this information to model the system for water management. Most of the analysis is done, but still a lot of maps to prepare for the thesis. I also do a bit of consulting on the side mainly remote sensing analysis. I'm a mature age student, having spent my career working in river and wetland management.

That's a smooth transition to post-injury career. Using available mapping software to get you in a virtual sense back to the wetland. Sounds extremely interesting.

[metronycguy]

vista business edition came on my netbook and it came with more than i gig oh ram, business is 32 bit vs 64 on other vista.
mine is a high end net, i got it for half off , wasatching slick deals.
i like the lite weight and great battery life , it also has a real good screen and keyboard,
slickdeals is the place to watch, read the comments , cnet is biased due to advertsement,

[live2ride]

That's a smooth transition to post-injury career. Using available mapping software to get you in a virtual sense back to the wetland. Sounds extremely interesting.

You hit the nail on the head:applaud:! I'm actually pretty mobile with only mild deficits but its one thing 'walking' a km or two max on a smooth footpath, its another thing entirely to get around a swamp or wetland, travelling 100's of km over bumpy roads, trudging through knee or chest deep water all day.

[live2ride]

Took the plunge and orded a fairly basic netbook from our university supplier (Dell). Decided just to keep it simple and I think I'll just stick to using it for basic word and connectivity when travelling - the only thing I upgraded was the screen (higher resolution). So 1GB ram and Windows XP - if it gets me to submitting my PhD thesis in 6 months it would have done its job.

I'll be interested to see how it goes.

[NorthQuad]

live2ride, how is your netbook?

I'm probably not going the netbook route. I've been searching forever and I'm going to go with this hp dv6-1238ca laptop ( http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06b/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-3872814-3979373.html), I think.

I'm fairly certain it's an ok choice for what I'd like in a portable pc.

Can anyone find any down side to this laptop? As in, the components? Anything bad about them?

[Tufelhunden]

I thought I would chime in.

I just picked up an ASUS EEE 160 GB 1GB Ram XP machine and it has been great. I have eaten cheeseburgers heavier than this thing and the battery life is definitely something my Alienware does not even come close to having.

My friend let me "borrow" a copy of Office and it runs fine. I loaded both LaTeX and Matlab on it and it handles both programs fine. I still plan on letting my Alienware system run my larger economic models. As far as toting something back and forth to class and meetings to compose the everyday PDF or browse, I am definitely sticking with this little machine. It was just shy of $300.

[mingo]

Finally had a chance to check out a friend's Asus 1000H and I like everything except the touch pad. I like the HP touchpads but their on/off switch is awkward for me. No latch on the Asus like my Gateway laptop is a plus for me.

I can not adequately test these in the stores since they are bolted down.

Can anyone tell me if the Fn key and F1-Fwhatever work like the sticky keys or is that a two handed operation for a quad?

[PN]

I'm fairly certain it's an ok choice for what I'd like in a portable pc.

Can anyone find any down side to this laptop? As in, the components? Anything bad about them?
NorthQuad: I don't see any downside to this HP laptop. It looks like the competition is the Dell XPS 13.

Apple has 90% market share on laptops priced over $1,000.

[NorthQuad]

Thanks PN. I'll check out the XPS for comparison. I'll probably pick up the hp in the next day or two.