does anyone have an Asus 1005HA netbook?

[freefly]

I was thinking of purchasing one to write emails with during travel, but wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts on this model. I saw a lot of good reviews for it, so thought it would be a good choice.

Currently, I have a Macbook for everyday use, so I''m not very familiar with Windows. Would you recommend I pay extra for the new Windows 7, or can I save money and buy the Windows XP?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[meresal]

Is this the one that is on sale at BB right now for like $280?

 

[freefly]

Hmm.. I don''t know what BB is. Best Buy? There are different models, basically, one with a 4, 8, or 10 hour battery life, and the 10 hour is available in Windows XP or Windows 7. I think in the $280 range, it would be for the 4 hour Windows XP version. I was considering the 10 hour version, just didn''t know whether I should spend the extra $40 or so for the new Windows 7. This would be a secondary computer for travel.

I think the 10 hour Windows xp runs around $350, with the Windows 7 running around $390, after comparing on different sites.

I''m really a computer dummy, so I wouldn''t be doing any major work on it, just surfing the net and for email. Was wondering if the Windows xp would be totally outdated soon.

 

[oobiecoo]

Dh has a mini computer but its a Dell that I got a great deal on. I decided to get him Linux instead of any of the windows operating systems because it was cheaper and apparently even more user friendly than windows. If you are worried about windows being outdated, I guess linux could be an option because I don''t think they bring out new versions that often... I think Asus has a linux option, right? Otherwise, I''d probably stick with Windows XP since its cheaper. I think most people really liked that version and it didn''t have as many issues as Vista. Windows 7 may be a little too new. Since there is no CD drive, I assume you wouldn''t be downloading many extra programs which is one of the main reasons for having the most up-to-date operating system.

 

[Fly Girl]

I bought the Asus 1000HE earlier this year, and I absolutely love it. It is perfect for travel, checking e-mail, checking Pricescope, etc. I plan to stick with Windows XP as long as possible, so can''t help you with the upgrade question.

 

[freefly]

Thanks, oobiecoo and Fly Girl. I think I will save some money and stick with the Windows XP. I can always download the Windows 7 later on if I have to, right?

 

[HopeDream]

I have an ASUS 1000H that I''ve had for over a year now, and I''m very happy with it. It''s great for travelling or surfing the net in bed.

When I take it somewhere for extended work periods I bring along a fulll-sized keyboard and a portable mouse, although it is fine for typing on if you turn off the touch pad and just bring a portable mouse with it.

The only thing that I''m unhappy with is that it only has 3 usb ports.

Windows XP is a fine operating system. I''ve upgraded to windows 7 on my desktop, and it''s been having problems with programs locking up (especialy internet explorer). It''s a pretty good operating system, but I think it will be better when they release a service pack for it.

Good luck !

 

[freefly]

Thanks for the info, Hopedream! I think from what everyone is telling me, I should just stick to the Windows XP version. Like I said, it won''t be my main computer. Thanks for helping me make up my mind. Better to save a few bucks, more money for jewelry!

 

[y2kitty]

I''ve bought this for people at work (I am in IT). As long as you upgrade the RAM it functions pretty well. The people who have them seem to love them. Personally I found the keyboard too small.

 

[beebrisk]

I have this exact model.

It''s a great machine...It''s only drawback is that it''s not a Mac, lol!

Seriously, I also have 3 Macs and I love them all. The netbook is OKAY for web surfing and some quick work, but that''s about it.

Windows however, I find to be a nightmare. Within 2 weeks of owning the book I had 3 Trojan attacks that had to be repaired with Norton and several DLL faults. Even with the firewall in place and all the security features checked, Windows is still uber-vulnerable to whatever is out there. It''s really annoying when you are trying to get something done and Norton or McAfee pops up to tell you that you need to clean something. Blechhh.

By "quick work" I mean you can''t spend a great deal of time on it. The screen is of course, small...But it also does not have great resolution so I find that after awhile, I need to take a big break. If you have large hands, the keyboard may also be too small for your liking.

That said, the hardware itself seems sturdy enough and it does get great reviews.

Overall I''d say for traveling (if you can''t bring a Mac laptop, that is) it''s light and portable and okay in a pinch.

 

[freefly]

Thanks y2kitty and beebrisk. I have small hands, so I don''t think the keyboard should be a problem. And I agree with you, beebrisk, I love my Mac! It''s just that I was lugging this thing on my last trip to Thailand, and it was so heavy, I wanted something smaller and lighter for travel. Since I will only use it once in a while, I think this model should work out okay for me. The more I think about it, I think I''ll just stick with the older xp version. Thank you, everyone!