This review will be divided it two parts: the first one will be about more general aspects (important stuff), and the second one will be more about little stuff (OCDers will like this one).
First of all, I would like to say that I replaced my main desktop with this little computer. This was something that just happened, I really didn't need the extra power. To decide whether this computer will satisfy your power requirements, I suggest being honest about which applications you use and how. For example, I do heavy internet navigation, heavy document editing and spreadsheets and statistical calculations, but I don't use CAD software, heavy photo editing software or do heavy sound editing, for example. I NEVER watch HD (1080p) videos, which as far as I know, is something this computer can't do.
With the apps I use, multitasking is not a problem at all. It is slower than my desktop sure, but it is not bothersome at all.
The Windows XP install it comes with is relatively bloatware-free, so out of the box this computer will feel faster than some fast full size notebooks with Windows Vista/7 and riddled with bloatware (I'm looking at you , Toshiba).
The computer itself is well-made and looks nice. However, the finish (I have the black version, thought the white one looked like a toilet) is incredibly glossy, which means it gets full of fingerprints almost instantly. A gray color option would have been great. I read somewhere that car wax is a temporary solution for the fingerprints (last three months). I will update this review if I try that.
The screen is the non-glossy type (in this particular version), which is great! Why would you want a display that you can't actually see?
Now, for the small stuff:
The leds are nice and not too bright at all. The hinges of the screen are as recessed as they can be, this means the screen can't be tilted backwards as far as on other computers. The black plastic on the screen bezel is different in color (under sunlight) and quality to that of the rest of the computer. It is cheaper, looks worse and scratches much too easily. The battery protrudes really slightly off the chasis, specially compared to other netbooks out there (MSI, ACER, Lenovo, Toshiba, etc...). This was kind of really important for me, so in that respect it is great.
Ubuntu: The new version of Ubuntu Linux, out on 10/29, works great out of the box. I'm using the RC right now. Every device works great, no need to install extra drivers or do weird configurations. Visual effects work perfectly and battery life is almost the same as on Windows (with the desktop effects turned on). I use it as my primary OS and is really great on this computer.
Battery life: 8.5 hours is a blatant lie. I get between 5.5 and 6.5 hours in normal conditions (half screen brightness, WiFi on, using Firefox, IM and OpenOffice), which is really good in a computer, but it is nowhere near what asus claims. Buy the "10.5" hour version if you want real 8.5 hours. With that said, I can use it intermittently on a day (on the subway, at college, at work) and it just gets through the day with a single charge.
All in all: a great computer, really balanced and incredibly useful and versatile. The only thing I would change is the glossy finish, but I can live with that. Great work Asus!Get more detail about ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-PI 10.1-Inch Pink Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life.
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