The ASUS Eee 1000 HA
Monday, March 16, 2009 at 06:38PM 
Just testing a little ASUS that came into my office today. Trying to see if this might be a logical step in my move to the cloud computing. I need to get a better feel for this keyboard and track pad, but all in all, the experience isn't too bad. Much better than the original ASUS Eee PC 701 I purchased in 2007.
Is this a technology one could actually live with - or only use in an emergency or for special circumstances like travel? Am I too spoiled by uisng my larger, more powerful laptop?
On this model it is the lack of screen real estate rather than keyboard size that is giving me adjustment problems. Do cramped screens lead to cramped thoughts?
And where is the caps lock indicator? Ouch!
The Explorer web browser really sucks. But Firefox downloaded and works well. The machine comes with a bunch of Windows garbage that will take some time to get rid of. Trash MicrosoftWorks and load OpenOffice. Download GoogleGears. My original ASUS came with Linux and I think I like that better.
I certainly wouldn't hesitate giving this to kids. And I have to remember that the machine costs $350, not $2500. I need to give this machine a longer run, but so far - thumbs up.
Reader Comments (15)
Does it come in a linux version? Is it one of the ones that still has a Flash Hard drive, or have they moved back to a regular one?
In terms of crampedness of screen, guess it depends if you're comparing it to your 17" luggable lappy, or your 3" iPhone...
I'm still contemplating a netbook; from all I've read, the Samsung is the top of the list if I'm headed for a Windows one, though less sure about linux. (and tempted by linux)
I bought an eeepc 1000 with linux about a month ago. I love it. It comes with a 2005 version of Star Office that is quite adequate and files can be exported or saved in lots of formats. There are 3 USB ports and a plug that enables hooking up to LCD projector (I tried it and it works great). The battery life is between 5-6 hours and it recharges in about 2-3 hours. It weighs just under 3 lbs, less than half of my iBook. Keys are 95% of regular keyboard so typing isn't too cramped--you can learn to adjust. I bought it for travel, and I posted to my blog the other day. I've not skyped on it yet, but it is enabled. And it cost $385 at Amazon.
Generally, I think it is great! And, if Moore's law applies, we'll see prices come down and more power, meaning that it would enable lots more computing power in students' hands much more cheaply.
Skip Olsen
Oohhhh I want one of these cute little netbooks. This just might be enough to pry me away from my MBPro. I don't know anyone who likes Explorer or even Safari enough to keep it. Glad to know your assessment of IE resembles mine--on any machine. Yes, it is looking like you will be diving into cloud computing for sure. I look forward the the 1 month assessment. My guess is it will be reserved for travel and such, but cloud computing will stick due to the ability to have access to files no matter the machine. Cloud computing is not contingent on the machine, right? I'm more and more finding myself in the clouds as well.
But, would this do the job that most library media specialists are looking for in our next economical technology purchase for students? We need something, small and portable that will provide access to the internet for all students. We need a way to get keyboards to the Internet into our students hands. Will this little laptop @ $350 do the trick?
Hi Emma,
While I have not dug too hard, the newest models seem to be coming in a WindowsXP Home OS only. I suspect the dedicated hacker could install some version of Linux.
This still has a solid state drive - 160G - I belive and incredible battery life.
And yes, I am comparing this to my 15" laptop screen and really big desktop monitor!
All the best,
Doug
Thanks, Skip. I appreciate your sharing your experience. And I also hope Moores law is in effect. Think of how we would have marveled at one of these only 5 years ago!
All the best,
Doug
Hi Cathy,
Go for it and buy one!
Cloud computing means being able to use ANY computer to get to your work and tools. And being able to use a low powered machine like a netbook. I am guessing 85% of all computer use could be cloud-based, even for sophisticated computer users.
Good luck!
Doug
Hi Lisa,
I personally think this is a GREAT solution. Not only is it small, light and light with a long battery life, it can easily be re-imaged if there is a problem since kids can get to their apps and files online.
See:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/columnists/johnson/johnson012.shtml
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/columnists/johnson/johnson031.shtml
All the best,
Doug
Hi, Doug. I just bought an Asus 1000HE. Been using it for a week. Very, very nice. Good sized keyboard. 160GB plus 10GB online, bluetooth, very sensitive touchpad, etc. Loooong battery life. I'd definitely recommend it.
John
Hi John,
Thanks for the recommendation. Are you seeing any college students using these?
Doug
Doug,
We are currently piloting a cart of 30 of these in 2 of our libraries. I recently surveyed students on what they thought of these computers. Here is a link to their UNEDITED responses
http://tinyurl.com/cvxyfb
VERY interesting results. I would have guessed the kids would have liked them more than they did. This looks like what I would have expected from adults!
Thanks for sharing the survey. We all need more information like this.
Oh, would you rate your school district as a high, average or low income district? I wonder that would make a difference in the results?
Doug
from Henry:
That is a higher income school
I will be doing the same survey with a lower income school soon
Henry C. Thiele Ed.D.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Betty
http://desktopmemory.info
Although I love my Asus Eee 1000 I have recently had issues with the touchpad freezing up. I've had to turn off and restart the computer a couple of times before the touchpad (mouse) works. I've attached a mouse and it also freezes up after a couple of minutes. Appreciate any assistance regarding this issue.
Hi Telewisp,
Hardware troubleshooting is not my strong suit,
Did you Google the problem to see if there are others with the same problem and what they did?
Good luck!
Doug
I like the look of the Asus EEE, although I prefer the Acer Aspire One. The price has come down since the time you reviewed your Asus in march. A few years ago a typical laptop would have cost over a grand. Fast forward to 2009 and today cheap laptops can now be purchased for under $300, with 160GB hard drives and solid specs. Netbooks like the Asus eee are not suitable for the latest cutting edge 3d games, but for a computer that you want to surf the web, do graphic manipulation or music editing netbooks are perfect portable pals :)
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate the update and the comments.
Doug