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Overall Rating

Functionality Needs Much Improvement !!
I would like to purchase an ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008HA-PU17 (1008HA-PU17) netbook, but ASUS will first have to increase the 1008HA-PU17’s functionality and utility, as noted in this review.

The battery is permanently built-in to the 1008HA-PU17; I state again that this battery cannot, under any circumstances, be removed by the end user. In other words, I have no way whatsoever to swap another, fully charged replacement battery if the built-in cell dies. This is a deal breaker of a blunder for me; the battery absolutely must be replaceable as it is not uncommon for batteries to crap-out. I am not going to treat my expensive 1008HA-PU17 like a disposable BIC lighter every time the battery craps-out. In addition, if I run out of juice on the road, I want to be able to swap in a newly charged battery. The actual battery life is not 6 hours as advertised, but closer to 3.5 hours. If I turned off Wi-Fi, dimmed the LCD and didn’t do very much, I might get the 1008HA-PU17 to last for 4 to 4.5 hours. To increase functionality, I want ASUS to replace the battery and upgrade it to a 6-cell Lithium Ion 63 WHr unit that is found in the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X and lasts up to an impressive 10.5 hours.

There is poor accessibility of components in the 1008HA-PU17. The usual covers on the underside of netbooks for reaching the components are non-existent. I would have to remove the entire underside cover or the keyboard in order to reach the exchangeable parts. This is not user-friendly and I would lose my guarantee entitlement of 24 months if I open the sealed compartments. To improve functionality, I want improved accessibility to all components.

The 1008HA-PU17 is a portable device; the glossy screen does not work well in some types of lighting, for example it will severely impair my view in direct sunlight or indirect sunlight on trains. Furthermore, the maximum screen brightness in battery use is automatically reduced. The brightness should be determined by the user and not a default setting in the 1008HA-PU17. It would be useful to have 1024×768 screen resolution in the display settings, which some programs require as a minimum condition, i.e. parts of MS Works. The average maximum contrast ratio of 171:1 is low and the dull colours provide a disappointing picture. The 1008HA-PU17 uses Intel’s sluggish GMA 950 graphics chipset, which is a major setback as the 720p H.264 and 1080p files will freeze in place and refuse to play back in a smooth fashion. To increase functionality, I want a non-glossy screen, manual control over screen brightness; a graphics display with increased contrast and brighter colours and the GMA 950 chipset should be replaced with an upgraded chipset that can handle 1080p files.

The touchpad key is too small, under responsive and dimpled. To increase functionality, I want the entire touchpad replaced with a full blown multi-touch pad.

I realize that no netbook in the marketplace currently features a built-in DVD/CD player. However, this is an important feature for anyone wanting to interact with the hard drive. One solution is to buy an external DVD/CD player. To increase functionality, I want ASUS to show leadership in this area and be the first to add a DVD/CD player to a netbook. In addition, this would be a powerful marketing tool to increase ASUS sales.

There are only two USB ports, the standard third USB connection on the 1008HA-PU17 needs to be added. The plastic flaps are so close to the inset ports that I cannot plug-in wider USB devices, such as a SanDisk memory-card reader, I would have to resort to a small USB extension cable. There is no DisplayPort, HDMI or ExpressCard slot. The only video output is a VGA socket, but it’s not your typical connector; in order to fit the port on a netbook this thin, I would have to use a proprietary output that turns to VGA via a dongle, which is inconvenient. To increase functionality, I want all of these port issues fixed.

The seashell case has a high-gloss finished surface that does look smartly polished, yet even with the most careful handling it is quickly afflicted with fingerprints and small marks, which lead to a smudge-prone greasy uncomplimentary look. In addition, there are reflections when computing in brightly-lit rooms. To increase functionality, I want the high-gloss case finish replaced with a more functional matte finish as on the OCZ NeutrinoNetbook.

The speakers are biased towards highs with little middles and unnoticeable basses, with sound characteristics that are extremely minimalist. ASUS should not expect end-users to have to use earphones, to hear sound properly. To increase functionality, I want an upgraded speaker system.

In regard to the single left/right rocker button below the touch pad, to increase functionality I want it to be split in half to create two buttons that are not stiff like the ASUS Eee PC 1000 netbook series.

The 1008HA-PU17 has a quiet low intensity fan that causes the 1008HA-PU17 to get quite hot after a few hours of normal use and would be uncomfortable sitting on my legs. To increase functionality, I want increased fan power to keep the 1008HA-PU17 continuously cool no matter how many hours it is functioning.

There are not a lot of extras included with the 1008HA-PU17. Within the colourful box, you’ll get the netbook itself, an AC power brick, power cable, a few booklets, a driver CD and a low quality protective sleeve. Those who prefer bags with pockets or hard cases will have to shop around for one.

Subsequent to writing this review it has come to my attention that ASUS has just released their latest netbook incarnations called the “Asus Eee PC 1201N” and “Asus Eee PC1005PE”, which resolve some, but not all of the problems noted in this review.