ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 10.1-Inch Netbook with Broadcom Crystal HD Decoder Review

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 is an exciting new netbook from ASUS that features 1366×768 screen resolution and takes advantage of an HD accelerator to give you 1080P quality video on a netbook. The embedded Broadcom Crystal HD Decoder BCM 70015, which comes with ArcSoft Total Media Theater, allows users to enjoy HD video entertainment on the unit’s 10.1″ high definition screen.

The sleek, stylish, and compact system features ASUS’s stunning Seashell design and weighs in at a mere 2.8 pounds. Despite its small size, you’ll find that the system is comfortable to use thanks to a 92% full-size chiclet keyboard, large palm-rest, and a touchpad with multi-gesture support. With the Multi-Touch gesture input feature, you can easily zoom in and out to view photos or read documents by just moving two fingertips apart or together on the touchpad. You can also simultaneously slide two fingertips up or down the touchpad – making scrolling in a window easy without the use of a mouse.

The ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17′s elegant seashell design is matched by its performance. It features the new power-saving Intel Atom N450 CPU, which works in tandem with ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine energy management technology to deliver 11 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Other features of the netbook include an Intel UMA graphics and comes pre-installed with Windows 7 Starter Edition. The ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 also features Express Gate, a bare-bones OS which lets you access the web, IM chat, photos, and Skype without having to boot into Windows.

Hotkeys placed above the keyboard grant quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that optimizes system performance for the task at hand. You also get plenty of storage with a generous 250GB hard drive and 500GB of ASUS WebStorage to store and watch your movies on the go.

You also get a lot of standard features that you get with most top ASUS netbooks.

The Eee PC is an excellent choice for anyone else who requires a compact, yet usable, system. It will allow you to check e-mail, perform basic office tasks, watch videos, and play games. Most importantly, it won’t weigh you down.

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 Key Features

• Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
• Up to 11 hours of unplugged all-day computing
• ASUS Super Hybrid Engine innovatively saves battery life and boosts performance
• Enjoy HD entertainment with 10.1″ widescreen display
• Features a 92% near full-sized chiclet keyboard with a spacious palm rest and a user-friendly touchpad with multi-touch support
• Pre-installed Express Gate mini-operating system boots up in only 10 seconds to access your web browser, IM chat, photo manager or Skype program
• Built-in webcam and microphone for simple and clear video chat
• Integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi is the fastest way to transfer wireless data
• Windows 7 Starter for the most user-friendly and dependable operating system
• Integrated Bluetooth module allows you to use compatible wireless peripherals
• 750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage)
• 1 year global warranty and 30-day Flawless Display Guarantee: If a single bright dot is found, a free panel replacement is guaranteed within 30 days of original purchase

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 Specification

• Operating System : Windows 7 Starter/Express Gate Dual OS
• Processor : Intel Atom N450 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 Cache)
• Chipset : Intel HM55
• Memory : 1GB DDR2 SODIMM (easily self upgrade RAM to 2GB)
• Display : 10.1″ LED Backlight WXGA Screen (1366×768)
• Graphics : Intel UMA graphics
• HD Decoder: Broadcom Crystal HD Accelerator BCM 70015
• Storage: 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) + Complimentary one-year 500GB ASUS WebStorage trial
• Wireless Data Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks(Headphone & Mic-in)
• Audio : Hi-Definition Audio CODEC Stereo Speaker
• Flash Media Slot: Multimedia Card, Secure Digital, SDHC
• Camera: 0.3 Megapixel
• Keyboard : 92-percent full-size chiclet keyboard
• Pointing Device :TouchPad with Multi-Touch Control
• Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
• High Capacity 6 cells Li-ion Battery Pack, 11 hrs(6cells, 63W/h) / 9 hrs(6cells, 48W/h)
• Dimensions: 10.31 x 1.44 x 7.01 inches
• Weight: 2.8lb
• Warranty : 1 year global warranty and 30-day Flawless Display Guarantee

Upgrading ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 Memory from 1GB to 2GB

Take note of the following;

• The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
• That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
• Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
• Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)

Color Options

The ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 is available on two types of special textures: one features a glossy in-mold roller-crafted exterior, while the other features a matte-painted latticework finish.

• In Mold Roller: Black, White, Blue, Pink
• Texture with painting: Black, White, Blue

Software Included with ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17

Asus has included generous software tools to make it easy to use the machine. Included are;

• ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine – for battery settings and overclocking or underclocking the CPU
• Eee Tray utility – for adjusting the screen resolution and to set wireless options with just a click
• ASUS Amuse: Stream or download a variety of exciting digital content
• Eee Sharing: Share/sync messages and data with other Eee PCs, notebooks, or desktop PCs without entering into the Internet
• Eee Xperience: Applications that enhance visual and acoustic
• Eee Tools: A suite of useful tools including Live Update, Parental Control and Font Resizer
• Microsoft Works 9
• Microsoft Office 2007 (60 days trail)
• Microsoft Windows Live applications
• ArcSoft Total Media Theater

User Reviews

The ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 netbook offers an incomparable experience beyond all netbooks in this class. It is among the first netbooks to deliver a screen with a 1366×768 resolution for true HD video entertainment. Sure, it’s slightly more expensive than those bottom-feeder netbooks, but this thing is worth the additional investment in exchange for a fast netbook that handles up HD content with aplomb.

Pros

• Excellent endurance-11 hours of battery life
• Good overall build quality
• HD video entertainment on 10.1″ screen

Cons

• Front edge is sharp
• Device is a little back-heavy

Where to Buy ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 Netbook

We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the 1005PR-PU17. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17-BK Black Netbook

Website: Click to Visit Product Website Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews List Price: $399.99 Amazon Price: View Sale Price Buy From Amazon More Prices: Compare Prices From Other Retailers

Optional Upgrades

Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module

Website: Click to Visit Product Website Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews List Price: $31.99 Amazon Price: $22.95 Buy From Amazon More Prices: Compare Prices From Other Retailers

Website: Click to Visit Product Website Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews List Price: $79.95 Amazon Price: $65.48 Buy From Amazon More Prices: Compare Prices From Other Retailers

Website: Click to Visit Product Website Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews List Price: $149.99 Amazon Price: $141.00 Buy From Amazon More Prices: Compare Prices From Other Retailers

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR-PU17 Netbook Video Review