Netbooks : ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 10.5 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

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It's been 2 days since the release of Windows 7 and this netbook. With one-day shipping, I've been playing with the machine for about 6 hours. So, I have some initial thoughts, but no great insights into battery life or use while traveling (I'll try to update after my business trip next week).

My overall impression is very positive. It's small and easy to use. The keyboard and trackpad work as well as my full sized laptop. I've installed a bunch of basic programs like Firefox and have had no problems. The only minor frustration I have is one of the silly limitations of Windows 7 Starter Edition: you can't change the desktop's wallpaper. It's a silly limitation, but not worth paying to upgrade to Home Premium to overcome.

Along with the netbook, I purchased a 2 gig upgrade: Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module and an external DVD burner: ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black). If you look at the pictures above you can see just how easy it is to install the memory. It did take a little more force than I liked to remove the memory cover after unscrewing the one screw, but everything else went smoothly.

Oct 28 Update: Read the comments on this review for my initial battery impressions as well as some good comments from other folks.

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Handhelds and PDAs : Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition - Black (PRS600BC)

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First digital book I've owned and I am blown away. I've already torn through two books and have downloaded several free books that I was delighted to find. Amazed out how easy it is to use and read. Glare is a bit bothersome but i've adapted and don't really notice it so much. In full sunlight the contrast is the best. Will this replace real books in my life? No, but it does make reading and carrying multiple literary items around much more convenient!

Desktops : Apple iMac MB417LL/A 20-Inch Desktop

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This review is intended mainly for PC users who are new to the Mac. I'm not a huge computer person, I've always had PCs, and frankly I've always thought Macs were for hippies with ponytails. I pretty much have to use a PC for my job functions, but over the last few years I've been underwhelmed by both my home and work desktop (both dells) and my home notebook (HP). I'm fed up with the windows BS - freezing for no reason, slowing down for no reason, taking forever to shutdown/startup, constantly nagging to update virus software etc. I'm ok putting up with this for my work PC, but when it was time to replace my home desktop I decided to take a look at the Mac. I'm glad I did. I went with the 2.66ghz iMac with 24" monitor and 640gig HD.

Computer Add-Ons : Targus Accessory Kit for 10.2 Inch Netbooks BUS0187

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The Targus Netbook Accessory Kit features a slipcase designed specifically to fit netbooks with up to 10.2" screens. Also included in the kit is an ultra-mini optical mouse with retractable cable and a portable USB hub. The accessory kit features the entry level accessories useful to a netbook owner at one low cost. The slipcase is designed to help protect the netbook from scuffs while the mouse makes it easy to surf the web and operate the netbook while on the go. The hub features a cable that stows away inside of the unit for added portability and allows you to connect up to four additional peripherals to your netbook simultaneously.

Tablet PC : Genius MousePen 8 x 6-Inch Graphic Tablet for Home and

Genius MousePen 8 x 6-Inch Graphic Tablet for Home and Office

This is the first tablet I've ever had. I purchased it because of the low price, thinking that I would just deal with the defects inherent in buying a cheap product. However, I have yet to encounter any defects! It works perfectly with my existing programs, the stylus is comfortable to handle, the tablet is light, easy to transport and plug in, and the pad is very sensitive. Definitely worth the money and I would recommend it to any first time tablet user. It's incredibly easy to use. My only complaint is the hot buttons on top all look the same, but I solved that by putting little stickers above the ones I use the most often to differentiate between them!
I can't imagine what more a person would want from a tablet, to tell you the truth, and why buy a $100+ one when you can get this?

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