Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer with Heart Rate Monitor

Product Description

The Forerunner series provides outdoor athletes and runners with real-time information about speed, distance, and heart rate all on a single device with an easy to read display. With features like auto-lap/pause/learn/scroll, training assistant tools, various alerts, and Training Center, the Forerunner enabled people to use all of that data to train smarter and more effectively. The Forerunner 305 will serve as the next generation Forerunner family. The Forerunner x05 series will incorporate many of the same great features of the Forerunner x01 series such as ease-of-use, large easy to read display, and software training features while improving other areas of the design to better meet the demands of athletes.

Product Details

• Brand: Garmin
• Model: 010-00467-00
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 10.00" w x 8.00" l, 2.00 pounds
• Native resolution: 160x100

Features

• GPS: High-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture
• Wireless: Communication between system devices via ANT protocol
• Lap Memory: 1,000 laps
• Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.)
• Alerts: Time, distance, pace and heart rate

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Just when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 305. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heartrate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor. If you don't need these features, consider the lower-priced Forerunner 205.

View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 305's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.

Not so with the 305. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.

Garmin has smartly given the 305 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.

The underside of the 305 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 305's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 305 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 305's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, the tester had the 305 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 305, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap.

While the Forerunner 305 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 305's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 305 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 305 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 305 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it's a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you'd expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 305. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.

If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 305 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

PC Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the PC (Sadly, Training Center is not Mac-compatible). Not only does Training Center make it easy to track your performance, you can graph data such as heartrate alongside your speed and distance. Over time, this is a great way to view your fitness levels increase, and it also helps you see what types of workouts are necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For instance, if you see your heartrate begin to spike after a certain distance, you know you need to increase your endurance workouts to train that area of fitness.

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your PC that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the PC, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.

The 305 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 305 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Pros

• Radically new design is better in every way
• Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
• So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

Cons

• No Mac OS compatibility
• Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful

What's in the Box
Forerunner 305, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide.

Amazon.com Product Description
The successor to the Garmin Forerunner 301 is here, and it's better than ever. Weighing in at just over 2.5 ounces, the Garmin Forerunner 305 breaks new ground in terms of comfort, style, and performance. Totally redesigned, the 305 gives outdoor athletes and runners real-time information about speed, distance, pace, and heart rate on a device that's easy to use and amazingly compact.

The Forerunner 305 features the powerful new SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy, even under tree cover and between tall buildings. A coded chest strap heart-rate monitor prevents unwanted interference from other devices. View larger.

The unit's GPS receiver is designed to face towards the sky when you're running.

A more watch-like design makes it far easier to use and wear.

Plus, the 305 is engineered to help folks train better and smarter. Training assistant tools, various distance and time alerts, and bundled Training Center PC software combine to make the device an essential part of any athlete's training program.

The 305's digitally coded heart-rate monitor--which is worn as a chest strap--sends heart-rate data to the device so you can see whether you're training too hard or not hard enough. Alerts for pace, distance, time, and heart rate are also available. Additionally, the unit tracks speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. Meanwhile, a course feature lets you race against previous runs in order to improve your time or just compare heart rate and pace data at every point of the way.

The 305's easy-to-read, 1.3-inch display has been integrated into a sleek and stylish form factor that is definitely a step up from the larger and more cumbersome Forerunner 301 model. Indeed, the 305 looks and wears like a stylish sports watch, and it's more carefully designed to meet the needs of athletes. The design also positions the antenna with an optimal view of the sky. As an added feature, the case is water resistant to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes).

Accuracy is the name of the game with the 305. The vastly more accurate GPS antenna and receiver, which uses an advanced SiRF chip, offer much faster satellite acquisition times. Plus, the unit can hold a fix in places never before possible. Gone are the days of losing a fix under tree cover or when running between tall buildings. All of these features add up to far more accuracy in recording and tracking your exercise data. And because the 305 uses GPS to track how far and how fast you're going, you never have to calibrate it. The unit also doubles as a basic navigator. Mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point.

The 305 features a USB data connection and docking cradle for downloading your speed, lap, exercise time, and heart-rate data into Garmin's Training Center PC software. The unit stores up to 1,000 lap histories, which you can download to your PC for a detailed post-workout analysis. Plus, you can create and schedule workouts using the included software and download them to the unit. A rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery offers up to ten hours of battery life.

For additional post-workout analysis, the 305 is compatible with MotionBased software. MotionBased adds a new dimension to training and outdoor fitness that makes the analytical aspects of a sport more compelling and a lot more fun. You can upload data to MotionBased, a Web-based application that has partnered with Garmin. MotionBased provides in-depth analysis of your workouts, as well as online mapping and route sharing that will take your training to the next level. MotionBased automatically calculates time, distance, speed, elevation, and heart rate, and it displays this information through meaningful charts, illustrations, reports, and maps. With MotionBased, you can also race multiple instances of the same route to see how you are improving or to race other members of MotionBased. You can "virtually race" someone you don't even know.

If you like the features of the Forerunner 305 but don't need heart-rate monitoring, be sure to check out the Forerunner 205.

What's in the Box
Forerunner 305 unit, digital coded heart rate monitor, Training Center CD-ROM, A/C charger, PC/USB interface cable, owner's manual, and quick-start guide.

Customer Reviews

My second 305
Like it! Daily use, I can think only a couple of occasions when I got incorrect readings (low signal??), AND in the same area... Auto laps by position in a track were accurate to 3-4 meters, very acceptable. In fact this is my second one, after the first one did not survive being run over by a Dodge SUV... Don't leave it on the roof of your car!!!
Nice, handy tool.

Amazing
The monitor is fantastic. Your speed and heart rate are recorded every second. You may review them at each inch of your track. You can see your track on Google Earth. You can race yourself and see how far behind or ahead are you in comparison with a previous training.
Even for those afficcionados who are not professionals, the purchase is worthwhile.

Great Product
This one was a gift for my wife (I already have one) and we both simply love this simple but fantastic gadget. Wish it had other color options!

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Sony Quick Battery Charger with 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries

Product Description

Sony's worldwide reputation for creating unique, attractive, high-quality, advanced technology products rests on a long line of innovations embraced by people from all walks of life. With a diverse product lineup serving a variety of lifestyles and industries, Sony continuously strives to introduce new products and technologies to meet changing market needs.

Product Details

• Brand: Sony
• Model: BCG-34HE4

Features

• Charges four AA and AAA batteries at a time SIX
• Unviersal voltage from 100-240V
• Alkaline battery detection, temperature and voltage safety controls
• Includes four 2500mAh NiMH batteries

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Whether you're traveling abroad or making a domestic jaunt, Sony's BCG-34HE4 charger and battery combo is everything you'll need to keep your high-demand digital electronics juiced up and ready for action. The compact, lightweight charger handles 4 AA and 4 AAA batteries simultaneously and just happens to come with 4 high-capacity (2500 mAh) rechargeable AA Ni-MH batteries.

The charger works with worldwide voltages: AC outlets ranging from 100 to 240 volts (50/60 Hz). For your safety and convenience, the charger offers alkaline battery detection (in case you accidentally load non-rechargeables) and automatic cut-off for excessive temperature and/or voltage.

What's in the Box
A charger, 4 AA rechargeable batteries, and a data sheet in a blister pack.

From the Manufacturer
Need power anytime, anywhere? Get a Quick Charger from Sony for your AA and AAA rechargeable batteries. Unviersal voltage from 100-240V allows charging in multiple environments. Charger even comes with 4 AA rechargeable batteries to start using immediately.

Customer Reviews

Handy to Have
Bought this to go along with the GPS we purchased. Very nice to have charged batteries at all times. We keep an extra set in the cart. Can also use for my digital camera. Good product.

Great charger for Digital Camera
The charger and batteries were purchased for a Canon camera that rapidly goes through AA Alkaline batteries. So far, after several weeks of use, the Sony batteries are keeping their charge as expected. A great alternative to Canon's battery re-charge system.

Good Charger for the Price
The batteries charge quickly (4 hrs. instead of 8) and retain their charge for a long time. I would recommend this charger.

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Garmin A/C Power Cable for nüvi Portable GPS Navigators (010-10723-00)

Product Description

This A/C charger, which includes UK & Euro adapters, gives you the freedom to charge your GPS while away from home.

Product Details

• Brand: Garmin
• Model: 010-10723-00
• Released on: 2008-08-07
• Dimensions: 2.50" h x 5.70" w x 8.70" l, 2.70 pounds

Features

• Power or charge your Garmin nüvi from any A/C outlet
• Includes adapters for the UK and Europe

Customer Reviews

You really don't need the A/C Power Charger
You really don't need the A/C Power Charger because when in car, it charges with D/C (cable included with Garmin) and when plugged into PC, it cahrges as well. I used the D/C charger only once."

corkie/eire
Went on holiday to east of USA,hired car and bought Garmin 270 through amazon.I was worried before purchase about smalller sized screen,alas the screen was perfect.The GPS was user friendly,very reliable and pocket sized for carrying when not in car. The features like the restaurents,hotels,petrol icons on screen made my holiday very enjoyable as I did not know the area on holiday.My family could relax when returning to hotel at night when dark.Overall brillant device.I believe maps are about 18 months old,so one occasion a petrol station was no longer in that location.I could not say enough positive things about garmin.Excellant.

Works as designed
There are times that you don't want to charge the gps in your car or you might use it on foot, well here's your solution. Charge your gps in home then become the road warrior or path finder. It works great and serves it's purpose well.

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ASUS Eee PC 1000H 80G (10" Display, 1.6 GHz Intel ATOM Processor, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony

Product Description

This Eee PC by Asus comes in Fine Ebony style that is created with cutting-edge Infusion casing technology. Inlaid within the chassis itself, the motifs are an integral part of the entire laptop and will not fade with time. The Infusion surface also provides a new level of resilience; scratch resistance and beautiful style while you're out and about. The Eee PC has a sturdy display with a high-resolution screen. At 1024 x 600 pixels, images are clear and sharp, making it more comfortable on the eyes reading and editing documents. On the top of this screen is the 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera that works synchronously with the 802.11n wireless to provide web conferencing anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency. Preinstalled on the Eee PC to provide you a familiar interface is Microsoft's Windows XP Home, Windows Live Messenger and Works for numerous office applications, that allows anyone to learn, work and play. With all of these features the Asus Eee PC makes for a fantastic purchase as a well-equipped second notebook or a Web access tool, so beat the crowds, and get yours today before they sell out! Intel UMA Graphics Card 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera WiFi 802.11b/g/n Wireless Bluetooth 10/100Mbps LAN Hi-Definition Audio Speakers and Microphone Memory Card Slot - MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) Card, SDHC Connections - 3 x USB, VGA, Headphone, Microphone, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions - 10.47? (W) x 7.53? (D) x 1.12? ~ 1.50? (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 3.2 Pounds

Product Details

• Color: Fine Ebony
• Brand: Asus
• Model: EEEPC1000H-BK009X
• Dimensions: 1.12" h x 10.47" w x 7.53" l, 5.50 pounds
• CPU: Intel Celeron 1000 MHz
• Memory: 1000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 80GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 10

Features

• Easy to learn, work and play
• Excellent mobile Internet device
• Exciting multimedia enjoyment
• Excellent Internet Experience
• Unique design to fit your individual personality

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
The Asus Eee PC 1000H provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with an extra-large 10.2-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you'll also enjoy up to 7 hours of battery life with this Windows-powered laptop.

The Asus Eee PC 1000's 10.2-inch screen is easier on the eyes.

Much more compact than a standard-sized notebook and weighing just over 3 pounds, the Eee PC 1000H is perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. The Eee PC 1000H also features an 80 GB hard disk drive (HDD), 1 GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, tri-mode Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), integrated Bluetooth connectivity, Secure Digital memory card slot, multiple USB ports, a VGA output for connecting to a monitor.

The integrated webcam makes video chats a snap, and the keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks for easy typing.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.

The new Eee PC 1000H has a customized, cutting-edge Infusion casing technology in Fine Ebony. Inlaid within the chassis itself, the motifs are an integral part of the entire cover and will not fade with time. The Infusion surface also provides a new level of resilience, providing scratch resistance and a beautiful style while out and about.

It's also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for automatic detection and adjustments of CPU frequency, voltage, and LCD brightness to minimize system noise and power consumption to save up to 15 percent power consumption, or to maximize system performance according to individual needs.

For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution. The keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks, making it more comfortable to type for larger hands.

The Eee PC with Windows Home XP operating system provides a familiar interface.

It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.

Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones

Nicely light at just 51 ounces, the Eee PC 1000H has a 10.2-inch wide TFT LCD with a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (WXGA)--making it more comfortable on eyes than its predecessor. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet connectivity and a 56K modem. You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot (compatible with MMC memory cards). It's equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family.

Battery-Sipping Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Together with the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you'll enjoy a longer battery lifespan of up to 7 hours, allowing you to stay in touch and be connected for a longer period of time while on-the-go. It offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to your computing needs.

Online Storage from ASUS
With this Eee PC, ASUS also provides 20 GB of online storage (easily accessible via a desktop icon), which enables you to download up to 5 GB of data per day. It also provides secure file encryption and accessibility from both Windows and Linux platforms. Whether you want to share images with friends and family or store big business presentations, you can now access your data with ease and not worry about space constraints.

Specifications

• Internal memory: 80 GB hard disk drive (HDD)
• RAM: 1 GB DDR2
• Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
• Memory expansion: Slot for MMC/SD(SDHC) cards
• Operating system: Windows XP Home
• LCD: 10.2 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels
• Networking: Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• Peripheral connectivity: Three USB 2.0
• External video: One VGA
• External audio: One headphone and one microphone port
• Webcamera: Yes, 1.3 megapixels
• Battery: 6 cells, up to 7 hours
• Weight: 3.19 pounds (51 ounces)
• Dimensions: 10.5 × 7.5 × 1.5 inches

What's in the Box
ASUS Eee PC 1000, AC adapter, printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Customer Reviews

Lean and mean
I travel a lot and over the past few years I have been on a quest for a laptop that was small enough not to be hassle to drag around (which for me means 12" wide or smaller, and 4 lbs or less), but was also fully functional. I need a gig of RAM to run the graphics programs I use, and 40 gigs of storage is not enough anymore.

I have used a series of ever-smaller laptops from Gateway and Dell, but I really, really like this little Asus. I have a little satchel that I use when I go in the field, which is designed to hold maps and a compass. It's a small satchel--you can't fit a normal-sized magazine in without it bending. And yet the Eee fits inside (just barely).

How small is it? It can sit on an 8.5x11 piece of paper without overhanging the edges. The keyboard is big enough that it doesn't impair my typing. The 1024x600 screen takes a little getting used to--the other little laptops I've used have been 1200x800. Still, for me the slightly smaller screen is a fair trade for the improvement in portability.

I can see how a lot of people wouldn't like this machine because it's too small. Most of my friends think I'm crazy, but I look at their 8-pound monsters with screens almost a foot and a half wide, and all I can think about is what a pain those must be to take on an airplane.

So far I haven't had any performance problems at all. There is a faint hum from the hard drive fan, which probably only jumps out at me because my last laptop had a fan-less solid-state drive, which is silent. I doubt if it is something most people will notice; it's no louder than other fan-equipped laptops I've used. The built in megapixel webcam is a nice touch in a machine this small. The speakers are great, too.

I prefer to use open-source software, so the first thing I did was get online (it detected and connected to my home Wifi immediately and with no problems) and download Firefox and OpenOffice. I moved my files over from my external hard drive, and in an hour I was fully up and running with everything I need. Eee stands for "easy, excellent, and exciting"; I think Asus has achieved all three with this little gem.

The greatest laptop ever
Ordered the eee pc 1000h from ebay, got it on 7/25.
Having played with it for almost a week now, i can safely write something for this little wonder.

Originally I was planning to buy the msi wind because the 6 cell wind has very similar configuration as eee1000h, but it was 150 dollars less expensive(6cell wind $499 vs. eee1000h $649). Later on msi announced 6cell wind won't be available until late august/early september due to battery shortage, and eee1000h price was reduced by $100. Since eee pc series already have pretty good track record and msi wind is relatively new, I made a quick decision: placed an order on ebay and never regretted my choice since then.

The eee1000h comes with windows xp home sp3. Booting takes about 30 seconds. LED screen is pretty bright. Basically I can get very good lighting when brightness is set to about 30%. It comes with two partitions, 40GB each. After charging the battery, the first thing I wanted to do is to install ubuntu hardy 8.04 on the second partition and set up dual booting. I messed up with disk partition the first time, so I decided to try the recovery dvd. Man, the recovery is FAST! believe it or not, it took only 4 minutes 30 seconds to recover to factory pre-installed state. At first the ethernet and wireless didn't work under ubuntu. After fixing the drivers(credits to http://ubuntu-eee.com/index.php5?title=EeePC_901),
everything worked perfectly(except Fn keys, only brightness control works under ubuntu, but I can live with it). One thing i noticed is that ubuntu seems to be more powering consuming than windows xp. With xp, my battery shows 6h 35m at 100% when doing nothing, with brightness 30%, wifi on and bluetooth off. With ubuntu, the same condition shows only 4h 18m. I guess that has something to do with xorg/compiz always running in the background. The keyboard feels pretty responsive, I can type really fast on the keyboard. The CPU is powerfull yet very quiet. It doesn't get so warm as previous eee pc series. The lid hinge is sturdy and the black ebony case feels solid, although it gets my finger print very easily.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Greatest laptop ever!!

Great Netbook for Road Warriors!
So I purchased this Asus Eee 1000H model in black at an electronics chain store in Taipei, Taiwan. I believe the local prices are slightly cheaper than the US retail price, but not by much. Don't worry.

I'm a MAC enthusiast. I currently own the regular MacBook and do all my hardcore writing on it. But when I travel to meetings or conferences, I needed a smaller laptop. Yeah, Apple's 12" macbook is still too bulky imo. I'm female and with 3 inch heels, every little pound counts! Besides, other than my regular handbag, I hate to carry an additional laptop bag. So Eee was my best bet.

I looked around similar offerings by HP, Dell, and Acer. For the specs, price, and the roomy enough 10" screen, I opted for Asus.

Did consider MacAir, but it's just too expensive right now, and I'm waiting for the 2nd generation to roll out with glitches fixed.

10" screen is the smallest I can go, because with smaller Eee models, I can't type without making a ton of mistakes and doing so hurts my hands.

The power up speed is extremely fast. Love Windows XP. This model comes with Microsoft Work, not Office. But for basic writing, and excel I don't mind Works.

Connects to my broadband in a heartbeat, detects wireless networks too.

The aesthetics is great. I love it in black. White can get dirty too easily. Yes, it does accumulate fingerprints, but you can easily wipe it down with the cloth they've included in the package.

Powerful, flexible, inexpensive, little unit. I love it, and it comes with a black microfiber sleeve to store your Eee inside your bigger carryon.

Great for kids too.

But for handsome 6 feet tall 200 pound men, I suspect not too suitable! =)

[Buy ASUS Eee PC 1000H 80G (10" Display, 1.6 GHz Intel ATOM Processor, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony]

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Marware Sport Grip for iPhone 3G (Black)

Product Description

The Sport Grip provides smooth, sleek, slip-free silicone protection for your iPhone 3G. One of the slimmest and most comfortable carrying solutions on the market.

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Marware
• Model: 602956004875

Features

• Slip-free, high quality silicone skin available in multiple colors
• Quick and easy access to all iPhone functionality
• Ultra-slim profile
• Includes clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth

Customer Reviews

An Elegant Solution to Protect your new 3G iPhone
Marware does it again. The case fits perfectly to the 3G iPhone. It comes with a thin clear protector for the screen. (Do not get crumbs or anything on thin clear screen protector prior to sticking it on the iPhone, otherwise those crumbs will create air bubbles on the screen and annoy you forever...) All buttons and iPhone functions work with the case attached. Easy to take on and off. The case may not fit in all docks, but removing the case is a cinch. I highly recommend picking up on of these cases.

[Buy Marware Sport Grip for iPhone 3G (Black)]

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Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator

Product Description

An enhanced version of the TI-84 Plus graphic calculator, the new TI-84 Plus offers a built-in USB port, 3x the memory of the previous version, many preloaded Apps, an improved display, and more! Because the new TI-84 Plus is 100% keystroke-for-keystroke compatible with the TI-84 Plus, integrating it into your classroom will be easy! This new version allows students to share their work by connecting their TI-84 Plus to any TI presentation tools for the whole class to see, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Plus, a built-in USB port makes data transfer to your computer and between handhelds easier than ever. High-contrast display

Product Details

• Brand: Texas Instruments
• Model: TI-84 PLUS
• Format: CD
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Graphing calculator handles calculus, engineering, trigonometric, and financial functions
• USB on-the-go technology for file sharing with other calculators and connecting to PCs
• 11 apps preloaded
• Displays graphs and tables on split screen to trace graph while scrolling through table values
• Backed by 1-year warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Building on the hugely popular TI-83 Plus, which is perhaps the best-selling calculator of all time, the TI-84 Plus is completely compatible with its predecessor. From that well-established platform, this new model adds more speed (a processor that's 2.5 times faster), more memory (24 KB RAM and 480 KB of Flash ROM), an enhanced high-contrast display (eight lines by 16 characters), and more beloved Apps.

Includes a USB Port and cable.

It also adds USB on-the-go technology (cable included) that can be used to share files with other calculators or to connect to PCs or optional presentation tools.

Comes with 13 pre-loaded Apps and supports all TI-83 Apps.

Thirteen Apps are pre-loaded, including Cabri Jr., CBL/CBR, Conic Graphing, Inequality Graphing, Probability Simulations, Science Tools, StudyCards, TimeSpan, Topics in Algebra 1 Chapter 5, Topics in Algebra 1 Chapters 1-4, Transformation Graphing, and more. For students in math and sciences, the TI-84 Plus is a powerful, problem-solving tool with features for storing, graphing, and analyzing up to 10 functions. Plus, it displays graphs and evaluates tables on a split screen, allowing you to trace the graph and scroll through table values simultaneously.

Split screen lets you view a graph and its equation at the same time.

With the TI-84 Plus, you can view an equation, its graph, and the coordinates all at one time. Jump from point to point by entering a number. Several useful plot types are available, including scatter, box-and-whisker, XY-line, histogram, and normal probability plots. Advanced statistics and regression analysis, graphical analysis, and data analysis are readily accessed, along with features for calculus, engineering, financial, logarithm, trigonometry, and hyperbolic functions--all crucial tools for advanced analysis. With its clear display and fast processing, the calculator incorporates graphing tools for mathematics and science course work, including statistics and finance.

The included kickstand slide case is great for desktop work.

The TI-84 Plus is powered by four AAA alkaline batteries (not included) and one silver oxide battery (included) for backup, with an automatic shutoff to save energy. It also comes with a hard kickstand slide case and is supported by a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
TI-84 Plus, kickstand slide case, TI connectivity cable/USB cable, silver oxide battery, TI Product CD-ROM with full reference Guidebook and free software Apps, warranty information; four AAA batteries not included, alkaline recommended

Customer Reviews

TI-84
We purchased this calculator for my son's pre-calculus class. He has used a tutoral to become familiar with the product and found it very easy to use. If I had to purchase it again, I would have gone with the silver edition to obtain more memory.
I found the best price through Amazon and delivery came before we had expected.

A+
Just as described, although a description of the amount of permanent marker and what was on there would have been much appreciated.
The product was fully functional, and shipping was faster than expected!

Reasonable quick getting my order
I got what exactly I ordered in reasonalbe time of delivery. Nice experience.
Li

[Buy Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator]

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