Very good equipment with good graphics performance for a netbook

First I have to make progress, that I bought this laptop for a perhaps somewhat specific application.
I use the machine as a Media Center on my 55 "LCD TV. So surfing, music, occasional video comfort of your couch.
I then also can occasionally take the device is rather secondary for me.
That's why I've also specifically this device with HDMI port (still quite rare in netbooks) and the promising ATI HD 4200 graphics chip selected.
The latter will allow playback of HD video, according to the product description also weak CPUs.

Graphic
The FullHD image via the HDMI port on my TV Samsung LE55C650 139.7 cm (55 inch) LCD TV (Full HD, 100Hz, DVB-T / C) is black very good, crisp and clear. With the desktop scaling of Windows 7 the graphics can adjust so that everything is easily readable from across the room.
But that 'digital media powerhouse' the AMD / ATI with ATI HD 4200 graphics chip promises is, of course, somewhat exaggerated, but the performance is sufficient for the application.
I have AVI videos and DVD Ripps seen (over GB Ethernet from Synology DS410j NAS NAS system diskless (800MHz, 128MB RAM)) with the VLC player.
AVI was always okay. DVD Ripps generally well, but a DVD-Ripp has manipulated a bit geruckelt. However, I could not tell if that was the graphics chip or the Ethernet.
The built-in display, which I so rarely use is clear and sharp. It's good no glare and good contrast even with light in the back.

Surfing
Surfing is of course generally also for a netbook no problem. When the number of browser windows and tabs you should perhaps not get too exaggerate.
When I eventually 3 window was wearing on the lookout for a holiday trip, each with 10-15 tabs and the next tour operators lies equal to 3 videos run on the Home limit was reached yet. Quick a window and closed to a dozen superfluous tabs and we went on. More can not be expected from a netbook in this price range also.

Memory
I quickly realized that I was using my application would lead to small companion to its limits.
That's why I signed up for an upgrade the memory to 2GB decided directly Elixir Original 2 GB 204 pin DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM (1333Mhz, PC3-10600S, CL9, 256Mx8) - Part M2S2G64CB88B5N-CG with Netbookspezifischer chip structure - suitable for all current DDR3 Netbooks.
The small service door at the back which hides the memory and which is locked with a single screw is very tight. So firmly that I have repeatedly researched on the Internet, if I did not still somewhere overlooked a screw.
It is instinct to use so much force that the door opens, but does not break.
If the flap is open the rest for an experienced user is easy.
It should be noted that such a small device has only one memory slot has in the course already the 1GB chip sits.
That is, one exchanges the 1GB chip against the 2GB chip and can stick the old 1GB chip behind the autograph book. ;)

Windows 7 Starter Edition
The Windows 7 Starter Edition, which is preinstalled on most netbooks, is for someone who knows Windows 7 already associated with many limitations.
For me, this is not an acceptable Windows 7: no change in the background, no Aero-optics, limited network options are just some of the restrictions.
So I have made myself directly to the installation of Windows 7 Ultimate.

Installation of Windows 7 Ultimate
Previously before any drivers at ASUS downloaded (first warning signs: three download packages for WLAN without meaningful description of the difference.)
The installation went very smoothly via an external DVD drive. The unit was using the default drivers largely Ready stock up on LAN and WLAN for Win 7 no suitable driver here. LAN was installed quickly and worked flawlessly.
I then successively the 3 packets for WLAN installed because I assumed that the setup installs only what works well - momentous mistake.
Each packet read yourself and install the WLAN device was subsequently shown to be functional, but no wireless networks were found.
Was looking for a spec of the device that tells me which wireless chip in it is - nil.
Have different variants with uninstall / restore point / installation attempts - nil.
Have been looking in the Windows events and on the Internet for clues to the problem - nil.
Was on the phone with the ASUS Support 20 minutes. Top Support! Experienced, highly sought support staff! Have I even recalled to conserve my expense! But - nil. After all, I knew now that I Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter would equal only need to install (AW-NB047 Wireless Network Adapter Driver).
After a long conversation and various experiments with my personal Microsoft helpdesk (Thanks Mark !!!) was clear: my last hope is to reinstall.
It shows once again: all very simple when you know how it goes. ;)
Windows 7 installed - right after the Broadcom driver - WLAN running. :)

AMD
My personal history with AMD is a bit inconsistent.
Actually, I'm an AMD FAN (think global, act local), but I had some bad experiences with inperformanten and unstable systems unfortunately long ago.
This time I dared again and was not disappointed. The performance is felt the same when compared to an Intel Atom netbook.
And there are no problems such as instability or similar ..

Accumulator
Especially in the beginning it's not just the default user (permanent installations, etc.) and the full battery life appears indeed only after several charging cycles.
My battery life is now at 4-5 hours with permanent installations and occasional videos. In real mobile use and yet with few charge cycles I trust the device to described to the 7 hours of battery life get hold.

Optics and perceived quality
The device makes a good, almost noble quality impression.
This is of course the matt black case, which in turn something quickly shows fingerprints.
The keyboard has a good (for a netbook) pressure point.

HDMI
Connection via HDMI works very well. The device remembers that it has recently issued the graphics with HDMI, so you do not have to constantly switch back.
Pleasant surprise was that via HDMI is also equal to the sound with the TV. I knew of older notebook HDMI connectors so no.

In my view, a very good device that can recommend to purchase and would buy again.
ASUS should on the support page urgently sort the WLAN driver (manufacturer support is part of the product)!
As my problem was very special, I will not be too severe in spite of my personal effort and anger.
In total cost for me the combination of driver confusion, Windows 7 Starter Edition and a little too much promised media services, the netbook but just a point.

UPDATE: The reproduction of my DVD-Video is unfortunately almost always accompanied by a bucking (whether from the NAS or from the internal hard drive). Once the movements in the film are faster eg in a camera panning the image is no longer liquid. The visual effects of iTunes that I let run along to the music like, bucking noticeably. Promises such as "With the new additions to ASUS is aimed at mobile users who want to make no compromises in performance, multimedia capabilities and design and a netbook." or "digital media powerhouse" does not solve this one performance. Whose focus is on the mobile qualities at a reasonable price, may still be well served with the netbook, for my purpose it is so but unsuitable. It follows a devaluation of 4 to 3 stars and the return for me.