Much better then I expected it to be!!  Vista Home basic is OK
591564
This is my first NETBOOK, all my other computers are desktop and homebuilt.  The price for the Acer was good and is
just about right for what you get.  2 gig of ram, 250 gig hd and a almost full size keyboard.  The junk free software was removed - the first time on line - it did take a while for VISTA to upgrade but I left the NETBOOK  plugged into AC power  and had no problems.  Note: do charge the battery prior to first use.  Vista is not my OS of choice, I prefer XP Home Media Edition but this VISTA home basic is not bad nor does it seem to slow up the NETBOOK.  True on bootup it is slow but it is a NETBOOK with a 1.3 cpu for goodness sake (smile)... over all I give it FIVE STARS with the note that the keyboard is just a wee bit tight for my BIG FINGERS!  Take care.

Ed
3367474
I really like this OS.
It installed faster and with fewer problems than any OS I've ever run going back to DOS.
My only gripes would be with the lack of 64bit support from a lot of second party apps, but that's not Microsofts fault.
The OS runs stable and has a reasonably easy to use interface, without a lot of the headaches that Vista provided.
The Media Center is one area which could use improvement though. You can only select a single region in it and the channel menus are tedious to scroll through.

I never thought I'd see the day when I was glad to have a Microsoft OS.
3301971
System: Eee PC 100HE - upgraded to 2 GB RAM

I haven't had it long enough to do a thorough evaluation, but so far, I think it's great!

Installed Easy Peasy linux, based on Ubuntu 8.10 ([...]) from an SD card, using unetbootin ([...]  The installation went very smoothly, wireless G worked right out of the box.  I did manage to hose windows xp, which is fine, since I'm not interested in running it, but if you want to dual boot xp and linux, pay special attention to disk partitioning, easy peasy doesn't seem to help much in preventing this even though xp was already installed on the hard drive.

I'm a programmer, data engineering and analytics consultant, and so far, I'm surprised by how well the 100HE performs.  I'm doing routine development using Ruby and mySQL, and can't say I've been disappointed.  I took the 100HE into my office, hooked up an external monitor via the VGA port, and an external keyboard, everything worked fine.  So far the external monitor mirrors the built-in LCD (the quality of which is excellent under linux), I haven't figured out how to do dual monitors.

The keyboard is a bit cramped, but I can live with it.  The track pad is very responsive, but the "click" mechanism is too stiff (I like to use an external USB mouse versus a track pad anyway).  So far I've gotten about 5-6 hours battery life running linux.

In sum, I'm really surprised by how usable this notebook is.  It's very light and convenient to use.  I recommend it for linux users.
4859371
I got the 2 GB Ram version. A205-5000 model.
I can watch high def 480p shows from hulu.com, whith amazing clarity. It downloads files at blazing speeds. I hava a cable connection, and I've been downloading 25 mb files in about 5 secs.
My other computer (a compaq 512mb ram) takes about 3 times as long to do the same.
I have no problems with vista, like some people say. The only glitch I'm having so far is the sound device, has trouble going in and out of mute. But once I re-start explorer, it comes back up.
Programs launch in about 1.5 secs. Really fast. Even cluncky programs such as Rhapsody launch just the same.
Shuts down in a hurry also. Unlike XP which takes forever, while it asks you stupid questions before it shuts down, Vista just closes down without a question.
I paid $430 for this baby, and love it. Get Toshiba.
1374822
The Windows 7 Home Premium installed correctly and works fine.  It is enough like XP that no major adjustments or learning are needed to switch.
477555
Let me start of with the claim that I am not an Apple fanboy, neither am I a Linux zealot.
I'm simply a computer user, have 7 of them in my house including Macs and PCs. I love them all equally.

I have had Windows XP for long time and decided to upgrade to Vista. My specs are not bad at all:

Intel Core Duo
4GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 5500 / 1GB GDDR2

The disc is packaged very nicely, they know how to catch attention. Really beautiful experience opening the box.

Installed like a charm. Installed in about 15 minutes, no lags or anything. Rebooted, expanded all files, rated performance and created me a user account.

Now, let's see. I installed ALL of the updates for the system. Rebooted. Downloaded iTunes. Started the installation and BOOM.. the infamous Blue Screen of Death. Okay..

I put in Doom 3 in my drive in hoping to play it. At about 99% the installation locked up and another Blue Screen of Death.

So then I decided to put some Photoshop. Installation started but then closed with a weird error message. I ran in the compability mode for XP SP2 and yay, I installed it. Started playing around with PS and then BOOM.. BSOD again.

And so with all this it just brings up one obvious question -> What The Hell???.. I have never had any problems like that EVER in XP. Someone really was desperate to end the beta testing when it should of been far from over.

While some people have succeeded in getting Vista to work for them I suggest to wait at least until SP1 is released for this software.

Of course I have got most of my programs to work. And when they did work they work amazingly well. Except for PhotoImpact (when I start it the PC goes into the Vista Basic theme).

I really suggest getting either Ultimate or Home Basic version -> there is a hack to enable Aero Glass in it (if you really care so much for eye candy) simply because you either want a system for every-day use or a basic system for once-a-week activities. This Home Premium is just a Frankenstein edition...
3631914
I would tread very carefully on this one, even if it does have 256MB video card.  An Atom is still an Atom.  And you really need at least 4GB of RAM to make Vista half-decent.  My brother has a full-size, 2.2 GHz Dual-Core laptop with 4GB of RAM and a 512MB card, and Vista Premium still lags way behind Windows XP in speed.  I know because I did a side by side comparison with my 3 year old Toshiba 1.4GHz Centrino (one core) with 1.25GB RAM and 32MB card running XP Pro, which ran circles around Vista no matter how many tweaks we tried to put on the Vista.  Nuts!

Just a heads up for prospective buyers excited by the 2GB of memory and video card, both unheard of in the netbook market previously.

I suppose the bright side is that you can now get a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out in a few months.  Windows 7 is said to be faster than Vista (which isn't saying much, lol) but not any big improvement over XP.  Just another way for Microsoft to squeeze more money out of the consumer, after making them guinea pigs in beta-testing Vista, exactly as it did with Windows Millenium which was garbage until XP replaced it.
3907507
I have Windows Vista and I did have installation problems where I had to restart several times. After that, there were some issues with updates but it has been working fine ever since. In my opinion, these are fairly common problems with all anti-virus programs. It's also a matter of getting used to it. I like the user-friendly interface. The value seems good with it being a 2 year program with 3 PC protection. It also hasn't slowed down the computer. So far, I like it and do recomend it.
2809239
Update 3/4/15: My HP Pav. Elite  running Win7 Pro died and I was loaded this Win. 7 package, essentially resurrecting it.

I purchased "Win 7 Home Premium SP1 32 (OEM) System" to upgrade an older HP laptop running Vista which I totally hated. And I've very little to say about the experience, except that I loaded the DVD, followed the screen prompts, and now the laptop is running Windows 7 which I like almost as much as XP.

It was as easy as I hoped and, honestly, I'm beside myself; wow! Microsoft actually got something right.
1510094
Easy ot install and immediately noted performance improvement.  I had Vista on my desktop and it was sluggish.  Was thinking of Windows 8 but didn't like drastic change.
3767378
For what I paid this thing is fantastic. Not a serious gamer rig but it will  run H.264 (QuickTime) with few difficulties. Do get some lag when multitasking but that shouldn't be a surprise. Anyone who says Vista has problems may be right but that is only because they don't know how to use it. Personally, I like this machine.
1011424
Dimension 5150 With Intel Pentium D 820 Processor | 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 Memory | 160GB SATA Hard drive | DVD+-R/RW CD-R/RW Burner | ATI X1300 Pro PCI Express 256MB Video Card | 8 X USB2.0 | 1 X Ethernet | USB Keyboard and Mouse | Windows XP Media Center 2005 No recovery media | Ready to install New Vista Operating system | New 450Watt Antec Power supply | 5.1 Sigmatel audio | Questions Email me

This is the specs i have on my dell and with this specs it runs smoothly on all games also ATI graphics card i have is made for VISTA Aero Feature. Ready to roll with vista. I changed the power supply to make my machine run like a Gamer PC. its is worth it for the money i would say Go for it but for technical side i don't like the fact they ship with cheap power supply. LOL Enjoy
4378149
Ok I am going to break this down into 3 parts.

First the computer itself. I got in at the $250 price level and I am very happy for the money. No not blazing fast but if you are replacing an older PC you will be amazed. I replaced a high end gaming rig (5 years old) due to a hard drive failure and I find this PC loads faster and handles the web, emails, video, and day to day tasks fine. No I will not be playing and FPS game on it I haven't for years. The hard drive is a little small and there are no open bays to put another one it but I will be doing my back ups and mass storage to an external drive. I may up the RAM to 8Gig but so far do not feel the need. DVD RW drive works well and it has lots of USB ports.  It has a small foot print on the desk top, again nice compared next to my old rig.

Second, Windows 8.......With some tinkering it can be configured to look like Windows 7. No Office software included of any kind. I do have a an older version of Office but wanted to try something new. No way was I going to pony up for Office 2013 or 365 so I installed Libre Office (freeware) and OMG what a great piece of software. All the things I need and just as good as Office 2013 (which I use at work) check it out. As for Windows 8 apps I am underwhelmed. Not nearly as many as Android or Apple and I just don't get it, when I am on my PC I like to multi task, lots of windows open, checking Wiki, my bank account and the weather all at once. With an app you are tied to one thing, period. Also in order to use any apps you will have to give some personal information to Micro Soft, no more than what you give for a new smart phone but it still bothers me.

Third, it was 19 days from order to ship from Amazon.(then 3 days in shipping)  That's a long time to wait but FOR THE PRICE it was worth it. Also be careful who you get it from, MAKE SURE you are getting it directly from Amazon not one of their re-sellers or vendors. There have been reports of new computers arriving with all sorts of pre-instaled ad-ware and worse.

I would absolutely do this again, but remember my needs no longer include graphic intensive games.
2853854
Received and installed the product before the update was available on company website.  Don't intend to download it as it takes a lot of hard drive space, and I don't need parental controls or closed captioning. I have Vista Premium. Installation was easy. Amazed that the small antenna works as well as it does.  I have to use a large amplified antenna on my tv.  I tried it instead of the supplied antenna, and it didn't improve the reception.  Reception of with the small supplied antenna is very good. Using up/down channels is slow...typing in channel number is better.

I figured out how to set it up on Windows Media Center, then found those instructions on support tab of company website.

 Like another reviewer, I had problems with sound.  I was at 100% volume, and it was still low...then I realized that I had to adjust the volume bar on the windows bottom right tool bar.  (For Windows Media, I had to adjust the sound mixer). These instructions weren't included in the trouble shooting guide.  Also, at first I didn't have sound on Windows Media Center...I have to deselect the AC3 option under the stereo sound.  I have to reselect it to watch it on the supplied tuner program.

 I like that I can minimize the picture on top of programs, so I can watch/listen while checking e-mail, etc.

The reason for 4 stars is on a couple of occasions, the sound suddenly slowed down...like listening to an old record on the slow speed.  The tuner gets very warm, and I don't know if that affected it.  On one occasion I rebooted, and everything was fine again.  Another time, I clicked again on the stereo sound option and it came back to normal.

Overall, a good, inexpensive HDTV option.
3542135
when my trial version of 2007 expired i pretty much was forced to get the product.  i could not longer send e-mail or make new documents.  i was going to return to office 2003 but since i was getting vista's free upgrade my attention went to the 2007 software. i have a new Gateway MX6453 top of the line 15.4 inch lap top, dual core, 2gig ram so i have no hardware issues.  i called best buy to find out how much 2007 would be and what version had outlook included.  i was told i needed to get the $399 plus small business version WRONG.  the Standard upgrade version has outlook and i bought it for $199.

i put the disc in my lap top and 5 minutes later it was done, everything converted and working fine.  2007 has lots of new bells and whistles so it will take you a bit to get used to it.  but that is what the consumer wants...new and great stuff.  it has worked fine for me so far and i am very happy with my purchase.

just remember that the student and teacher version DOES NOT include outlook
4604734
I purchased this as a gift for my mother.  I am pleasantly surprised with this laptop, but I expected to be.  Toshiba is one of three PC laptop brands that I would buy.  This is based on past experience.

The first thing I noticed was how light this laptop is.  Compared to other current model laptops, it may or may not be considered light by some.  Compared to the laptop it replaced, it is a featherweight.

For the most part, it is very sturdy and feels solid in your hands.  I would like a little more stiffness in the keyboard response though.  I am not a soft typist and I tend to pound on the keyboard.  The trackpad is flush with the surface of the handrests, which takes some getting used to. It is hard to find without looking first.  After a few uses, I plugged in my USB mouse, which is more compfortable anyway.

My biggest complaint is the number of trial apps that this laptop came with.  I understand that the reason for the inexpensive price is because of all the additional software that comes pre-installed.  I can live with this, as I uninstalled most of it, opting for competing products (such as the virus scanning software, firewall, etc).  There were 23 icons on my desktop when I turned this laptop on the first time!

Minor gripes aside, this laptop is fast, includes plenty of space, and looks sleek and refined.  It gets a Vista rating of 3.0 according to Microsoft.  I am primarily a Mac user.  With that in mind, I can say that Vista is not so bad.  It is not worth the effort to bring this laptop home just to remove Vista and install XP.  Just be sure to turn off the disorienting Aero mouse pointer theme (leave the rest of Aero turned on) and update all software (including third party products such as Adobe Reader).  Vista can be quite pleasing to the eyes after a couple of uses.

I would buy this laptop again without question.
268879
I purchased this PC back in Jan 08 with a 20" HP monitor. Windows Vista is
nice but it takes some getting used to.  I didn't care for it at first but like it somewhat better now. I'm surprised that HP installed such a weak video card in a fast PC like this.  My MS Flight Simulator X frame rate was only about 7-8 FPS. I have since upgraded the video card to a
Radeon HD3870 Overclocked PCI-E 2.0.  I also had to change the stock 300 watt power supply to a 650 watt unit.  The video card alone draws 270 watts under a load.  I also increased the RAM to 6 gigs.  This PC now is a real hotrod and FSX and Realflight G4 Simulators run between 20 & 30 FPS with full scenery.  A super improvement over the stock system. The whole upgrade was an additional $370 but well worth it. Since the new video card is wide the stock TV card has to go.  Just make sure you plug the monitor into the new card of choice.  Vista service pack 1 upgrade  also has to be installed if you want the additional ram to take effect.
The whole upgrade took about 1 hour for the new hardware and about another hour for the Vista upgrades.  Now I'm very happy with this system.