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| Introduction | ||||
It has been almost exactly one year since we saw the Asus Eee line of notebooks hit store shelves and it has been quite a year for this little side project from Asus. The original Asus Eee PC lineup, even with its flaws, turned out to be a massive surprise hit, as Asus hit a price and form factor that the market was finally ready to adopt for an ultra-mobile notebook. The Eee PC, while not truly the first of its kind, cemented the "netbook' product category, which has encouraged potential buyers to accept this genre of products. Since its release, we've seen nearly every major OEM produce a similar product to compete with the Eee, although Asus's six month lead in this arena has helped them flesh out their product lineup even before their competitors got their first notebooks out. In the last six months, Asus decided to explode their Eee lineup with a wide range of models, sizes, and feature sets. Depending on how you look at the situation, this can be seen as a positive or a negative growth for the Eee name. It's still the most commonly thought of brand name when considering an ultra-mobile PC, however, with so many models now out on the market, buyers have to read a grid, more or less, to find which model works for them. One trend is quite clear, even without reading model numbers, however, and that is "netbooks" are getting bigger. Not only in popularity, but in size and features, in order to accommodate the needs of a wider scope of potential consumers.
First generation "netbooks" were equipped with 7-8 inch screens, which were sufficient given what people were demanding of the form factors of that time. However, if you want to do any actual work on one of these things, bigger (higher-resolution) screens and larger keyboards become necessary. Also, while cheap (and often-times, slow) solid state flash disks were used as storage and any type of real business or power-user would feel limited with only 8 or 16 GB of storage space. While not as sleek as a solid state hard drive, a standard 2.5" hard drive with a larger capacity would be needed. Business types won't buy brightly colored laptops, either, so the original Eee colors would have to be toned down, color-wise, in order to appeal to the worker-bee. The result of all these demands for a business-class Eee PC model have led us to Asus 1000H, one of the latest members of the Eee family. In comparison to the original Eee, almost everything has changed, however, the core ultra-mobile Eee feeling remains more or less in-tact, even for those who require a larger screen. Has Asus hit a sweet spot with usability, size, and price, or have they just made the Eee PC into a big, bloated monster? Let's find out! |
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| Specifications | ||||||||
"This Eee PC 1000H offers even more options to users for unique user experiences. Users will be able to enjoy stable and reliable computing on-the-go; 7 hours* of battery life, high speed 802.11n connectivity and exclusive 10GB Eee Storage makes it the ideal traveling companion for outdoor activities. The large 10" display provides comfortable viewing, and a keyboard that´s 92% sized of generic notebooks make for easier typing and relaxing usage. It is also available in 6 custom colored designs to fit your unique personality." - Asus
The retail box is extremely small and matches the expectations of a notebook which is largely targeting the budget market. The EeePC is nicely packed in a form fitting box - the accessories all sit in a separate area below the notebook unit. Don't expect much in terms of extras - as you receive the notebook itself, an A/C power charger, a thin (but surprisingly nice) carrying case, and some install CD's and manuals. It's actually refreshing to not have tons of added extras which you may or may not ever use, so long as the essential components and peripherals are still there.
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| First Impressions | |||||
The overall aesthetic of the Eee PC 1000H is clean, simple, and works very well. With the black shell and shiny outsides, it actually looks slightly bigger than it is in real-life, and the unit is amazingly easy to fit into small bags or storage areas in cars. It is quite portable, but yet, pretty rugged too. However, given the unit's 2.5" standard hard disk, we wouldn't consider it to be quite as rugged as the Eee PC models with solid state hard disks, which have no moving parts. Regardless, it's a notebook hard drive so it's no more sensitive to shock and vibration than any other standard notebook. Also, the Eee PC 1000H is shiny -- very shiny. Perhaps a bit too shiny.
While Asus has improved the look of their Eee PC's by toning down the logos and keeping things simple, the company still suffers from OEM-itis, where we see a load of stickers on the bottom of the keyboard. Removing these stickers typically leaves the unit somewhat sticky, and it's always just an eyesore to look at. Especially Asus's huge sticker on the bottom right with their technical support number. That seems like something which could have easily gone on the bottom of the unit out of day to day view. We do, however, like the unit's four clean, small, integrated LED status lights for power, battery, data access, and wireless connectivity.
The customizable hot keys are the only really unique things we see when we open up the notebook. The keyboard is impressively spaced considering this is a netbook, and is close enough to the size of a full-sized keyboard that it makes typing quite easy to pick up on. The one compromise we wish they wouldn't have made with the keyboard is the mis-placement of the right side shift key to the right of the direction arrows, which is commonly used. Without this right side shift key placed in its proper place, we have to rely on our left finger to find the shift key, this is not a common movement, therefore, it slows down typing by a significant margin, almost to the point where it frustrated us. It's a shame, too, since every other layout option on the keyboard seemed to work quite well.
The unit's trackpad is square in the center of the model, and it supports two button controls via some nice brushed aluminum buttons. You do not have any scrolling abilities with this trackpad, which can become time consuming if you're a heavy user of scrollbars. The trackpad feels a little dull and flat, but is accurate and responsive after a few minutes of use. |
| External Design and Power | |||
Looking around the unit, there are four ports to consider. On the left side, you have a security lock on the left side next to the RJ-45 network connector. You've also got a single USB 2.0 port (one of three) along with audio in/out ports. The audio ports are connected to a modern HD audio CODEC, and can pump out decent sounding audio through its headphones - although the integrated speakers of the Eee PC leave much to be desired. Between the USB 2.0 port and audio ports, you can see cooling channels which exhaust internally created heat. The heat exhaust is only slightly warm at times, as this notebook runs fairly cool inside.
On the right side, you have a memory card reader (MMC/SD/SDHC), good for digital camera users or those who want to expand the Eee PC's storage capabilities on the cheap. On this side, you have another two USB 2.0 ports, a 15-pin VGA analog video output port, and the power connector port. There are no connectors on the front or back of the unit. Battery Life and Power Consumption -
Most Windows desktops consume at least 100-200 watts with towers and monitors. For those who only need very basic computing abilities, having an Eee PC instead of a tower and a monitor, could actually save quite a bit in terms of power bills. Especially if you are the type who leaves your computer on 24/7, as more people are doing lately due to the ubiquity of broad-band Internet connections and the need to be connected at all times. We could see the Eee PC also being used as a portable, low-end server, as the hardware is cheap and it still has enough power for a lot of low-level server tasks, and it has a hard drive of usable size. The unit also starts up much quicker than a normal PC, as an average power-touch on to fully working desktop time is about 30 seconds. Starts up and shut down is much faster compared to most desktop PC's, and, you've got a one-touch button on the left side of the keyboard to turn the LCD display off - useful for both server environments or for presentations and/or meetings. |
| Vital Signs and Characteristics | |||
The Asus EEE PC 1000H is based on the same core technologies seen in the vast majority of Asus (and other branded) netbooks on the market today. The EEE 1000H is based on Intel's popular Atom N270 processor and 945GME chipset combination, which has proved itself to be one of the most power-efficient processor/chipset pairings on the market today. While certainly not the most powerful setup in the world, it typically is regarded as "good enough" to handle the needs of what people expect from a netbook (email, browsing the web, basic office-level tasks).
The Atom N270 processor which powers the 1000H model is certainly powerful enough for netbook-level usage scenarios, although when you really start to push the system, you can see the limitations of this CPU quite clearly. For email, browsing, basic word processing, the N270 handles the load just fine. However, whenever you throw anything graphics or video related at the system, it chokes up pretty quick. Even something as simple as loading up a Flash video on Hulu, the CPU will jump up to 100% and bring the system to its knees. Now, in this day and age, when a Flash video is maxing out your CPU, there is likely a problem of some sort. The Atom N270 processor is quite modern, as it's based on Intel's latest 45nm manufacturing technology, has support for SSE-2 and SSE-3, and has 512k of cache, which all seem quite good for a low-cost processor. However, it's lacking an awful lot, some of which is not needed for a netbook-class system, some of which we could really go for. First off, the Atom N270 is a single-core processor, not dual-core, which means that if you have a single rogue process acting up and maxing out your CPU, system performance grinds to a halt - a problem which has largely been solved with dual core based systems. Not only that, this single-core processor runs at a mere 1.6 GHz, roughly half that of most modern systems. Most systems today have a processor closer to 3.0 GHz with dual-cores at a minimum, which basically means you'll be looking at around 1/4th the processing speed of a modern day desktop. In addition, the Atom N270's architecture is nipped around many of the multimedia aspects of its desktop brethren, so playing back high-end video content will really show off the unfortunate side effects of Intel's cost/complexity cutting which employed in the Atom architecture.
Asus does help out Intel a little bit, by offering a "Super High Performance" mode, which can be activated through Asus's "Super Hybrid Engine" software. You can switch off this mode through a software switch, or by clicking one of the top four action buttons (by default, one of the buttons is pre-linked to the software, but you can change this if need be). The highest of the four options is the previously mentioned "Super High Performance Mode", which actually overclocks the system's front side bus speed (533 MHz x 12 = 1.6 GHz) up to 570 MHz, which gives you an operating clock speed of 1.71 GHz - a 7% gain in performance. Not bad for no cost and no work, but it doesn't affect the Atom's core deficiencies in any major way. Also, if you run at this mode long enough, you'll drain your battery quicker and the system's integrated cooling fan will switch on and activate, which does make the system audible (by default, it's barely noticeable). "Super Hybrid Engine" also gives you the ability to clock down the CPU if you're doing low-level tasks and want to save battery life. The other three options are "High Performance" (1.6 GHz), "Power Saving Mode (1.25 GHz), and Auto, which varies between 627 MHz and 1.6 GHz, depending on system load. It's a nice, simple little tool for managing your performance and battery life - despite its awkward sounding name. |
| Storage, Graphics, Connectivity | |||
Storage, Graphics, and Connectivity The Intel Atom N270 processor and 945GME chipset are connected to 1 GB of DDR2 memory, which runs at DDR2-667 speeds. The memory modules run at high 5-5-5 latencies, but given that this is not a performance oriented product, it should not be an issue. Asus does give you access to the single SO-DIMM socket, so you can replace the standard 1 GB memory module for a larger 2 GB model if you need an extra boost. Interestingly enough, Asus bundles 2 GB of system memory for their Linux-based version, but 1 GB is standard for Windows XP systems. It certainly seems like the opposite memory / operating system scnearios would have been a better fit.
Unlike other members of the EEE PC family, the 1000H model does not rely on a solid state hard disk for its data storage. Most will immediately see this as a negative aspect, as traditional platter based hard disks tend to draw more power, are less rugged, and actually create noise and heat. However, as the 1000H is aimed at someone who wants to get casual web-class work done on the unit, having data storage capacity beyond 20GB is needed. Asus equips this model with a 2.5" 80GB hard drive from Seagate, the Momentus 5400.3. This hard drive runs at (not surprisingly) 5,400 RPM and has 8MB of cache, a SATA interface with NCQ support, and is based on modern perpendicular recording technology - so all in all, it's not a bad drive in here. This drive can run at speeds of about 35 MB/s sustained disk read speed, so it's definitely speedy enough to handle netbook-class needs. The move to use 2.5" platter based hard drives has been greeted with enthusiasm from potential buyers, and we have already seen Asus move to expand their lineup with full hard drives. We do know that a version of the 1000H with a 160 GB hard drive is on its way shortly, which will replace the current 80 GB model while stock-levels change. We believe that there will be a small price difference upwards, although the difference should be almost minimal. So if you can wait a week or two, go for the 160GB model. One of the biggest drawbacks of a Netbook today is that you are absolutely forced to use Intel's GMA-series integrated graphics engine. These graphics chips are designed to handle basic desktop tasks, and certainly are enough to handle most Windows-level applications without any problems. The 1000H has a maximum screen resolution of 1024x600, so the graphics chip doesn't have to draw that much, but even still, we noticed spots where a little power boost in the graphics department would be helpful. The system also is equipped with a VGA output port, which can output to a higher-resolution display if needed. You can also force in a 1024 x 768 resolution, although the top and bottom of the display will not be displayed - nice. This graphics chip has minimal video acceleration technology, and is more or less useless for any modern 3D application. Asus/Intel never promised otherwise for the Netbook market, but it's worth noting that this won't give the 3D / graphics / gaming performance levels of a modern desktop, not even close.
While the 1000H lacks in the graphic department, it makes up for it in terms of connectivity options. This little notebook is jammed with connectors and antennae for connecting to just about any source. Not only do you have a hard-wired RJ45-jack (10/100 only, unfortunately), but you also have BlueTooth and 802.11 B/G/N support, which gives you compatibility with nearly all Wi-Fi routers out there at the latest generation speeds. Unfortunately, there is no hardware-switch on the notebook for turning wireless support on and/off, which would be nice for those who easily wanted to save a little more battery life. These functions can however be easily disabled using the Asus "Eee PC Utility. The Eee PC can also control the integrated 1.3 Megapixel camera, which is located at the top of the unit. We are all for integrated cameras which conceal nicely into the bezels - however, in terms of image quality, the 1000H's integrated camera isn't top-tier. For simple web-chats and video messaging, the camera is sufficient. |
| Software and Performance | |
The Eee PC is pre-loaded with Windows XP Home Edition, 32-bit edition (SP3). Sure, it's not as cheap as a Linux installation, and it doesn't have the bells and whistles of Windows Vista's Aero user interface, but, it gets the job done in this arena. Windows XP is still light enough to run on limited CPU power and produce a solid computing experience, whereas Windows Vista is just too heavy for a CPU like the Atom N270. Business users will also appreciate that Windows XP has gone through three service packs now and is rock solid. However, since this is the "Home Edition", you will not be able to connect to corporate networks (domains).
While the default Windows XP installation isn't bogged down by tons of pre-installed extras and bundled software bits, it still isn't flawless either. There are a lot of things loading by default which simply don't need to be, making the initial boot process longer than should be expected. Once the system was given a thorough cleaning of non-essential apps loading on startup, gave it a defrag and ran Disk Cleanup, the system was significantly more responsive and booted quicker. Some useful programs like Adobe Reader, WinDVD, Skype, and Sun StarOffice are installed by default, along with several Asus branded applications to control various special functions of the notebook, but Asus has kept it thin in terms of pre-installed applications for the most part, and we like that. While Windows XP is undoubtedly still a respectable operating system, and is a much better suitor to the netbook market compared to Windows Vista, the fact of the matter is that we are nearing seven years since this operating system was released. Sure, the hardware needed to run such a system is down to amazingly small and portable levels, but in the end, this is still a Windows XP box. One of the more interesting aspects about the Eee PC lineup is that Asus is building the hardware to be operating system agnostic. This same hardware can be purchased with Linux as its default operating system, and you won't be losing out on hardware functionality. When dealing with fairly low-end, fixed components, Asus has few driver issues to worry about with alternative operating systems, much more so than most modern notebook releases. Windows is certainly a much more tolerable choice for most business users compared to Linux, and we're happy to see it offered as a pre-bundled option. A lot of folks, like myself, liked the concept and hardware side of netbooks, but didn't want to be forced into running Linux, when all of your production-level applications are for Windows. I'd certainly be curious if the hardware can an operating system such as OSX - and I'm sure there are folks out there already working on similar projects. Performance and Responsiveness - |
| Our Conclusion | ||||
A spot check on today's markets show the Asus Eee PC 1000H model currently selling for $480 on store shelves. For that price, it certainly presents the 1000H as a good value if you're looking for a lightweight, portable, but still work-friendly notebook. While it's based on many components used in the smaller Eee PC models, its larger 10" screen size, larger keyboard, and a 2.5" hard drive (now up to 160GB) make the Eee PC 1000H actually usable for light duty business tasks. Also the Eee 1000H's keyboard and touchpad are just more usable for end users, and thus the device becomes more exciting and approachable. Downside? Mechanical hard drive means this Eee PC lineup will be less rugged compared to prior generations, the unit will consume slightly more power compared to older Eee PC's due to a larger screen and more power hungry hard drive. It's also going to be one of the more expensive of the Eee PC lineup - but at $480, it's extremely respectable, especially for college kids and day to day commuting. The Eee PC is not as industrial-sleek as its competitors, as it's rounded, shiny appearance may not fly with all potential buyers, but it definitely looks more grown-up and workplace acceptable compared to prior Eee PC units. While you can get more vibrant color options, the unit looks pretty respectable in "Fine Ebony" (Black), and we feel Asus has done a solid job on making the Eee PC look more grown up without making it feel completely dull and lifeless. Of course, you'll have to be OK with it running Windows XP. For most people who understand the operating system's positives and negatives, using Windows XP isn't a big step backwards. However, new buyers might want to get the latest operating system from Microsoft, but Vista is not an option on the 1000H. Simply put, it would be too taxing on the hardware to run Vista today - even though we think Vista with SP1 could run respectably (although likely not fast). The good thing is that the vast majority of applications are still designed for Windows XP AND Vista, so XP users rarely miss out on new software releases. All in all, the 1000H has its share of quirks, it definitely showcases an improvement in ease of use, and should open up the Eee PC lineup to a much broader subset of customers. There are certainly areas which Asus can/will improve on but the 1000H today is sleek, simple, efficient, and cheap for a fully functional Windows XP notebook. It's hard not to like the little bugger. It's an attractive product now, and will be made even more attractive when Asus updates their lineup with the new dual-core Atom processor, which is scheduled to hit later this year. We'll be waiting.
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