NbC: Asus Eee PC 1000HE Review
April 28, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Let’s cut to the chase, the Asus Eee PC 1000HE is one of the best netbooks that money can buy today. The 1000HE improves on its predecessor, the 1000H, in several ways. It comes with a chiclet style keyboard, enhanced battery life as well as a faster processor. The sheer number of features that the 1000HE offers at a very competitive price point is what sets it apart. This combined with a superb battery life makes it well worth your consideration.
However, it is not all roses. Whilst as an overall package, we feel that the 1000HE is one of the better netbooks on the market, it is by no means perfect. There are a number of issues we have with the 1000HE, however most are minor niggles and do not detract from our overall positive impressions. Read on for our full, detailed review including some comprehensive performance and battery tests.
Positives:
– Excellent battery life, some of the best times seen in a netbook
– Chiclet keyboard is comfortable to use and the right shift key is back
– LED-backlit matte display is bright and clear under a variety of lighting conditions
– Easy access to HDD and RAM
– Performance is perfectly sufficient for most day-to-day tasks
– Good value for money for what is a fully featured netbook
Negatives:
– Not the lightest netbook around at 1.45kg (3.2lbs), also a bit bulky
– Keyboard flex undermines otherwise solid build quality
– Elantech touchpad has some minor lag under fast movement
Asus Eee PC 1000HE Technical Specifications:
- Operating System: Windows XP Home
- Display: 10.2-inch LED Backlight WSVGA screen (1024×600)
- Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz) and Intel 945GSE chipset
- Memory: 1GB DDR2 (2GB supported)
- Wireless: WLAN 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR - Storage: 160GB HDD (5,400RPM)
10GB Eee Storage - Webcam: 1.3M Pixel
- Audio: Stereo HD audio via Realtek ALC6628 codec
- Mic: Digital Array Mic
- Ports: 1 x VGA Port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in)
Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC) - Battery: 6-Cell (8700mAh) Li-ion Battery
- Dimensions: 266mm(W) x 191.2mm(D) x 28.5mm~ 38mm(H)
- Weight: 1.45kg (3.2lbs)
- Price (at time of publication): £314.99 (Amazon UK
), $384.49 (Amazon US
)
The way that Asus names its various netbook models in the Eee range confuses many, us included. However, the best way to view the 1000HE is as a 1000H with three critical differences. The 1000HE has a faster CPU (1.66GHz N280 Atom versus the 1.6GHz N270 Atom in the 1000H), a chiclet keyboard and better battery life (9.5 hrs versus 7 hours for the 1000H). Apart from that, the models are virtually identical. However, given that all three are quite significant ‘upgrades’, I see the 1000HE as a completely separate model rather just a ‘refresh’.
The 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU comes with a 667MHz front-side bus, compared to the 533MHz FSB found in the 1.6GHz N270 processor. Like the N270, the N280 supports Hyper-Threading Technology, allowing the operating system to run two threads on one core. We would have liked to have seen the 1.66GHz N280 Intel Atom CPU paired with Intel’s newest GN40 chipset, unfortunately the 1000HE sticks with the ageing 945GSE chipset.
Asus includes 1GB of DDR2 RAM although 2GB is supported. Asus opts for a 5400rpm 160GB hard-disk drive for storage, which should be more than enough space for most users. Asus also includes its Eee Storage software, which provides access to 10GB of online space to transfer files between locations or share with others. Unfortunately, there is no SSD option available for those who would like speedier data access. For those that need to upgrade either the RAM or HDD, Asus has provided easy access to the bays on the bottom.
We have previously covered the unboxing of the Eee PC 1000HE, which you can find here. The 1000HE comes packaged in a compact box with various pieces of documentation, a carrying pouch and a power supply. The power supply (matching white) is quite small and easy enough to pack into a bag if you are on the move.
We were not too enamoured with the soft black pouch that came with the 1000HE. First of all the zip-up pouch has a very odd feel to the touch. I’m not sure what material it is made from, but it is not pleasant touching it. Secondly, the pouch is a dust magnet. I was astonished to see quickly it was picking up dust straight out from its cellophane wrapping. It’s not an attribute you want for a case. Apart from that, the pouch fit the 1000HE quite snugly and I was also able to fit in the power supply as well with a bit of a squeeze. I’m not sure if that is something you want to be doing though given the risk of scratching the glossy lid.
April 28th, 2009 4:07 PM
Asus eee pc 1000HE vs Samsung N110/N120 batterytest would be intresting. Also Windows XP vs Ubuntu 9.04 batterytest would be intresting. Is battery time lot worse if you install Ubuntu to these machines and whats difference of startup time..
April 28th, 2009 4:28 PM
A very well thought out and thorough review. Definitely one of the best ones I’ve seen, even compared to well known sites. Nice job NbC!
April 29th, 2009 2:38 PM
Mika – We’ll be looking forward to seeing how the 1000HE against Samsung’s new netbooks soon enough.
Regarding the Ubuntu tests, it could be quite interesting to see if there is a difference. Hopefully, we’ll have the time to try that next time.
Igor – Thanks for the compliment. Hope you’re enjoying your 1000HE as much as we did. It’s a shame we had to give ours back…
April 29th, 2009 7:51 PM
I suppose operating time with Windows XP is better, but how big difference is with XP and Ubuntu would be nice to know. I suppose that Samsung and other companys support Windows at their battery save mode, if there is not Linux support time difference can be quite big. I just would like to install Ubuntu to Netbook, course then maybe wouldnt need virus software that takes CPU and it again uses more battery.
May 1st, 2009 5:18 PM
Pros:
1. Battery Life – It really is that good. I can get a real world value of 7.5 to 8 hours with the WLAN on under the power saving mode. I can’t even see a difference with the performance when in this mode.
2. LED-lit screen – I was expecting a basic screen that didn’t look particularly great. I was surprised with the look of it, even at the low, netbook standard resolution.
3. Keyboard – The so-called chiclet keys are very comfortable, and the placement of the shift key in the correct spot really separates this model from the rest.
Cons:
1. Windows XP – Yeah, I know. Most would say this is a pro. However, I passed the XP life-cycle on desktops and I’m now having to learn the intricacies of this OS. I wish I could have have them put the Windows 7 beta on it before shipping because I did not get it in time to download, but I digress.
2. Performance – Not technically a con, but I expected a little more of a boost from the bus increase to 667 Mhz. Still, it serves its purposes as a netbook, and the upcoming performance boost in Intel’s chipset will probably decrease battery life by 2-3 hours.
May 4th, 2009 2:16 AM
Well they may have placed that right shift key in the correct place, but making it so small was a bad move. True touch typist will find they have to really pay attention to insure they don’t hit one of the other keys.
While I give Kudo’s to ASUS for moving the shift key, I have to say them making it so small still took this one out of the running and it is the reason I own a Samsung N120 instead.
The sad thing is that the boost from the so called new chipset and increase 667 FSB are totally unremarkable and according to most reviews unnoticeable when comparing to netbooks with the older chipset with a 533 FST
The other thing that I feel most don’t consider is support after the sell and ASUS has about the worse support out there today. I’d be real concerned about that issue more than anything else.
May 14th, 2009 8:38 PM
this the site which I found the battery&power supply weight !
June 8th, 2009 2:08 PM
An excellent review. Well done Jet. I think your way of testing the battery is really great. It gives us a clearer view.
June 8th, 2009 3:39 PM
Thanks Mark. As always, if you think there are ways we can improve our reviews please drop us a line! 🙂
June 15th, 2009 8:15 PM
Get Asus said:
“I wish I could have have them put the Windows 7 beta on it”
y the h3ll would u want win 7 for? If u got it on a netbook it would come w/ win 7 starter and with that OS u can only run 3 programs at once and u can’t change the wallpaper… That really sux. Microsoft is slapping there Luser in the face with this crap. Just uses Linux, its a h3ll of a lot better.
July 30th, 2009 4:12 PM
It’s a very well thought out and thorough review specs.