NbC: Asus Eee PC 1000HE Review
April 28, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Conclusion
The Asus Eee PC 1000HE netbook has been a pleasure to use during our testing. Looking at the feature set, it doesn’t seem to be missing anything obvious. You’ll find the faster 1.66GHz N280 CPU under its hood, Draft n wireless, easy access to upgrade components along with a very good LED backlit display. Yes, there is no option for a solid state drive, but then if that was included the price would be adjusted upwards accordingly. The 1000HE also feels very solidly put together, an important factor considering its portability.
The new chiclet keyboard is a great addition and certainly gives the 1000HE a very stylish look when opened. The keyboard is comfortable to type on for long periods and has good tactile feedback. However, we do hope that Asus take a look at future implementations of this keyboard and corrects some of the niggles we found. There is an element of keyboard flex which belies the otherwise solid and durable build of the chassis.
Where the 1000HE really differentiates itself is the battery life. Our tests show that it is possible to sit down and watch at least three movies back-to-back, an outstanding result. Even on just normal day-to-day use, one should be able to get at last 7 hours of use with Wi-Fi switched on. There is a price to pay for this super battery life and that is the 1000HE’s bulk. At 1.5kg, it is one of the heaviest netbooks around and certainly not the slimmest. That’s not to say you’ll be weighed down if chucking the 1000HE in a bag, but it may be a consideration for some.
As it stands, the 1000HE is an excellent all rounder at a very competitive price point. Searching around the various e-tailers, the 1000HE can be picked up for £315. This makes it around £25 more expensive than the 1000H. Given the improvements (especially to the battery) it is well worth the extra in our view. Its price point also sits favourably with the competition, the 1000HE is only £10 more expensive than the best-selling Samsung NC10. Whilst the NC10 is a superb netbook, the 1000HE offers better battery life.
Overall, the 1000HE is not a revolutionary netbook, but what it does do it does very well. For those that are looking for the best value for money, the 1000HE an ideal choice. At its price point, the Asus Eee PC 1000HE is clearly one of the best netbooks around.
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.