Asus is notorious for their wide range of netbook models, now Asus has released the Asus EEE 1000H Netbook which seems to add even more features on top of their previous line of netbooks. It seems that with every release Asus seems to pack more and more on top of their already killer netbooks, the Asus 1000H is no different. Sharing many of the same features of its predecessor, the EEE 901 PC (including a 1.6-GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 1.3 megapixel webcam) but instead offers a larger 10-inch screen, a larger keyboard and a 80 GB (older 1000H) or an updated 160 GB version. Originally the 1000H MSRP’ed for $649 although with the recent netbook releases by all the various computer manufacturers has pushed down this price to around $500 depending on where you buy it from.
Our Asus EEE 1000H Specifications:
- 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor
- 1 GB DDR2 RAM
- Windows XP Home
- 10 ” screen, 1024×600, LED backlit
- 160 GB hard disk drive
- Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- 6-Cell (6600 mAh), up to 7 hours
- 3.19 pounds (51 ounces)
Build and Design
The 1000H is very similar to the EEE PC 901, although you can feel a slight upgrade of look and feel. The glossy black “fine ebony” lid is accented with the EEE cursive logo, which adds a nice touch to the completely black case. To offset the glossy black color there are silver hinges on the side, which adds for a high fashion look to such an awesome netbook. Keep in mind though that this beautiful glossy black lid is extremely prone to fingerprints. Although Asus was kind enough to include a cloth for wiping down which will remove the fingerprints without a problem.
Measuring in at 10.5×7.4×1.0 inches the system is bigger than the MSI Wind that we reviewed earlier, and coming in at 3.2 pounds is nearly half a pound heavier then the competitor. All this weight was not added unnecessarily. You can feel the difference in build quality between the two computer, and the Asus not only looks better but feels better altogether.
Future Upgrades
Here is where the Asus really takes the icing on the cake over all the other netbooks that we have reviewed. The Asus is SO easy to upgrade that nearly anyone comfortable with taking a few screws out can manage to upgrade their RAM or harddrive! That’s something that I personally feel is a necessity out of any quality netbook, the possibility of an easy upgrade without violating your computers warranty. Wanna upgrade that HD to a faster and larger variation? No problem. Wanna add a 2GB stick of RAM? No problem.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Underneath the ‘hood’ you’ll find the largest and roomiest keyboard offered on an EEE PC to date. To say the least it’s a huge upgrade over the other cramped keyboards found on the earlier EEE models. Typing allowed for the best results we have seen to date on a netbook of any brand, make or model. With little to no errors and we found the typing to be quite accurate. The only real complaint that we had with the keyboard is the awkward location of the right arrow and the shift key. It makes attempting to hit either the right shift nearly impossible! Although a small little keyboard remapping tool and everything was back to normal.
The trackpad is excellent and extremely sensitive, which at times can create some getting used to when you are typing so that you don’t ‘touch’ it by accident moving the cursor somewhere else on the screen. The trackpad is roomy though and has a smooth, textured feel that is actually quite pleasant. As an added bonus the trackpad offers multi-touch controls that some of us have become so accustomed too. Such as zooming in, pinching, scrolling, and many other features.
Like the 901 model, there are 4 buttons at the top of the keyboard that allow for various functions: the first turns the monitor on and off, the second allows for on the fly screen resolution changes, the third changes the performance speed of the processor which allows for various power saving modes, and the fourth is a user definable launch key.
Display
The Asus 1000H features an LED backlit display with a ‘matte’ finish overlay. The screens brightness is extremely adequate on it’s normal function and increasing the brightness can allow the brightness to be enough in ANY setting, literally. As stated the screen is bright and very clear, although we wish that we could get a little more real estate via a higher resolution but we can’t have everything. The colors lean towards a cooler gradient and look extremely well on the screen. As opposed to the Aspire One that offers a glossy overlay on their screens, the Asus 1000H has more of a matte finish that allows for the use of this computer in just about any setting. I’ve used this netbook outside at noon in direct sunlight on many occasions without struggling to see the screen. I’ve literally not come across another laptop/netbook that allowed this type of functionality.
Performance
Most of Asus’ previous lines came matched with a Solid State Drive which allowed for optimal boot times and protection due to the lack of moving parts, although on board storage was limited due to SSD’s current limitations. As a solution to the space dilemma, the Asus 1000H was originally released with a 80GB HDD to appease those looking for more space. Recently they upgraded the 80GB to a 160GB hard drive in the latest 1000H batch release. The drive is partitioned into two 80GB sections and didn’t slow the boot time down very much. From off to on the Asus boots up in a little less than 40 seconds.
The Asus 1000H 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor is great for a netbook, but can be limited depending on the type of applications that you require. Keep in mind that this is one of the best performing Netbooks we tested, although Netbooks will be slower than full size laptops due to the constricted size. Web surfing, email checking, and media applications all worked flawlessly. The only real problem we ran into was with higher definition movies. Moving the processor speed higher to the Super 1.8 GHz allowed for some better FPS although it still isn’t perfect.
Speakers and Audio
The speakers on the Asus 1000H are some of the best we have heard out of a netbook. Keep in mind this isn’t really saying much as most of the speakers on netbooks are down right horrible. Although the Asus’ are some of the best ‘bang for the buck’ that we have heard yet. The peak levels are good, and the frequency levels are decent to good. Games, movies and what not are playable/hearable under normal sound level conditions, if its a loud environment then you will need to hook it up to some headphones.
Ports and Features
The 1000H didn’t let us done as availability of ports either, coming in with two card readers, plus the three standard USB ports, LAN, VGA and your typical audio jacks consisting of headphone/microphone ports. Unfortunately ilke the Aspire One the Asus 1000H doesn’t offer a Mini-PCIe slot which we have seen available in other netbooks. Although I’m sure that Asus will probably implement that in other futuree models.
Heat and Noise
As with nearly every Intel based netbooks they are known for running on the warmer side of things. The Asus though does a very good job of keeping cool. In fact it was one of the best we tested under a heavy processing load. The keyboard area does a great job of staying cool, and the fans seem to do an awesome job of circulating the air to keep things cool on the bottom of the computer.
Thankfully the Asus 1000H does a great job out keeping quiet, unlike the Aspire One which was by far the loudest of the netbooks we have tested to date. The fans are quiet and subtle under a typical workload, and under maximum workload we only noticed a slight increase in the audible sounds coming from the fan. It was nothing overwhelming and isn’t obnoxious in a workroom/classroom environment.
Battery
Hands down one of the biggest selling points of the Atom is the processor is the ability to provide alot of punch without a lot of juice. The 1000H’s 6-cell battery is impressive and lasted nearly 4 1/2 hours with WiFi turned on and extensive usage of the netbook for testing. This is plenty of power for those of you looking to get some work done on a cross country flight or when away from a power source.
Conclusion
This is by far the best netbook of the bunch! With the increased hard drive size, larger screen and more spacious keyboard it is hard to beat this netbook. You would be hard pressed to find another netbook with similar capabilities for the price. For those of you that need that extra RAM, or the ability to switch out for a faster/larger HDD you can do it without jeopordizing your warranty. Not something that we typically see with netbooks as most are lackluster in the upgrades department. If you are serious about getting a netbook then go with the Asus 1000H, you won’t be dissapointed!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:35 am
[...] Asus’ EEE 1000HA is extremely similar to the Asus 1000H and only differs in two categories; Bluetooth and Wireless N connectivity. The Asus 1000H comes with both of those where as the Asus 1000HA comes at a $50 discount but doesn’t provide either services. For our review on the Asus 1000H please refer to Asus 1000H Review [...]