It seems that Asus has finally decided to spice things up lately. Traditionally Asus would release a certain ‘chassis’ and then build out model after model changing the internals slightly here and there. Now it seems that Asus is transitioning and trying to play with new models and designs. Trying to find the medium between subnotebook and the netbook craze that we are all so familiar with here at eeeNetbook.com.
Our Asus N10E Specifications:
- 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor
- 1 GB DDR2 Ram
- Microsoft Windows XP Home
- 10.2” LED backlit display, 1024×600
- 160 GBB HDD
- 6-cell, 4800mAh
- 3xUSB 2.0, 1 VGA, Kensington lock
Initial Impressions
We are extremely happy with Asus willingness to adapt and evolve with the times. This will keep Asus in a powerful position over the rest of the netbooks on the market. In fact, we believe that Asus name has be redesigned altogether via this new netbook craze.
At first glance of the Asus N10E it’s pretty amazing, it looks like a higher end laptop but shrunk down by the Honey I Shrunk the Kids machine. It looks polished, clean and like a truly well designed netbook. This looks strangely similar to the HP 2133 that we are going to review next week (have the netbook, just the lack of time for a review before next week). Asus stuck with the traditional ‘chrome’ accents that we’ve been so familiar with.
All of Asus line, up until recently, were made of plastic. Some complained about this over the internet, but once you’ve really seen the quality of Asus plastic casings it is hard to complain. They really are top notch and we’ve never seen any imperfections, or weak spots that concerned us. You can tell that Asus used high quality parts in this design, as with previous generations.
Coming in at a little over 2 lbs this netbook is ultra portable, and ultra sleek. Sure it’s not the brushed aluminum that we loved with the Asus 1002HA, but its sure sleek and lightweight. Keep in mindn that it’s really one of the heaviest netbooks in the market. Although with a 6-cell battery, 10.2” screen, and a HDD over a SSD it really is no surprise. I will tell you though that those are nearly all necessary.
Input Devices
Asus has created a new little keyboard for the N series, in fact we were actually extremely impressed by the new design. You can tell that they listened to the previous users complaints over the flex found in the 700,900, and 1000 series.
Asus designed a very user friendly keyboard, allowing the ability to fit a larger keyboard in a smaller netbook is what sets apart this one from the rest. The learning curve is practically non-existent and everything ‘flows’ right. A very pleasing design that we don’t often see with the smaller netbooks.
Asus also implemented a larger touchpad into the Asus N10E. In fact we firmly believe that it is one of the best, if not the best, touchpad found on any netbook. It’s really that good, extremely precise, and glides wonderfully. Fantastic upgrade over the Asus 1000 series and previous touchpads.
Display
Asus has continued to use the same LED driven display, although this time they chose a glossy finish over the matte finishes as well as a 10.2” WSVGA display that allows for 1024×600. The screens have literally never been a complaint with us, up until now. We much prefer the matte finish found on all the previous Asus netbooks. It allows for optimal viewing in direct sunlight, which is crucially important. We here at eeeNetbook love to enjoy the wonderful weather we have year round and use the balcony as often as possible. Within a matter of 5 minutes we were back inside since it was practically impossible to see the screen on a sunny day. For us that would automatically remove us from ever purchasing the Asus N10E. However, once inside we were happy with the screen overall. The brightness was wonderful, the colors were vibrant, and clear images were always displayed.
Performance
The Intel Atom N270 processor has been used throughout the Netbooks for some time now. The Asus N10E comes without exception, and thus means that performance is very similar within the Asus lineup. Since the Asus uses the N270 processor on the Intel Atom platform it comes equipped with the 945GSE Express chipset which includes the integrated graphics chip.
Emissions
Asus does a wonderful job at keeping their netbooks well circulated, efficiently without alot of noise. The only true noise that is audible to us was the hard drive while it was in use. Under a certain amount of load, and demanding applications, the harddrive can become audible. Keep in mind though that it isn’t incredibly loud and annoying.
The temperature of the Asus was reasonable and never got too hot. The maximum tested temperature was a 37.5 Celsius. Nothing out of the ordinary and on the moderate side of things.
Sound
Asus stuck with their traditional design of speakers facing the bottom rather than on the sides in order to conserve space. This is great, but can cause a little trouble if you have the computer on your lap or have it on a soft spot rather than a desk.
The speakers themselves are made by Altec Lansing, and provide a wonderful sound quality not often found in a netbook or mini laptop.
Battery
The Asus N10E is known to have a good battery runtime, this is all due in part by Asus deciding to use a 6-cell over a 3-cell battery. This was good on Asus part as the 3-cell netbooks are going to be a thing of the past. With a 53Wh the Asus N10E is capable of 5 hours of battery life off of a single charge. Not the best we’ve seen but understandable considering the specs that this netbook comes with.
Under full load you can experience a little over 4 1/2 hours, while your general web surfing, with WiFi on brings in a steady 5 hour experience.
Conclusion
Most people would confuse what the Asus N10E really is intended to be on first glance. It’s really the hybrid between a mini-laptop and the netbook series. Based upon it’s Intel Atom processor it can be limited in functionality for those truly demanding applications. While on the other hand, we love everything else about this netbook. From the extensive connectivity, to the large and capable hard disk, and it’s ‘just right’ feel via it’s newly designed keyboard and touchpad.
Asus is known for making quality netbooks, and the Asus N10E doesn’t jeopordize that previous reputation. In fact, we are happy to see that Asus is taking their quality netbooks and taking them to the next level. Granted that the Asus N10E is one of the heaviest netbooks in circulation, it doesn’t come without good reason. A larger screen, keyboard, touchpad, and hard disc space allows for those of you questioning the smaller netbooks.
Hands down the Asus N10E is a wonderful netbook and won’t disappoint those users who purchase a netbook with the understanding that its a netbook, and not a desktop.