Asus EeePC 1000H Laptop Review
Asus has launched yet another laptop that challenges to take on any laptop that is launched in the netbook segment. The well-configured black or white EeePC 1000H takes after the EeePC 901 in design and functionality, but is larger than all its Eee siblings. If the MSI Wind was an answer to the 901, it looks like the 1000H is ASUS’ answer to the MSI Wind. But why would someone go in for a larger netbook such as the 1000H? What’s different about it?
The 1000H does not greatly differ from the 901 or the MSI Wind, and seems like another pawn in the netbook game. Size wise, it is a cross between a netbook and an ultraportable, and may line up well with Acer Aspire 2920 or the Sony Vaio TZ series. The average user who is not affected by these netbook wars and is more concerned with why he wants a netbook may be the ideal buyer for the 1000H. The 1000H does a great job at internet browsing, email, IMs, word processing, movies, music, transferring photos, and other standard tasks. For gamers, maybe the Xbox would be more suitable.
The 1000H does not lack looks, and sports the same stylish chassis with curved edges and the huge ringed hinges as the 901. But being bigger, it weighs 1.45 kg as compared to the 1.1 kg of the 901 and the MSI Wind. Nevertheless, it remains portable. At a thickness of 20mm, it is thicker than both, the 901 and the Wind.
Yes, there are other similarities to the 901, which include the Intel Atom N270 processor with a speed of 1.6GHz, 1GB DDR RAM (similar to the Wind), 80GB HDD and the 6 cell 6600mAh battery. The Linux version uses a 40GB SSD which is half the capacity and more expensive. Even the port and connector arrangements are the same, with the Ethernet port, USB port, mic and headphone jack on the left side. 2 USB ports , a SD card reader and VGA output port are on the right side.
What is different? The best thing about the 1000H is its large keyboard. It is more like a man’s machine and suitable for those who hate smaller keyboards. One can comfortably type volumes on it. The 3 dedicated shortcut keys and one customizable shortcut key makes life easier. Then there is the equally impressive and large mouse track pad which supports multi-touch that enables two finger scrolling and pinch/stretch zoom- great for internet browsing! Internet browsing is made a number of times faster with Wi Fi-N and can connect to high speed 300Mbps networks. An integrated 3G capability could be considered by ASUS to enhance the connectivity in remote areas.
A comparatively larger 10” 1024 x 600 resolution screen displays large icons and allows better presentations. Surprisingly, it does not seem to use more battery power than the 901. The battery comfortably runs for a good 4 to 5 hours with Wi Fi and Bluetooth switched on throughout, which is great.
Another feature worth mentioning is the Dolby Sound Room technology that throws a good bass effect at eight notes lower than normal, and projects sound at a wider range. With a price tag of $460, the 1000H is generally an expensive buy, especially because a few more bucks can buy you a much powerful machine.