Netbook Review – Acer, Asus Netbook Review

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – 5.5/7

This is the new 1005HA model. It runs on the Intel Atom N450 processor, making it the first Pine Trail netbook that we’re reviewing. The Pineview processor is 60% smaller than its predecessor and houses an Intel GMA 3150 on board. This should result in less power being utilized, and hence a longer battery life. But does the new processor improve things like multi-tasking, video playback quality or gaming? Not really. The clock speed remains the same at 1.6GHz, and the GMA 3150 doesn’t really do much more than the GMA 950 (It supports DirectX 9 and OpenGL).

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – Top Features

• Pretty solid build – Like the 1005HA, this netbook feels solid without too much plastic flex. Although its not top of the range, the chassis quality is good for a budget netbook.
• New chiclet keyboard – Unlike the 1005HA, this netbook features a spaced chiclet style keyboard. It’s firm while typing but not consistent with the sounds. One side of the keyboard has a high pitched click, while the other a more solid thunk. Doesn’t interfere with the typing, but it would have been nice if the sounds weren’t keyed off.
• Battery Life improved – Pretty much the one big outcome of the new N450 processor, the battery of the 1005PE lasts a shade over 12 hours in balanced power mode (the 1005HA lasted 10 hours).
• Speakers – The 1005PE speakers have one of the best sound qualities amongst netbooks. Although the bass isn’t quite heard, the volume is enough to fill a small room.

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind

• Glossy lid attracts fingerprints – The lid on the 1005PE is an absolute magnet for fingerprints. You’ll start cleaning the netbook, only to find that while doing so you replace all the fingerprints you take off with new ones.
• Barely any performance increase – Their was a lot of hype surrounding the Pineview processor and even though it will become a standard spec, the performance improvement is very marginal.
• Same bulky design – We expected a bit of chassis slimming, but its the same bulkier than average body.

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – Ratings

1. Price and Value for money – 0.75 Star. About the only difference between the 1005 PE and the 1005HA is two extra hours of battery life. We hear the 1005PE will retail for $40 more than the 1005HA’s current $340 price tag.
2. Speed and Performance – 0.75 Star. The N450 brings a slight improvement over the previous model. The Windows 7 and processor combination make this a snappier netbook.
3. Screen – 0.5 Star. Color contrasts have been reduced in the 1005PE which is strange. Its a decent screen though and horizontal viewing angles don’t cause distortion.
4. Keyboard, Touchpad, Usability – 0.75 Star. The keypad is comfortable to type on with the new chiclet keys. The full-sized shift key remains on the left, but its been halved on the right. The touchpad now features multi-touch.
5. Portability and Battery Life – 1.0 Star. The 1005PE lasts ridiculously long, topping out at 12 hours with real-life usage.
6. Looks and Design – 0.75 Star. It looks sleek, even though its thicker than average netbooks.
7. Connectivity and Extensibility – 1.0 Star. The ASUS 1005PE’s performance in this arena is pretty standard, but it has Bluetooth.

This gives the ASUS 1005PE netbook a rating of 5.5 out of 7 stars (The 1005HA got 6).

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – Our Recommendation

The ASUS 1005HA is one of the most popular netbooks out there, and thats a combination of a solid product that captured a lot of market share due to its early releas, and ASUS’s excellent support service. However things are changing in the netbook market. Samsung is poised to overtake ASUS in netbook sales in 2010 (Acer was first and ASUS second in 2009). If the 1005PE is anything to go by, ASUS doesn’t seem to be putting up too much of a fight. The 1005PE is basically the older version with a longer battery life, a different keyboard (not better) and with a multitouch trackpad. Nothing to write home about. If you need a portable device with massive battery life, the 1005PE is an option. Otherwise there are better models out there.

The ASUS 1005PE is available on amazon from $339.99.

ASUS 1005PE Netbook Review – Technical Specifications

• OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
• CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom N450, Intel GMA 3150
• RAM: 1GB DDR2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
• Storage Space: 160GB/250GB HDD
• Screen: 10.1-inch 1024×600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD
• Connectivity: VGA connector, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 802.11 b/g/n, Ethernet,  Headphone & Mic-in, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, 3-in-1 card reader
• Battery : 6-cell Li-Ion (12 hour life)
• Weight: 2.8 lbs

Filed under: Asus Netbook Review