Asus Eee PC 1001P: Our Favorite Netbook
by Vivek Gowri on March 16, 2010 11:30 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
Asus Eee PC 1001P: Awesome LCD
Starting with what is arguably the high point of the 1001P, we have our LCD testing results. The Eee 1001P is one of the few consumer systems on the market with a matte, anti-glare screen, and it is truly a revelation in comparison to the overglossed screens on many other systems (Toshiba NB205, I'm looking at you—but there are far more out there like that.).
Compared to most other laptop displays, the 1001P has a very high contrast ratio, which is a definite bonus in a budget system such as this one. The black points are much lower than almost all other systems tested, except for the 1005HA. While not as bright as some of the other LED-backlit screens, the 1001P is hardly lacking for brightness, especially with a contrast ratio as good as it has. Interestingly, all of the Asus Eee models have a max brightness of around 125 nits, suggesting that this is an artificial cap set by Asus in the brightness control software, likely for the purpose of conserving battery power. The EeeCTL utility allowed users to increase brightness on previous models like the 1005HA, but sadly development of that tool has halted. Color accuracy and gamut are nothing spectacular, but no one is going to be doing serious video editing or image work on a netbook, so those areas aren't as crucial as the contrast ratio.
In comparison to the 1005PE, the 1001P definitely has a better screen. Asus has assured us that there is only one panel supplier for the 1001P, and other users have reported equally good LCD quality. That is excellent, since the high contrast ratio and non-reflective finish make this one of our favorite netbook displays. Some might prefer a higher resolution, and while we understand that sentiment, 1024x600 on a 10.1" LCD is easier. The .216mm dot pitch is the same as a 14" 1280x1024 LCD, or put another way, if it were a 1366x768 panel, the dot pitch would be a very tiny .164mm—the same as 16" 1080p display. Of course, even if the dot pitch is about right, there's no getting around the fact that 600vertical pixel displays feel very cramped within Windows.
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hotbunz - Friday, March 26, 2010 - link
This looks really nice. Hope I win, could use this for school!afkrotch - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - link
My netbook is mostly just a PMP. I'm just watching my tv on it.EddyKilowatt - Thursday, March 18, 2010 - link
Thanks for the review, appreciate your comments about the superiority of the matte screen.Now, could I get you to also direct some journalistic ire toward another fashion-driven faux pas: those filled-out flush-fitting keys on the keyboard! Completely unnecessary, and twice as difficult to keep your fingers aligned by touch, as a practical keyboard with a decent 5mm gap between the key crowns.
My HP2140 is plagued with a similar keyboard design and I can't see any reason for it. It saddens me to see decades of progress (in functional keyboard design) thrown out, apparently for nothing more than a stylish look. Let's keep the style on the outside of the computer, and the functionality on the inside!
AnnonymousCoward - Friday, March 19, 2010 - link
That's a great point, and one I haven't thought of before.Stokestack - Thursday, March 18, 2010 - link
Come on. It's time to put VGA to rest.The0ne - Thursday, March 18, 2010 - link
So by saying favorite you like the netbook right? I was under the impression, and Anand confirmed this in his ipad review, that no one like any netbook and tablet PCs.Maybe semantics is different by whom is using it?
ric3r - Thursday, March 18, 2010 - link
It means that it's the best netbook on the market. Netbooks are netbooks, they're not a particularly enjoyable class of devices to work with, but if you were looking to get one, this is our favorite of the lot and thus we recommend it.I'm pretty sure you can find people out there who like netbooks and tablets. While I'm not the hugest fan of netbooks, they definitely have their place in the market. I do genuinely enjoy tablet PCs though, so I hope I can do some tablet reviews in the future :)
MamiyaOtaru - Thursday, March 18, 2010 - link
the first eee I would consider buying since the 900 (though I do miss the dearly departed 9" form factor). Thanks Asus for offering at least one option with matte case as well as the even more important matte screen.I'd get this and slap Easy Mode for XP on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyMn92mQSns">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyMn92mQSns
Jellodyne - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - link
HDMI is certainly capable of sending a high def signal, but it's also just as capable of pushing 480p to a TV set. So it's not like an HDMI would be a pointless port.SSquirrel - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - link
I'd be curious to see what kind of numbers the 1005PE and 1001P produce if you replace Windows 7 Starter with Home Premium. People have reported that the extra accelerations in Aero have actually extended their battery life. Drop some of the excess crap from Aero but let the accelerations function.