ASUS Eee PC S101: We Really Like It
Engadget was able to get an Asus Eee PC S101, and this what they said about it:
Don’t get us wrong, we really like this little netbook. It’s slim, light, solidly built, not entirely gaudy and comes with quite the pedigree, but we’re having trouble choking down that $699 pricetag for what’s still ostensibly a “second” computer. Here’s the way we see it: this new, wonderful 0.75-inch thick form factor can’t just be a random noodling by ASUS, we’re expecting all sorts of trickle down to other models in the future — except there’s really no place to trickle down on the specs.
Basically, they loved the form factor, but they feel that the design is a bit gaudy at places (I’m guessing it’s the Swarovski crystals on the hinges) and the keyboard is a bit cramped. But they liked the matte screen, the number of ports, and the nice multi-touch keyboard.
EeePC 1000H: Heavier, But Worth It
Liliputing reviews the Asus EeePC 1000H and gives a positive verdict. While the 1000H is heavier than most other netbooks, the main come ons are the bigger screen, bigger keyboard and the long battery life.
Overall, I’m quite happy with the Eee PC 1000H. When I have some time i’ll try to run some more scientific tests on things like battery life. But there’s very little that my 6 pound, 15.4 inch laptop can do that the 3 pound 10.2 inch Eee PC 1000H cannot. And the Eee PC gets about 3 times the battery life, which makes it my current notebook of choice for working away from the confines of my home office.
The 1000H is usually compared with the MSI Wind, because it’s a 10-incher, but is heavier and heftier. The 1000H is also compared with the HP Mini note, because the Mini note’s heft almost makes it a 10-incher, but the Asus is definitely faster and more power-efficient because of its Atom processor.
Asus EeePC 1000H Review Likens it to the Toyota Fortuner
Cooltoyz’ review of the EeePC 1000H (which also serves as their item page for the units they sell) likens it to the Toyota Fortuner, which is an medium-sized SUV / IMV sold in Asian markets.
At this time when UMPCs [Ultra-Mobile PC] is the craze, and where there are so many options available it is already confusing; we at CoolTOYZ try to make it easier by choosing to sell only the model we ourselves will use. Choosing to sell only the Asus EEE PC is intriguing because we are not a big fan of the Asus Brand, in fact we do not sell any Asus Laptop. Even before the EEE PC became available in the local market, we went to Taiwan in October 2007 to experience first-hand the original EEE PC701. We were amazed because the EEE PC was a truly unique product! It is actually the Original, the Pioneer in the UMPC segment. Since that time, we have sold numerous EEE PCs including the next EEE PC900. Since that time, ZERO units have been returned to us with a problem. This is one reason why we continue to endorse the Asus EEE PC series.
Last June 2008 we again went to Taiwan to attend the Computex 2008 show. Our primary objective was to experience First-hand all the UMPC to be released this year. With all the manufacturers putting their best foot forward, we were most impressed with the Asus EEE PC line because of its clear understanding of the UMPC market, most likely a result of being the pioneer of this young segment. Asus did not sacrifice features, basic usability and battery life simply to blow wind and be noticed. Asus understands a UMPC is a mobile communicator and offered a usable webcam, usable keyboard and comfortable touchpad. Asus understands to be useful it needed to offer a balance between size and features, and now offers users a matte 10inch widescreen display. Asus Understood battery life is critical and offered a model with a six-cell battery. It took almost 3months for the 1000H to get to Manila, and our 1st hand experience of the local released EEE PC 1000H reaffirmed it was worth the wait. Forget about volume, this is all about customer satisfaction.
As for the Toyota comparison:
As a parting thought, I am reminded of the options available when I was buying a 3rd vehicle to serve as a daily driver. I wanted something that I can use anywhere, is easy to maintain, yet still offers a positive image. If I wanted to take more risk and become a maverick (buying something not tested) I would have bought a Hyundai (similar to new UMPC models). I felt I already had enough risk with our existing German cars and their high maintenance cost. I decided to get a Toyota Fortuner, that was three(3) years ago and that vehicle has not broken down a single time. The Asus EEE PC line is like buying a Toyota, it does not matter if you like the small Vios(701), the Altis(900/901) or the mid sized Camry(1000H), all are Toyota, and you know you are buying reliability and smart engineering.
I initially thought the 1000H wasn’t that big, but judging from photos and reviews, I would say it’s really a bit more bulky compared to other netbooks I’ve encountered. I wonder if it’s significantly larger than my Mini Note. But the long battery life sure is a big benefit!
