ASUS Eee PC 1016P Pro Reviews

Asus' 1016P wants to belong to the netbook elite. However, it neither confirms this trait with a strong Atom performance, nor with a very good connectivity (no HSDPA module installed). Nevertheless, its specifications in terms of workmanship, ergonomics, battery life and display are worthy. The contrast rich (835:1), bright 250 cd/m2 and AR coated 10.1" display is outstanding. The WSVGA resolution may be too low, but it can be interpolated up to 1152x864 pixels, which increases the overview considerably. In terms of performance, the DDR3 system (2 GB) can compete unbiased with Windows 7 Business, whereas even Aero effects (translucent windows) were enabled. The real computing power of Atom N450 and N455 only differed within the limits of the measuring tolerance. Users should only load the 1016P with simple office applications and avoid executing multitasking. The lack of a HSDPA module for mobile surfing on the web is a real drawback. Such an outdoor suitable TFT, together with such a good battery life (surfing via EDGE: 5:20 hours) just simply has to be capable of 3G. A downer of a different kind are the few tiny keys on the keyboard, as well as the Touchpad key's poor feedback. The Windows 7 Professional alternative of Asus' business netbook is priced at 429 euro (2 GB DDR3). This price is reasonable in view of Windows 7 Starter (1 GB DDR3), which costs 340 euro.