What a difference a better keyboard makes. On paper the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE ($399) is nearly identical to its predecessor, the 1000H. It has the same attractive, high-gloss chassis, the same 10-inch, LED-backlit display, and the same 1GB of RAM and 160GB hard drive. However, the revamped keyboard, which finally puts the right Shift key where it belongs, makes a world of difference in terms of usability for touch typists. Plus, the 1000HE lasts over 7 hours on a charge and has a slightly faster processor than competing mini-notebooks. This is a very good netbook for an attractive price.
Design
Compared with other netbooks, the Eee PC 1000HE has a premium look and feel. It continues to sport a glossy black casing (also available in blue) offset by classy silver hinges. The display bezel now has a glossy finish, too. This netbook picks up fingerprints quickly, but we have no complaints about the overall aesthetics. The cursive Eee logo on the lid is still a nice touch.
Although the build quality is solid, the 1000HE is heavier and chunkier than many competing netbooks, weighing in at 3.2 pounds and measuring 1.4 inches at its thickest point. Both the latest Acer Aspire One and Samsung NC10 weigh 2.8 pounds each and are thinner, at 1.3 inches and 1.2 inches, respectively. The 1000HE is by no means difficult to carry, but there’s no mistaking its relative heft.
Ports
From front to back, the right side of this netbook houses a 4-in-1 memory card reader, two USB ports, and a VGA port for connecting the 1000HE to an external display. A headphone and microphone jack, the third USB port, and the Ethernet port and Kensington lock slot line the left side. You won’t find any ports or slots on the front or back of the system.
Upgradeability
ASUS has streamlined the design of the 1000 series by removing the bulge on the bottom of the system, resulting in a smoother and slimmer look. The best part is that the easy-access panel for replacing the hard drive and upgrading the RAM to 2GB (if you so choose) is still intact. Other netbooks, like the MSI Wind U120, are not upgrade-friendly.
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