Acer Review, Asus Review – Netbook 10

The Asus Eee PC 1101HA is the first 11.6″ netbook on the Eee PC line, with a 1.33 Intel Atom Z520 processor, 160GB hard drive and 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, 1366 x 768 pixel display, integrated Intel GMA 500 graphics and a 6 cell battery.

It looks and feels like a 1005HA, only with a high resolution screen and a processor that doesn’t consume as much power than the Intel Atom that can be found in its sister. It also has that elegant Seashell design. But what concerned me when I first saw the specs was the Intel Atom Z520. Can the hi-res screen make up for a sluggish processor?

[Rating:6.5/7]

Features and Drawbacks

• Eye-catching Design – But, of course. It has the elegant chassis of the Seashell line that looks gorgeous on the 1005HA and 1008HA. It also has that glossy lid that looks really attractive so long as you don’t touch it. Then it would be smudge-heaven, and you’re thinking “look who’s attractive now?”. But then, if you’ve curbed your OCD tendencies, or if you have a handy cloth everytime, you wouldn’t worry about the fingerprints, and the lid is still pretty.

• Large screen + 1366 x 768 pixel display = Awesome – Hi-resolution displays on a small screen means reading small texts. Mostly, you’d enlarge the text, or not take advantage of the hi-res display. Which means the hi-res display is pointless. Not so on the 1101HA. On this netbook, you can appreciate the fact that web pages actually fit on the screen, and not worry about a headache.

• Comfy keyboard, wide touchpad – If you’re expecting a wider keyboard on the 1101HA, it just has the same keyboard as the 1005HA. Even the size. It may not be full-sized, but still comfortable to use. Ditto on the textured touchpad. It’s responsive, but you might be one of those who prefer a smooth pad. This one has dimples which makes it easier to locate. It also supports pinching to zoom.

• The Intel Atom Z520 processor – Now, why would they put an Intel Atom Z520 processor in a new netbook, I ask, especially with a 1366 x 768 pixel display screen? While the screen is made of awesome, your enjoyment is somewhat lessened by the 1.33GHz processor. With your hi-res screen eating up system resources, the Z520 makes your netbook feel slow when working on multiple browsers, email and a document. Of course, we’re talking fractions of a second here, but if you’re used to faster machines, you’ll definitely notice.

• Hi-res screen does not necessarily mean awesome video-watching experience – The integrated Intel GMA 500 graphics that’s in the 1101HA can support HD video acceleration which means videos play really well, if they’re in the netbook’s hard drive. Adobe Flash videos (i,e YouTube, etc.) are another matter. Sure, you can enjoy them, but not in full screen. If you’re okay with watching YouTube on a 480 x 360 pixel window, then this will do.

• Excellent battery life – Now, this is where the Intel Atom Z520 processor is an advantage. It doesn’t use as much power as other processors. This netbook is advertised as having an “11 Hour Battery Life”. It doesn’t, but you can squeeze in as much as 8 hours, which is still not something to thumb your nose at.

Rating – 6.5/7

Value for Money – 1
Speed and Performance – 0.5
Screen – 1
Keyboard – 1
Portability & Battery Life – 1
Looks and Design – 1
Extensibility & connectivity – 1

Technical Specifications of the Asus Eee PC 1101HA via Amazon:

• 1.33 Intel Atom Z520 processor
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) and 10GB Free Eee Storage
• 1 Gb DDR2 RAM, 1 x SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max
• 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth
• 11.6″ 1366 x 768 pixel display
• Integrated Intel GMA 500 graphics
• Windows XP Home
• 6 cell battery
• 11.26 inches, 7.72 inches, 1.43 inches
• 3.04 pounds

Bottomline
Definitely neither the Road Runner or Speedy Gonzales of the netbook world with the Z520, but if we’re talking long-running, then the Asus Eee PC 1101HA is definitely a contender. Besides, it’s not as if you can finish crocheting a blanket before one screen would open. We’re talking nanoseconds here. It’s large, hi-res screen is also a plus point. If you think larger screens and longer-lasting batteries is the end-all and be-all of netbooks, then this one is definitely for you.

The Asus Eee PC 1101HA is available in black for $398.95 from Amazon.com. Original list price was $429.99, so that’s a $31.04 (7%) saving ;)

Related posts:

1. Watch Out for the Asus Eee PC 1101HA at Computex
2. 11.6″ Asus Eee PC 1101HA Now Available in the US
3. Review: 11.6″ Aspire One AO751h
4. Asus Joins Windows 7 Upgrade Program
5. Asus N10 Review

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