In part two of my review of the Asus Eee PC 1008P Karim Rashid Edition netbook, we discuss hardware. When I say hardware, I don't mean that I took the machine apart and investigated the inner workings of it. I also don't mean to list every technical specification. If you want those, you can visit Asus's website. But when I was asked to review this product, I took it to mean to review it in my own way, one that would be interesting for me to read. So I've noted all my observations about the physical self of the computer and its workings.
I will list a few specs, though, for reference. The screen is 10.1", the processor is an Intel Atom N450, there is 2GB of memory (twice as much as in my Dell Mini 9), and a 297 GB hard drive. It weighs in at a very light 2.5ish pounds and fits easily on my lap, yet it isn't so small as to be uncomfortable to use on my lap.
Opening up the computer, it looks really nice. Shiny screen, classy keyboard. Camera and microphone above the screen. Power button is well placed and clearly marked. And off we go...
The Keyboard
Typing on the Asus is easy. It would be difficult to type on it if you had really long fingernails, but my medium length nails don't cause any problem. There is plenty of room between the keys; they are separated and raised enough to feel what you're doing, yet still have your nails not hit the keys. All the main keys are in the right places. I like the dedicated arrow keys, and the delete key, which I also use often. There is an entire function key row, which I rarely use, but I know that many people live by them. In general, I have found that I can type as quickly on the Asus as I can on my regular, full-sized keyboard at home.
The Trackpad
The trackpad is very sensitive. When I click in a location in a document, for example, I have to be very careful to then pause before moving the cursor out of the way or else it will select a bunch of text as it goes. If I'm not careful (and I'm not always careful), I will then accidentally overwrite a bunch of my writing. Not good. But I have learned to be careful.
The trackpad buttons, or rather, button, takes a lot of force to click. You click the left side of the button for a left click, and the right side of it for a right click. Having to press so hard is good in that you don't accidentally click it, but it takes a concerted effort to make something happen on purpose. I usually end up just tapping on the trackpad, but sometimes more precision requires using the button. I also discovered the hard way that one must be careful not to rest one's hands on the trackpad. This results in undesirable actions. Also, because the trackpad has no edges, when I use it my finger keeps running off the edge and I lose cursor control.
In the end, I've resorted to using my itty bitty portable mouse. I prefer it, anyway. I'm not a trackpad person.
The Screen
The screen must create quite a lot of static because it is almost always dusty. The only other things that I've seen that attract more dust are my television and the radio in my car. Perhaps this is why the Asus ships with its own wiping cloth. The screen opens really wide, though, which allows you to use the computer from many different positions and at different angles. It also looks great. Crisp and clear, colorful, smooth.
Input/Output
There are many different ports on the computer for input and output. Most of them are covered up, but the DC power outlet is open, as is the SD card slot. Everything is behind a cover. There is one USB port on each side, a network outlet, and microphone and headphone jacks. There is also a covered port for hooking up an external monitor. This one is odd, however, as it requires an adapter, which is neatly tucked into the bottom of the machine. An unusual set up for sure. The covers don't feel too substantial and the ethernet cover wobbles a bit. I don't like how the covers operate and would have designed them differently. It will be interesting to see how well they hold up over the next year, especially since I plug USB peripherals into the machine frequently. I plug my mouse in each time I use the machine, unless it's on my lap, and I frequently plug in other things such as the iPod Touch and the Lego Education WeDo (look for that review on GeekDad later this fall). I do hope the port doors hold up.
There are several ventilation areas around the base of the computer. The machine takes a while to heat up, and never gets so hot that it will burn your lap. After about 15 minutes, the bottom is slightly warm to the touch, but not hot. It becomes a little hot at about an hour of heavy usage, but it's not unbearable, except in the heat of summer.
The Speakers
I love the speakers on this thing. Of course, I only have my Dell Mini 9 with which to compare it, but on the Asus, playing something with sound and no headphones is actually possible! On my Mini, even with the volume turned up as loudly as possible, you can barely hear it, especially if there is any other noise in the room. This one is loud enough to actually be able to hear it from across the room. It doesn't turn up to boombox levels, and it doesn't go to 11, but it is loud enough to be useful.
The Battery
The battery life on the Asus is pretty good. The specs say it lasts for 6 hours, but having done some battery tests, I'll just say that battery life varies. Depending on what I ask of it, the battery on my test unit lasts for anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours. Of course, my settings may be different from those machines on which they performed their battery tests.
One nice feature regarding the battery is that if you run the battery down all the way and the computer shuts itself off, Windows saves where you are. That way, when you get enough power to turn it back on, it puts you right where you left off. The same windows are open, the same document is open for editing, everything is the same. This is a very handy feature and I was quite impressed. It's so easy to lose track of the battery level that this feature allows you to stop worrying.
Summary
Other than not being happy with the port doors, I'm very happy with the hardware on the Asus Eee PC. I discount my issues with the trackpad, because they are mostly about me hating trackpads. The one on this machine works as well as any other I've tried.
This Asus Eee PC 1008P Karim Rashid Edition retails for $499.99 but can be found for less on Amazon.
See my first post in this series, First Impressions, and Part Three: Software, in which I discuss included programs, Microsoft Office 2010, wireless printer setup, and Windows 7 Home Premium.
Note: I received a loaner unit for the purposes of this extended review.
