ASUS N10

The ASUS N10 is technically a net-book as it does not have a centrino processor but actually an Intel Atom chip-set. But they claim it to be a notebook rather than a netbook because of its bulky size and the large keyboard. It does not carry the Eee PC tag but definitely it looks like one ultra-portable laptop.

The ASUS N10 comes in sleek light gold color and mostly aimed for the business sectors. It is available both at the retailer as well as the reseller. If you buy it from the retailer then you will not be able to upgrade the hard drive or memory or any other component as it would void the warranty, but if you buy it from the reseller then you might be able to customize your notebook.

ASUS N10

Today let’s review the ASUS N10 JC. The specifications for this netbook are:

• Screen: 10.2 inches 1024 x 600 Glossy LED (WSVGA ), with Ambient Light Sensor
• Processor: Intel Atom N270 processor @ 1.66Ghz
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Nvidia 9300m GS DDR2 256MB
• Memory: 1GB PC-5300 667 DDR2
• Hard Disc: 160GB 5400 rpm with Freefall Sensor (Seagate)
• Wireless: Bluetooth V2.0 + EDR, Atheros AR92X Wireless Network Adapter (A/B/G/N)
• Ports and Slots: microphone input, VGA monitor out, 3 USB 2.0, HDMI, Kensington lock slot, headphone jack, Line-out/ S/PDIF, Ethernet 10/100, ExpressCard/34, Microphone-in, and 8-in-1 SD card reader (SDHC compatible)
• Operating System: Windows XP Home SP3 + Express Gate.
• Features:  Fingerprint reader; Built in 1.3Mp Camera; Microphone
• Battery: 6 Cell Lithium 11.1v 4800mAh 53Wh

The build and design of ASUS N10 is too classy. The glossy look and the gold color have a sparkle and draws attention. The blue status lights are not so visible during day but when in dark it gives N10 a gaming edge. The made of battery is a bit disappointing as it is made of plastic and it is not so durable.

The glossy 10.2” WSVGA LED backlit screen reflects like a mirror. There is some reflection due to the look but if that is not a problem then it should not be a major issue. The resolution of ASUS N10 display is not up to the mark. When you think of a notebook one would think that they would offer a higher resolution choice but the limiting WSVGA resolution may make some web pages hard to view and multi-tasking virtually impossible.

Nvidia 9300m GS is being used which is quite enough to play general games on the notebook. With the dedicated graphic card and its little size one would expect the notebook to produce more heat and noise. But it is quite opposite here. The ASUS N10 produced little to zero noise and heat was also considerably low. But the notebook vibrates a lot due to the hard disk movements. The keyboard is a Japanese keyboard and they keys are very smooth with sharp edge and easy to type.

On the right side of the ASUS N10 you can find the USB 2.0, Headphone(S/PDIF) out, Microphone in, VGA out, Ethernet (10/100/1000) AC power jack and ExpressCard 34 slot.  The ExpressCard slot dummy can be used to store an SD (HC) Card.

The left side is covered by Wireless On/Off, two USB 2.0, HDMI out, Graphics Toggle switch, Kingston lock.

On the front SD/MMC/MS/Pro Card reader and no ports at the back side of the notebook. The ASUS N10 has an Atheros wireless card with good range and connects almost everything. The 6 cell battery lasts for around 7 hours. On the whole the ASUS N10 does qualify as a notebook. The plus points of ASUS N10 are Switchable graphics, Easy to type keyboard/Large touchpad, good battery backup, portable, low heat and noise and its sleek design and the negative points are its dull screen, no eSATA port, the bad quality of battery.

Check out the video hands on review of ASUS N10 netbook:

Part 2: