ASUS N10 User Review

Specifications:

• Screen: 10.2” WSVGA (1024 x 600) Glossy LED, w/Ambient Light Sensor
• Processor: Intel Atom N270 processor at 1.66Ghz
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Nvidia 9300m GS 256MB DDR2
• Memory: 1GB DDR2 PC-5300 667
• Hard Disc: 160GB 5400 rpm w/Freefall Sensor (Seagate)
• Wireless: Atheros AR92X Wireless Network Adapter (A/B/G/N), Bluetooth V2.0 + EDR
• Optical Drive: N/A
• Ports and Slots: 3 USB 2.0, HDMI,VGA monitor out, headphone jack, microphone input, 8-in-1 SD card reader (SDHC compatible), Kensington Lock slot, Ethernet 10/100, ExpressCard/34, Microphone-in, and Line-out/ S/PDIF
• Operating System: Windows XP Home SP3 + Express Gate.
• Features:  Built in 1.3Mp Camera/Microphone/Fingerprint reader
• Battery: 11.1v 4800mAh 53Wh 6 Cell Lithium
• Dimensions: 27.6 cm (W) x 19.5 cm (D) x 2.99-3.71 cm (H)
• Weight: 1.40 kg with 3-cell battery
• Warranty: 2-Year Limited Global Warranty

Build and Design
The N10 shouts class.  Like a drop top Phantom it demands attention while providing tranquility and comfort.  The champagne gold has sparkle and shine which is accented by a chrome-looking hinge area and touchpad buttons.  The gold follows suit with the black bezel with a high-gloss design which is a magnet for dust and fingerprints.  The blue status lights are a bit off during the day but when dark out they give the notebook a gaming edge.

A close look at the glossy surface that shows dust and fingerprints

The N10 feels solid like a small notebook should.  It can be held by one hand though it is heavier, bigger and thicker than a traditional netbook.  The chassis is composed completely of plastic.

Bottom to top: Vostro 1500, Asus N10, Casio EX-word XD-SP6700, Sharp 922SH

15.4”, 10.2”, 4.9”, and 3.5” Screens

The screen when twisted does flex but is easily in the acceptable range and does beat out many notebooks.  A downside is the N10 was designed without a latch to keep the lid closed.  The hinges feel like they move a little too easily but at the end of the day unless shaken vigorously the screen holds the angle you set it at.

Like a business notebook the battery sticks out the back rather than underneath like other 10.2 inch notebooks.  Nevertheless the major upset for me in the build quality was the battery.  When I had opened the notebook from its packaging the battery had been chipped and taped up by the factory.  I received a replacement and learned how it could have been chipped during shipping even while packed protectively.  After receiving the replacement battery I had dented it with my hand.  Yes, by grabbing the battery I had dented it.  I am a strong guy but I should not be able to dent a notebook battery with my hand.  I have honestly never seen such poor plastic on a PC component that is so essential to the notebook.  I lack the words to describe how disappointed I am in the build of the battery.

Display
The glossy 10.2” WSVGA LED backlit screen reflects like a mirror.  Unlike many netbooks ASUS decided to go with a glossy screen.  For outdoor use it is generally recommended to have an antiglare screen in order to view the screen.  The backlighting on the screen can become ridiculously bright.  I have no troubles using the notebook in direct sunlight without having to boost to maximum brightness.  There is some reflection due to the gloss but if you do not get headaches from the reflections of glossy screens in general it should not be a major issue. For general use at home I recommend you turn the brightness down, otherwise the colors begin to wash out.

I personally found the screen to lack vividness.  I feel the color is a bit dull and lacks liveliness.  When ASUS decided to market the N10 as a notebook one would expect 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.

Speakers
The N10 features a pair of Altec Lansing speakers.  The sound was not exactly what I had expected: quiet maximum volume, lack of crispness, bass, and energy.  They are not terrible by any means but display that this notebook is intended to be portable.  In short if you care about quality, headphones are a must.