Asus Upgrades Processor In Netbook

The vast majority of netbooks have similar specs, even across manufacturers. The majority of the ultraportable netbooks have an Intel Atom processor in them, designed to keep power consumption at a minimum while still offering users the ability to access the applications they need.

But the Asus Eee PC 1000HE ditches the standard Intel Atom N270 chip in favor of a more robust Intel Atom N280. The new chip gives users extra power, letting netbooks boot more quickly, access applications with reduced load and lag time, and take advantage of better performance.

Also included in the Eee PC 1000HE is Asus' Super Hybrid Engine technology, which gives users the options to boost PC speed or reduce battery use, depending on the needs of a given situation.

For netbook users, battery life is important. Generally, using a netbook means working on the road where wall outlets might be at a premium. To that end, Asus has increased the battery life on the Eee PC 1000HE, giving it a high-density battery that, when combined with the Super Hybrid Engine technology, can provide up to 9.5 hours of life for the netbook.

Storage on Asus' latest netbook also gets a boost, although not in a traditional way. Most standard netbooks come equipped with a 160-GB built-in hard drive. The 1000HE is no different, with 160 GB of built-in storage. But the computer manufacturer has decided to augment available storage by giving users an additional 10 GB of file-encrypted online storage, most likely aimed at the cloud-computing enthusiasts.

Bluetooth version 2.0 is built in and standard for the netbook. Asus also keeps extreme mobility in the picture by equipping the 1000HE with a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless card.

The screen on the Asus Eee PC 1000HE is on the slightly bigger end, measuring 10 inches diagonally.

The Eee PC 1000HE is available to order online now and starts at $399.