ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black)

The Asus Eee PC 1015PN-PU27 belongs to a new breed of netbooks that run on dual core processors and come with faster DDR3 memory modules. The 1015PN is powered by an Intel Atom N570 dual core processor and it comes bundled with 1GB of RAM. It has one SODIMM slot that supports up to 2GB.

This netbook comes with a 10.1-inch LED backlit display that makes for good image quality for movies and images. It comes with NVIDIA’s ION graphic solution for the Atom series built in, making it quite a capable netbook that can handle high resolution movies and also some of the modern games at low resolutions. It also comes with the NVIDIA Optimus intelligent graphics switching technology for better battery life.

Features & Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 7 Starter
• Display: 10.1-inch LED-backlit WSVGA matte display (1024 x 600)
• Processor: Intel Atom N570 dual-core processor (1.66 GHz)
• Graphics: Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology
• WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
• LAN: 10/100 Mbps
• Memory: 1GB DDR3 (expandable to 2GB)
• Hybrid Storage: 250GB 5400RPM hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage3
• Camera: 0.3 megapixel
• Audio: Hi-definition stereo speakers, microphone
• Card Reader: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
• Input / Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks (Headphone & Mic-in)
• Battery: 6 cell battery (up to 9.5 hours1)
• Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 0.93~ 1.43 (H) inches
• Weight: 2.76 lbs (with battery)
• Color: Black, White, Blue & Red

Since the 1015PN is from the SeaShell series, it inherits the sleek design cues that have made the series popular. The netbook has a plain black matte finish along with a slim profile that makes it look quite good. The keyboard has Chiclet keys in a layout that utilizes every bit of space possible to make individual keys larger. The keys are shaped well and have a good travel, making for comfortable typing. The touchpad sits flush with the rest of the palm rest and has the same finish. It is demarcated by sliver strips on either side and sports a single bar click button. It supports multitouch and enables you to zoom in and out through gestures.

The 10.1 display is LED backlit and quite bright under most average indoor scenarios. Coupled with the NVIDIA ION graphics, it makes for a good entertainment netbook with high-resolution movies and 3D Gaming support.

The dual core Atom processor supports a good bit of multi-tasking. You can easily have a good multi-tab web surfing experience whilst playing music in the background and perhaps one more lightweight application open. The processing power is also good enough for you to do some photo editing and similar processor intensive work. Increasing the RAM will also help in getting more performance out of the processor and graphics chip.

The Eee PC 1015PN-PU27 comes with 250GB of local storage and a complimentary 60-day trial of ASUS Web Storage cloud storage service with 500GB storage space. The battery life is rated at up to 9.5 hours, which in real life scenarios can come down to around 7-8 hours and hence makes for all day mobility if used judiciously.

On the wireless front, it comes with Wireless-N WiFi support (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 3.0 support. There’s also a 10/100 Ethernet port for LAN connections. There’s a 2-in-1 card reader with MMC and SD card support. There’s a VGA port, 3 USB 2.0 ports and the usual audio ports.

It comes bundled with Windows 7 Starter Edition, which is usually the only complaint that consumers have about this netbook because of the OS’s limited functionality. However, most are able to find a way around it using tools found online. Other than that, consumers reported being quite happy with the netbook with special praise directed at the processing, graphics, battery life, keyboard and overall design.