MSI Wind U123 and ASUS 1000HE Show Netbook Evolution
by Wesley Fink on July 17, 2009 12:02 AM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
Performance Comparison
PCMark05 test results are reported as an overall PCMark05 score and a separate CPU Test Suite Score for this initial round of performance testing. Three processors are represented in these test results and the actual impact of those processors on the CPU Test Suite was of great interest.
| Netbook Performance Results | |||
| Model | CPU | PCMark CPU Test Suite | PCMark 05 |
| Asus 1000HE | Atom N280 | 1553 | 1517 |
| MSI Wind (U123) | Atom N280 | 1552 | 1544 |
| Asus 1000HA | Atom N270 | 1489 | 1475 |
| Asus PC 901 | Atom N270 | 1489 | 1300 |
| Asus PC 4G | Celeron M900 | 1012 | 858 |
As a raw CPU score the improvement from the Celeron M900 to the Atom N270 represents a 47% increase in performance. However, the impact of the improved CPU performance with the similarly improved capabilities of the 945 Express chipset combine for a 72% higher PCMark05 score, which factors in graphics, CPU, and total system performance to achieve the final score.
Manufacturers claim about a 10% improvement in performance in the move from the Atom N270 to the more recent Atom N280. PCMark results show an even smaller performance improvement, with just a 4.3% improvement in the CPU Test Suite score. The PCMark05 overall performance improvement also measured in the 4% to 5% range, which is definitely an improvement level you will not likely notice in day-to-day use of your netbook.
The bottom line is that you will definitely notice the performance improvement in a move from an early Celeron M900 to an Intel Atom processor notebook. However, while the Atom N280 is a better performer than the N270, the improvement would be hard to notice in everyday computing. The performance difference between the N270 and N280 is minor at best and should not strongly influence your Netbook buying decision.
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JackPack - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
Will AnandTech consider updating this article with the 1005HA Premium/Value?Honestly, this article feels a little outdated given the 1000HE is EOL.
Wesley Fink - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
We mentioned in the article that the 1005HA was replacing the 1000HE, which might make the 1005HE a bigger bargain as it is closed out. We have received a 1005HA in the lab for testing.Wesley Fink - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
I think I created a new Asus model in the reply. The model that may see close-out pricing is the 1000HE.goinginstyle - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
Is there any reason why wireless tests were not run or performance not even mentioned. I have to depend on a wireless connection and without a DVD drive, it is really important to know how well the wireless setup works and if there are any compatibility problems hooking into a router.Maybe it was on the hands on pages but my eyes hurt after looking at the background colors on the pics. It could just be me but red and pink just seems out of character around here.
Both units have what appears to be nice webcams and once again no mention on how well they work and the quality or if still pictures are a choice. Is the wireless connection or even the machine fast enough to handle skype video?
I know these units are not built for gaming but can you run WoW or Company of Heroes on them and how well do they run the multitude of flash games, especially the card games.
How good is the video quality on the VGA port and do the drivers offer support for widescreen formats or just 4:3. I guess I am frustrated as I am looking for a netbook and need more information than the asus, acer, hp, or msi websites provide.
The battery tests were really good but what happens if i buy a usb DVD drive and rip a movie to the hard drive. Will the msi have enough juice to play a couple of movies on a plane ride. Maybe I need to spend more and get a 14" notebook but i was hoping to save some money here.
Wesley Fink - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
We found no issues at all connecting any of the 5 netbooks tested by wireless for our battery tests. All found the connection to our wireless router and held onto to it for the 2 to 8.5 hours until the battery was depleted. Testing wireless was not the point of the battery test, but it is some evidence of wireless stability.We do intend to add wireless connectivity testing to future netbook reviews. We are currently looking at several potential test methods.
TotalLamer - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
With netbooks getting larger, more capable, and more expensive... at what point does a netbook cease being a netbook, and simply becoming a notebook?nafhan - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
I think hardware plays a big part in what defines a netbook. That said, I wouldn't pay more than $400 for a netbook.It would be nice if they would release a netbook based around a dual core atom processor (the 330). I'd gladly sacrifice a couple hours of battery life on the MSI lappy for an extra core.
The0ne - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
Definitely not over $400 as you could always find laptop deals for around the same price. For the same price the lack of CPU power is a huge drawback.Wesley Fink - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
That is a very interesting suggestion. As I mentioned in the article we used an exterior monitor for the PCMark05 testing since a minimum 1024x768 was required to even run PCMark05. I was very surprised at how different the netbooks were in their output to the external monitor.As you say some are very clean and some are quite ragged. We will try to find a way to include VGA port output in future netbook testing.
sprockkets - Friday, July 17, 2009 - link
Would like to see the HP mini 2140 though.