As well as the last-gen 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, the eCAFÉ EC-1000W gets 1GB of RAM, a 250GB 5,400rpm hard-drive and WiFi b/g/n. There’s also a 4,400mAh 6-cell battery, three USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, ethernet and a multiformat memory card reader, along with audio in/out and a webcam/microphone. OS is Windows 7 Starter, and there’s an eCAFÉ Connect app which attempts to make common tasks – like hooking up to a WiFi network – a little more straightforward for entry-level users.
Design-wise the EC-1000W is reasonably distinctive. Measuring in at 10.8 x 7.7 x 1.3 inches, it swaps hard edges for rounded corners and a framed 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display that goes a little way to disguising the thick bezel. The 88-percent sized keyboard uses chiclet keys with decent travel but some sluggishness; combine that with the fact that they’re smaller-than-average and typing can be a little slow. In contrast, the trackpad is decently large, though it doesn’t support multitouch gestures. We wish Hercules hadn’t used such stubborn mouse buttons, though.
Like most other netbooks we see, the EC-1000W has a highly gloss-finish display, and that adds up to frustrating reflections during use (especially if you’re trying to work outdoors). It’s a shame, as the LCD panel itself is bright and color-rich, with particularly impressive contrast. While the speakers are confined to key-sized grills right under the netbook’s hinges, that doesn’t appear to impinge seriously on loudness; we were quite surprised by how much noise the eCAFÉ can put out. Of course, there’s a headphone socket for private listening.