Software and bloatware
One thing that does recommend the N10Jc-A1 over its more expensive kin is the inclusion of Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 instead of the more resource-hungry Windows Vista. Why Asus doesn't include the latest Service Pack 3 is a bit of a head-scratcher, though. The N10J is also saddled with the now-ancient Internet Explorer 6, which is the sort of thing you punish your children with, not install on a $650 netbook.

As usual, Asus throws its own batch of software into the mix, including a Power4Gear power management tool and Splendid color management software. You'll also find software tied to the fingerprint scanner and a "Personal Safe," which is an encrypted partition on the hard drive that is password-protected and can be configured to authenticate using the fingerprint scanner. Rounding things out is an Atheros wireless utility that has the kind of obtuse interface that makes less experienced users run screaming for the hills of Cupertino. Most users will probably prefer to have Windows manage their wireless connections instead.

Perhaps the most curious component of the N10J's software bundle is a suite of DVD reading and writing apps, including Asus-branded version of PowerDVD dubbed "AsusDVD" and Lightscribe software that sits in the system tray. Gosh Beav, this is real swell and all, but weren't we just looking at all the ports and stuff on the N10, and didn't we notice something missing that might come in handy? Oh yeah, an optical drive. One could argue that AsusDVD is available as a courtesy for users who might connect an external optical drive, but the inclusion of the Lightscribe software just makes my head hurt.

Asus made another peculiar choice in formatting the N10J's hard drive partitions as FAT32 volumes instead of NTFS. A batch file located on the desktop will convert the drives to NTFS, but it should have been the default configuration. NTFS is generally a bit faster than FAT32, so it seems unusual that Asus would elect to leave any performance on the table given that the low-powered Atom processor needs all the help it can get.

Of course, if you can't be bothered with Windows at all, the N10J also includes an ExpressGate instant-on operating system. The functionality of this alternative OS is limited at best, but it'll do in a pinch.

What's in the box
While the software installed on the N10Jc-A1 will possibly make your brain hurt, the contents of the box it arrives in may ease your suffering a bit.

Asus doesn't include a full-on carrying case with the N10Jc, instead opting for a fitted sleeve. The usual assortment of software CDs, a recovery CD, and a microfiber cloth for cleaning smudges can also be found in the box.

The six-cell battery is roughly the size you'd expect, and the power adapter appears to be identical to the one Asus ships with its latest Eee PCs. An L-shaped connector on the power adapter is especially welcome given the placement of the N10J's power plug. The actual power cable is a little short, but more perplexing is the use of a three-pronged lead. This kind of connection feels unnecessary for something that draws as little power as the N10Jc-A1. I'm sure most users will seldom come across antiquated outlets that lack ground lines, but you might find a few in the older lecture halls that some netbook-toting students are sure to frequent. Mercifully, the AC adapter as a whole is incredibly light.

Although you can't touch it, perhaps the most valuable extra that comes with the N10J is an excellent warranty. Asus covers the unit with a two-year warranty coupled with a year of accidental damage coverage and a 30-day zero-bright-dot policy. Other manufacturers would be happy to charge as much as $199 for this kind of protection, so it's great to see Asus offer it as standard.