Acer Review, Asus Review – Netbook 10

The 12.1″ Asus 1201N comes in the same seashell design we’re used to seeing the newer Asus Eee PC models in. It also packs in a dual core processor and a bad-ass nVidia ION processor. The dual core processor fares far better than the Atom line most netbooks come with, and this netbook is a real powerhouse. HD and multi-tasking are no problem for this one. The only problem is the size and poor battery life. This netbook is everything but portable.

The Asus 1201N is currently available for pre-order a $500, but there are two new black pieces on Amazon going for $485. But the guys at HotHardware got their hands on a test piece, hence this detailed review.

[Rating:7/7]

Asus 1201N Features

• Windows 7 Home Premium – better than Windows 7 Starter, way better than Windows XP
• Great processor – despite having a clock speed at1.6GHz, the N330 dual core processor out-performs the 1.6GHz N270. Make sure you aren’t in power saving mode when you test the performance!
• HD video? No problem! Plays both 720p and 1080p real smooth
• Multitasking? No problem! The dual core allows you to multi-task even when playing HD videos. Basically, it’s closer to a notebook than most other netbooks.
• Doesn’t heat up – which can be attributed to the larger 12.1″ form factor, more space for heat to dissipate from
• Full size Chiclet keyboard – feels cool and prevents dust from getting into the netbook
• Multi-touch keypad – supports swipe gestures: zoom in and out, rotate, easy scrolling, page up&down
• Sturdy build
• Available in silver :)
  

Drawbacks

• Glossy everything – not only is it a fingerprint magnet, but it’s kinda annoying to have the palm rest area shine up at you while you’re using it. I suspect it’s only the black model that’s so glossed over, the silver one doesn’t look as shiny in photos
• Only one touchpad button – this can get annoying if you don’t get used to it (then again, the new MacBook touchpad comes without a button at all)
• Noisy 250GB hard drive
• Battery life takes a beating real easy – lasts just over 3 hours with heavy usage, shame on you Asus! You got us all used to 10hours of battery life! Guess the nVidia and the dual core processor require a lot of juice to give you the high performance you’re looking for.
• Too much Bloatware: Skype, Trend Micro AntiVirus, 60-day trial of MS Office, Microsoft Works (NOT a substitute for Office, nothing is), nVidia ION control panel, ArcSoft Total Media Theater 3, CyberLink’s YouCam and Asus software (Asus Vibe, Asus Web Storage, Eee Docking, Eee Splendid, Font Resizer, Live Update app).

Asus 1201N Rating – 6/7

• Value for Money – 1
• Speed and Performance –1
• Screen – 1
• Keyboard – 1
• Portability & Battery Life – 0
• Looks and Design – 1
• Extensibility & connectivity –1

+1 for having stellar performance – the best thus far on nVidia ION

Asus 1201N Specs

Processor – 1.6GHz Dual Core Intel N330

Chipset –NVidia ION Platform

OS – Windows 7 Home Premium

Memory – 2GB (8GB max)

Storage – 250GB HDD (in some cases, +500GB online eee storage)

Display – 12.1” (HD 1366 x 768)

Connectivity – Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11b/g/n

Ports – 3xUSB, HDMI, 3-in-1 card reader

Battery – 6 cell (5 hours)

Dimensions – 11.65″  x  8.19″  x  1.31″

Weight –3.21lbs

Colors – Black and silver

Bottom line

At $500, the Asus 1201N is still a value-for-money netbook. It packs in a premium OS with great graphics and a solid processor. Much more than any other netbook. The only downfall is 3.2lbs weight, and the high power consumption. Makes the Asus 1201N an extremely affordable PC, but one you can’t really carry every where you go.

When compared to the HP Mini 311‘s 1.6GHz N270 processor, the effects of the dual core N330 are very apparent. Not only is the Asus $25 cheaper, but the N330 gives it the muscle it needs to play HD videos smoothly and a decent range of video games too. Using a dual core processor was a good decision on Asus’s part, it ensures the nVidia ION doesn’t go to waste.

Related posts:

1. Asus 1201N available for Pre-Order
2. Asus Eee PC 1201N Available at Newegg, $500
3. 12.1″ ION Asus Eee PC 1201N Official and Available for Pre-Order
4. Netbooks with nVidia ION
5. HP Mini 311 Review : Windows 7 Home, Nvidia Ion from Verizon

Filed under: Netbooks