ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – 6/7
Not to be confused with the punch-packing Nvidia ION 1201N, the 1201HA is more like an updated model of the ASUS 1101HA. It features the much-inferior 1.33 GHz Atom Z520 processor and Intel GMA 500 graphics. The first piece of good news is that it’s available for $329. That’s a good price for a 12 inch netbook weighing 3 lbs right? Well maybe. You’d need to take into consideration its other specifications which disappoint, when compared to what else is available. Some parts of this review may be similar to that of the ASUS 1201N, as the two share the same chassis.
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – Top Features
- Sleek Design – The 1201HA features a 12.1 inch screen, but is only 1.3 inches thick and weighs 3.1lbs. The chassis differs from the glossy 1201N with a smooth and really awesome black matte that is great to grip.
- Good Input Platform – The chiclet style keyboard is full-sized and offers a snappy typing experience. The trackpad consists of braille-like raised dots and is a pleasure to use.
- Quality Screen – The 12.1 inch screen makes for a great viewing experience with bright colors and sharp contrasts, both when using applications and watching high definition video. Even though the processor is slow, we didn’t have a problem with online videos. This is because the GMA 500 is better suited to H.264 video.
- Speakers – The sound quality is surprisingly good, and it’s possible to use the speakers for extended listening.
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind
- Battery Life – The battery only comes upto a 4400 mAh and usage tops out at just over 6 hours.
- Slower processor – The Z series of Atom processors are so last generation, and result in a poorer performance compared to other netbooks.
- Generally poor specs – The RAM, storage and Windows XP operating system leave a bit to be desired especially when there are Windows 7 netbooks selling for under $300.
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – Ratings
- Price and Value for money – 0.75 Star – The ASUS 1201HA’s great looks, weight and screen make it a decent buy for the price, although it does have its drawbacks.
- Speed and Performance – 0.5 Star – The processor is marginally slower, although online video performance is quite smooth. The older generation processor makes for a less efficient battery life.
- Screen – 0.75 Star – The 12.1 inch 1366 x 768 screen is a quality one and the colors are crisp. Viewing angles are a bit of a let down though.
- Keyboard, Touchpad, Usability – 0.75 Star – All good, except for the single mouse button.
- Portability and Battery Life – 0.75 Star – While 6 hours is not too good in comparision to most netbooks (the advent of Intels Pine Trial processors means some netbooks now last upwards of 12 hours). The netbook weighs in at 3.1 lbs, which is great for the screen size.
- Looks and Design – 1.0 Star – The 1201N is a goodlooking netbook. Even with its 12.1 inch screen, the chassis is slim and sexy.
- Connectivity and Extensibility – 0.75 Star – With 3 USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, and a 3MP wecam on offer, the ASUS 1201N sorts you out. There’s no HDMI though.
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – Our Recommendation
For its slim, sleek matte finish and very reasonable price, this 12 inch netbook is a good option for purchase. If you upgrade the RAM and the operating system, you should be fine. Bear in mind the processor will remain its one weak link.
The ASUS 1201HA is available on Bestbuy for $329.99 in black.
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – What have buyers said?
Pros:
- “Keyboard is strong and easy to use; screen is bright clear and moreover 720p-friendly.”
- “The keyboard keys are a nice size and spaced apart. I can type on it with very little mistakes.”
Cons:
- “The only thing bad is IE is kinda slow, so i downloaded opera and its really fast.”
- “ I strongly recommend expanding the RAM. Basic apps won’t slow it down, but advanced things like Outlook will.”
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA Netbook Review – Technical Specifications
- OS: XP (SP3)
- CPU: Intel Atom Z520 1.33GHz processor
- RAM: 1GB RAM (2GB maximum)
- Storage Space: 160GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
- Screen: 12.1 inch 1366 x 768 pixel resolution
- Connectivity: 3 USB ports, Ethernet jack, Headphone & microphone slot, VGA, 2-in-1 card reader, 802.11b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth 2.1
- Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion battery (4400 mAh – 6 hours life)
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
Filed under: Asus Netbook Review