ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – 6/7
The 1201N created a lot of buzz when it was first announced, and it doesn’t disappoint. ASUS has truly pushed the netbook envelope with this very capable netbook which features the dual core 1.6GHz Intel Atom N330 processor and Nvidia ION graphics (GE 9400M). What results is the best performing machine in its class, although the battery life is something which has been sacrificed.
This 12.1 inch system looks like a larger version of ASUS’s seashell 1008HA, which is one sweet looking netbook. It also comes pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium, a much better alternative to the starter edition. ASUS looks like they have a winner on their hands with the very capable 1201N.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – Top Features
- Sleek Design – The 1201N features a 12.1 inch screen, but is only 1.3 inches thick and weighs 3.1lbs. The chassis is very attractive with its glossy grained lid, and the only drawback is a bit of fingerprint smudging.
- Good Input Platform – The chiclet style keyboard is full-sized and offers a snappy typing experience. The trackpad consists of braille-like raised dots, which feel awesome on the fingerprints.
- Better performance and graphics – The 1201N falls just short of ultrathins, but far outperforms any other netbook. Windows 7 Home Premium runs fast, multi-tasking is no problem and 1080p videos play easily.
- 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.
- Speakers – The sound quality is surprisingly good, and it’s possible to use the speakers for extended listening.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind
- Battery Life – The downside of the superior performance is a below-average battery length. The ASUS 1201N tops out at about 4 hours with balances usage.
- Single mouse – Differentiation for its own sake generally doesn’t have good results, and the single mouse button is an annoyance.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – Ratings
- Price and Value for money – 1.0 Star – The ASUS 1201N is without doubt, the fastest netbook we’ve reviewed. It performs everything you throw at it smoothly. At $484 on amazon and with the Home Premium version of Windows 7, this is a great price.
- Speed and Performance – 1.0 Star – Again, we were more than impressed with the way the 1201N handles what are generally problematic tasks for netbooks. It plays 1080p and high definition videos seamlessly and you can even run World of Warcraft at a decent 30 frames per second.
- Screen – 0.75 Star – The 12.1 inch 1366 x 768 screen is a quality one and the video output is smooth. The colors even when you output via HDMI remain 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 4 hours is not too good in comparision to most netbooks (the advent of Intels Pine Trial processors means netbooks now last upwards of 12 hours), you get a whole lot more bang for your buck, so its worth it. The netbook weighs in at 3.2lbs, 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.
- Connectivity and Extensibility – 1.0 Star – With 3 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and VGA output, and a 3MP wecam on offer, the ASUS 1201N sorts you out.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – Our Recommendation
If you don’t mind the short battery life, this is an excellent netbook to purchase on all parameters. The price point is higher than other netbooks by about a $100, but you’re getting great computing power and a much-improved multimedia experience.
The ASUS 1201N is available on amazon for pre-order for $484. It will ship from January 15 onwards.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Netbook Review – Technical Specifications
- OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
- CPU: Dual-core Intel Atom N330 1.6GHz processor
- RAM: 2GB RAM (8GB maximum)
- Storage Space: 250GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
- Screen: 12.1 inch, Nvidia ION GE Force 9400M graphics
- Connectivity: 3 USB ports, Ethernet jack, Headphone & microphone slot, VGA, HDMI, 2-in-1 card reader, 802.11b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion battery (4 hours life)
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
Filed under: Asus Netbook Review
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