Asus claims the newly launched 1201N 'shatters netbook conventions'

Asus has just launched the Eee PC 1201N Netbook, have they redesigned the netbook?

Asus' announced the new netbook on their website on the 19^th of November, and they believe the new machine will be an unprecedented step towards empowering netbook users. The 1201N has been designed for 'multimedia-minded consumers who prize the portability of netbooks but lament the typical lack of processing muscle'.

A significant difference between the 1201N and other netbooks, is its CPU, which is an Intel Atom 330 dual core processor. The 1201N's GPU is an NVIDIA ION, which NVIDIA claims offers DirectX 10 compatibility, 1080p HD video, and the ability to enjoy the premium features of graphically demanding operating systems such as Windows Vista and Windows 7. NVIDIA also state that a netbook fitted with an ION instead of an Intel 945GSE, is likely to have '10 x faster graphics and video transcoding'.

The 1201N's CPU and GPU are major improvements over the specifications of most netbooks, but at what cost? Laptopmag.com claim that the netbook will cost $499, which is a reasonable price, and depending upon how this netbook is perceived in reviews, offers excellent value for money.

The 12.1” display means the 1201N is larger than many netbooks, but it should still be very portable, weighing only 1.46kg. The relatively larger dimensions makes room for the full-sized ergonomic chiclet keyboard; which solves a common complaint amongst netbook users – that smaller keyboards make touch-typing very difficult and uncomfortable.

Rene Haas, the general manager for notebook GPUs at NVIDIA is quoted in ASUS' press release as staying that the 1201N 'delivers exceptional performance for a netbook...with the ability to watch HD video, share and edit photos, play casual games, and convert video to a portable media player. With the upcoming Flash Player 10.1 from Adobe, it will soon handle streaming HD video as well as a high-end desktop PC.'

If Rene's claims are true, then ASUS may well have managed to 'shatter netbook conventions' with the 1201N, as the new machine may begin to rival entry-level notebooks for performance and cost. Here are the full specifications, as detailed in ASUS' press release:-

Display: 12.1" LED-backlit WXGA screen (1366 x 768)

Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7

CPU: Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core processor

GPU: NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics

System memory: up to 3GB DDR2 SO-DIMM

Storage: 250GB HDD/320GB and 1 year of 500GB ASUS WebStorage

Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Battery: 6-Cell 63Wh Li-ion Battery, up to 5 hours of battery life

Webcam: 0.3M Pixels (with digital zoom function)

Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC, Stereo Speakers, High Quality Mic

Interface: 1 x VGA Port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in), Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)

Dimensions: 296mm (W) x 208mm (D) x 27.3~ 33.3mm (H)

Weight: 1.46kg (3.22lbs)

Colours: Black, Silver, Blue, Red