Current location: Home Acer Laptop Reviews & News ASUS Eee PC 1201N - The Death/Birth of...

ASUS Eee PC 1201N - The Death/Birth of the Useful Netbook

Posted by Daniel Shain

Comments
49
Likes
1
Dislikes
3

10282_main_ASUSEeePC1201N.jpg

ASUS' latest Eee PC netbook stretches the term "netbook" as much as any computer ever has, with a 12.1" display, dual core processor, HD graphics capabilities, and a price that's not too different from a low cost full laptop. Depending on how you view a netbook, this could represent either the most useful or more heinous spin on a netbook yet.

Netbooks have been getting bigger and badder for months, nay years now - the trend is not new, and we've talked about it before. The line between a netbook and a notebook has been blurring, and the Eee PC 1201N may just cross whatever is left of that line. Depending on your point of view, this could be either good or bad.

Before we go any further, let's have full disclosure on the key stats that any netbook shopper needs to know. It's powered by a nettop-strength dual core 1.6GHz Intel Atom 330, 2GB of RAM (up to 8GB), a 250GB HDD, and Ion-powered graphics capable of full 1080p HD. That tops pretty much every other netbook on the market. The 12.1" display has a 1366 x 768 resolution, it weighs a mere 3.2lbs and is only 1.2" thick. It has HDMI. Battery life is about one viewing of The Fellowship of the Ring including the special edition features (about 3.5 hours), except that if you're actually watching an HD movie the whole time, life shudders down to about a Dark Knight (2.5 hours).

Oh, and the price is about $500.

$500 has been the price for premium netbooks for a while, but in most cases you didn't get something like the 1201N. You got an SSD. You got a weight of under 3lbs and a girth of under 1". You probably got integrated 3G. The 1201N doesn't have any of that. For many people, that might make it worthless as a netbook, especially at that price. There's a reason the $509 Dell Inspiron Mini 12, which is 12" but lacks most of those features, is all but discontinued (I found it here, but try searching for it on Dell's site. It took hunting even to find dead links there.)

About 6 months ago, I said the following: "13-14" display, HD resolution, lots of RAM, dual core processor and a $500 price point by 2010 [the 1201N begins shipping in January] you say? Sign me up!" So frankly, I'm excited, as this is the closest thing to that yet. But I also mentioned that I recognized the value of netbooks as a companion device, and if they all start looking like this, then they stop being useful in that capacity.

And frankly, is it so very different from a low-cost notebook?

Well, the answer is yes. The CPU isn't quite as powerful, but the 3.2lb/1.2" profile is a little easier on the ol' shoulders than the low end CULVs I just saw on Amazon, most of which were closer to $600 and up anyway. It is a perfect crossover for those who want not a companion netbook, but an extremely portable notebook that is underpowered - but not grossly so. It's no full notebook, but it's closer than ever to being one while veering only just over the price and portability given by your average netbook. The one hangup is the battery life - users who will want to enjoy the portability of this notebook will feel hamstrung by the 3.5 hour lifespan, and probably ought to travel with a spare battery.

When you try and do two things at once, often you end up doing a bad job of both. The 1201N is neither as portable as a netbook nor as powerful as a full sized notebook, and $500 could get you either just as easily. But for those willing to compromise a little on both of those fronts to get it all in one package, the 1201N may be the closest thing yet to your dream notebook. Er, I mean netbook.

What do you think?

Check out Engadget's review of the 1201N, which helped inspire this post.

EDIT: It's amazing how short my memory is - I actually covered a similar netbook from DosPara way back in June, right before the post I quoted above. Though I'd like to note that notebook cost $600, weighed 4.2lbs and was about 1.4" thick - basically, a crappier version of the 1201N, but then it was 6 months ago. Have I mentioned that I see a trend before?

Rate this article

Most Popular Laptops at Pricegrabber.com

Model    
1. Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Entertainment Notebook Pc DV4-2169NR [+] Best Offers  
2. MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook - Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz - 13.30" - Aluminum [+] Best Offers  
3. MacBook MC516LL/A Notebook - Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz - 13.3" - White [+] Best Offers  

Comments

  • By: domestic cleaning luton Sep 01, 2010 4:45 AM

    Great website and nice share thanks Art of Businesses portable mp3 player credit finance..

  • By: Ray Cook | Author of how to cook beef tenderloin Aug 31, 2010 9:17 PM

    At the very start, I’d prefer to give thanks to you for this enlightening post. Second, I'd prefer to doubt wherever I can identify greater data concerning your post. I just came here through Bing and can't find out any corresponding web sites on this subject. How do I sign for your web blog? I'd choose to bind to your updates as they arrive along! I had a query to question but I forgotten what it absolutely was... anyway, thanx.

    xox, Ray Cruz Author of how to cook beef tenderloin

  • By: patio cleaning herdforshire Aug 31, 2010 5:41 AM

    What next with netbooks? smartphones? androids?

  • By: coach bags|coach handbags Aug 30, 2010 4:54 AM

    good read. thanks for sharing that great info. great help to me because I want to buy a laptop asap.

  • By: Louis Vuitton WILSHIRE M93641 Louis Vuitton WILSHIRE Aug 25, 2010 4:27 AM

    #

    By: Ravnos Dec 19, 2009 4:22 PM

    Good article, and basically how I feel about this device for the most part. I've been incredibly happy with my EEE 1000HA; after installing Linux on it, I found that it was able to do most of the computing tasks I do in a day. I couldn't do audio or video editing on it, or serious gaming, but I have a dedicated workstation for the former and consoles for the latter. On the other hand, I can browse, check my email, run OpenOffice, do some minor photo editing, code and compile, watch SD video, all that fun stuff. I've even done some audio "sketching" with Hydrogen and Audacity. These little laptops are surprisingly capable when set up properly, and this new EEE is almost exactly what I've been after to step up from my current one. At this price though, I think they should be selling it with at least a 9-cell battery. Relying on a machine like this, battery life is important and it's really the only place where I feel this thing falls short. I'd prefer it to be a little smaller as well at the same resolution, but that's not a deal breaker. I'm personally going to wait and see how the 1201T compares, but in a general sense, if this is the direction netbooks are heading, I have no complaints. Just figure out a way to do it without sacrificing battery life please!

  • By: celebrity phone numbers Aug 21, 2010 7:54 AM

    Hello you as i do like your special site, I would be glad to post a blog review about your fine work on my own Site would you say yes please?

    Best wishes, Justin Researcher of celebrity phone numbers

  • By: halloween contact lenses Aug 17, 2010 12:33 AM

    What next with netbooks? smartphones? androids?

  • By: Author of Free Printable legal Forms Aug 15, 2010 2:29 AM

    Hi there i totally love your blog, I would feel very special if you would ask me to post a blog review on your website in my small News site would you be ok with that?

    Yours, Von Willy Peds Author of Free Printable legal Forms

  • By: electric adjustable beds Aug 13, 2010 12:36 AM

    I like this post,And I guess that they having fun to read this pos

  • By: electric adjustable beds Aug 13, 2010 12:36 AM

    I like your blog, currently we are looking for a part time article writer would you be interested?

  • By: mahjong Aug 10, 2010 6:59 AM

    Excellent review. Maybe I'll take the same.

  • By: Buy Tramadol Buy Tramadol Online Buy Tramadol Buy Tramadol Buy Tramadol Buy Soma Aug 09, 2010 1:05 PM

    Awesome post man , thanks

  • By: tin tuc |the thao| viet nam Jul 27, 2010 3:26 AM

    This is really nice blog, I am very impressed.

  • By: speed reading Jul 23, 2010 1:54 PM

    I have one and it is excellent

  • By: stomach girdlesbelly slimmercute corsets Jul 22, 2010 1:50 PM

    Thank You for the article. I am looking to purchase a new computer, and was curious about the ASUS.Eee. Cheers

  • By: graphiste freelance Jul 19, 2010 7:40 PM

    I want it! It's a nice one. :)

  • By: freelance Jul 19, 2010 7:37 PM

    It's definitly a cool product! :)

  • By: Graphiste Jul 19, 2010 7:35 PM

    As a freelance I'm sure we need more spirituality! graphiste freelance

  • By: best online dating sites Jul 16, 2010 6:56 AM

    Since October 13, 2007 the Asus website shows revised specifications. In some countries, the products have the marketing names EeePC 8G, 4G, 4G Surf, and 2G Surf, though in other countries the machines are still designated by the model numbers 700 and 701. The 4G Surf uses socketed RAM but some revisions do not have a door to access the slot.

  • By: pay per click Jul 16, 2010 6:53 AM

    The final price and specifications for the Eee PC, officially announced in September 2007, was more expensive than Asus originally intended. The price rose to US$399, from US$199, while the size of the included solid-state drive remained 4 GB. The 2G Surf has since gone on sale with 512 MB of RAM included.

  • By: executive staffing Jul 16, 2010 6:50 AM

    Both the price and the size of the device are small in comparison with similar Ultra-Mobile PCs. The Eee series is one response to the XO-1 notebook from the One Laptop per Child initiative. At the Intel Developer Forum 2007, Asus demonstrated the Classmate PC and the Eee PC, and listed specifications for four models of the Eee PC. Asus at the time claimed that models may start at US$199, and range up in price and features to US$399.

  • By: best online poker Jul 16, 2010 6:46 AM

    The first Eee PC was a milestone in the personal computer businesss, launching the netbook category of small, low cost laptops. According to Asus, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play".

  • By: seo consultant Jul 16, 2010 6:39 AM

    The Asus Eee PC is a subnotebook computer line by Asus and a part of the Asus Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, Linux operating system, solid-state drive and relatively low cost. Newer models have added the option of Windows operating system and traditional hard disk drives.

  • By: sania Jul 16, 2010 6:27 AM

    Asus announced two Eee PC models at COMPUTEX Taipei 2007; the Eee PC 701 and the Eee PC 1001. The 701 base model Eee PC 4G was released on October 16, 2007 in Taiwan. Three additional models followed. The originally-announced second model (1001) was also expected, but later Asus renounced any plans to release it to the market. Asus sold over 300,000 units in 2007, and planned to sell several million in 2008. Intel has described the Eee PC as in line with its “World Ahead†marketing drive—which aims to provide anyone around the world a chance to own a PC. Both the price and the size of the device are small in comparison with similar Ultra-Mobile PCs. The Eee series is one response to the XO-1 notebook from the One Laptop per Child initiative. At the Intel Developer Forum 2007, Asus demonstrated the Classmate PC and the Eee PC, and listed specifications for four models of the Eee PC. Asus at the time claimed that models may start at US$199, and range up in price and features to US$399. The final price and specifications for the Eee PC, officially announced in September 2007, was more expensive than Asus originally intended. The price rose to US$399, from US$199, while the size of the included solid-state drive remained 4 GB. The 2G Surf has since gone on sale with 512 MB of RAM included.By the way if you have need any helps of seo consultant for solving seo problem then you may contact at Bidyut Bikash Dhar who also offers Link Building Consulting Services in London, UK. If you are searching keywords like SEO consultant UK, SEO expert UK, Link building UK, Local SEO UK, UK SEO, SEO UK, London SEO, SEO London, SEO company London, SEO consultant London, SEO agency London, web London, UK consultant, UK SEO consultant, SEO services London, SEO services UK, SEO Consulting then call us now at +44.2032866561.But executive staffing can be a lead source for good number of executive jobs. And finding a company that can successfully places people with your kind of skills will be key to success. Basically what kind of position they fill or what types of openings they have can give one an idea of whether it’s worth your time to apply. pay per click is basically Google which allows targeting 10 million people within 10 minutes so how much more impressive a form of advertising can there be. However, success for any business depends on the proper advertisement of a campaign. And If you are search any life partner for yourself then you may contact a best online dating sites . best online poker

  • By: Call of Duty Konseyi DarkStyLe Çocuklar Duymasın Kurtlar Vadisi Filistin Çakıl TaÅŸları Jul 13, 2010 5:49 AM

    this article is very good

  • By: Sunny Beaches | Travel Site Jul 07, 2010 11:33 PM

    Great share, I like ASUS. Thanks

  • By: Electricians in Victoria Electricians in Western Australia Electricians in ACT Electricians in Northern Territory Jul 06, 2010 2:59 AM

    I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith.I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that,but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game.

  • By: Zend Framework Jul 06, 2010 2:56 AM

    You had great positive ideas there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all peoples will agree with your blog.

  • By: Electricians in New South Wales | Electricians in Queensland | Electricians in South Australia | Electricians in Tasmania Jul 06, 2010 2:54 AM

    Just wanted to say I enjoyed the post. You have really put a lot of time into your article and it is just great!

  • By: Life Insurance Agent Jul 03, 2010 12:50 AM

    Nice site with excellent post.

  • By: Life Insurance Agent Motor Insurance Agent Jul 03, 2010 12:46 AM

    What a great site. I love this site and bookmark it, I'll also recommend this to my friends.

  • By: Health Insurance Agent | Travel Insurance Agent Jul 02, 2010 7:51 AM

    insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for payment.

  • By: Office Insurance Agent | Home Insurance Agent Jul 02, 2010 7:48 AM

    browsing on Google for something else closely connected, regardless before i ramble on too much i would just like to state how much I cherished your post,I've added your web blog and also obtained your Feed, Again thank you very much for the article carry on the good work.

  • By: download the twilight saga: eclipse download the last airbender download the kids are all right Jun 23, 2010 12:54 PM

    If Pine Trail is any indication they're going to get better and better with netbook battery life, so I have high hopes that these sort of crossovers will continue to ll,l,l improve.

  • By: best air jordan kicks Jun 09, 2010 3:32 PM

    thanks

  • By: generic pharmacy Jun 03, 2010 2:29 PM

    Pretty

  • By: Headshop May 23, 2010 9:06 AM

    Since Asus kickstarted the modern netbook market, it is only apt that it has now released one of the world's first dual-core mini-laptops.

  • By: andi rafael May 10, 2010 3:02 PM

    great website and nice share thanks Art of Businesses portable mp3 player credit finance

  • By: andi rafael May 10, 2010 3:02 PM

    great website and nice share thanks Art of Businesses portable mp3 player credit finance

  • By: oto kokusu | v-pills May 08, 2010 8:19 AM

    Acer Notebooklar her zaman hoÅŸuma gitmiÅŸtir.

  • By: Divit | Havza Eymir | Jdm Turkiye Apr 28, 2010 11:08 AM

    thanks baby

  • By: SikiÅŸ izle Apr 18, 2010 4:10 PM

    If Pine Trail is any indication they're going to get better and better with netbook battery life, so I have high hopes that these sort of crossovers will continue to improve.

  • By: buy tramadol Mar 28, 2010 1:06 PM

    Nice article. thx!

  • By: Richard Mar 12, 2010 3:34 PM

    This one looks really good. Thanks for the review. Spa Breaks

  • By: Jean Jan 14, 2010 9:34 AM

    The performance of the smaller notebooks computers may not be able to match some of the more expensive notebooks computers on the market today, but they are certainly nothing to sneeze at http://www.notebooks-computers.org/.

  • By: Jean Jan 14, 2010 9:32 AM

    I have owned 6 notebooks computers so far, and I keep learning more about them..

  • By: arian pitogo Jan 09, 2010 10:04 PM

    i had my toshiba loptop and my battery is dying...huhuhu..battery is very important,,this notebook is great!!!

  • By: Daniel Dec 24, 2009 11:15 PM

    Glad you liked the article! Nice to hear a firsthand account of what can be done on a standard netbook. We're in sync about the battery life - much of what's great about this laptop is that it's still pretty portable, but the short battery life really takes away from that benefit. If Pine Trail is any indication they're going to get better and better with netbook battery life, so I have high hopes that these sort of crossovers will continue to improve.

  • By: Ravnos Dec 19, 2009 4:22 PM

    Good article, and basically how I feel about this device for the most part. I've been incredibly happy with my EEE 1000HA; after installing Linux on it, I found that it was able to do most of the computing tasks I do in a day. I couldn't do audio or video editing on it, or serious gaming, but I have a dedicated workstation for the former and consoles for the latter. On the other hand, I can browse, check my email, run OpenOffice, do some minor photo editing, code and compile, watch SD video, all that fun stuff. I've even done some audio "sketching" with Hydrogen and Audacity. These little laptops are surprisingly capable when set up properly, and this new EEE is almost exactly what I've been after to step up from my current one. At this price though, I think they should be selling it with at least a 9-cell battery. Relying on a machine like this, battery life is important and it's really the only place where I feel this thing falls short. I'd prefer it to be a little smaller as well at the same resolution, but that's not a deal breaker. I'm personally going to wait and see how the 1201T compares, but in a general sense, if this is the direction netbooks are heading, I have no complaints. Just figure out a way to do it without sacrificing battery life please!

Add your Comment

Verification Code
Verify (type this text in the box below the image)

Newsletter Sign-Up

Most Popular Laptops & Gear

  • 1. Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Entertainment Notebook P...

    Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Enterta

  • 2. iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

    iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

  • 3. MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook - Core 2 Duo 2.4...

    MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook

  • 1. EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

    EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

  • 2. Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & Shoot Digital Came...

    Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & S

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

  • 1. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 2. iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable

  • 3. iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable

  • 1. BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

    BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

  • 2. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

Powered by
PriceGrabber.com

Reviews & News by brand

Latest Updates

  • ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

    The Eee PC has a slightly faster Atom processor and a faster FSB compared to the previous models. While this is not enough for anyone to upgrade, it could certainly attract first-time netbook buyers. Read More

  • Dell Vostro A860

    When price and performance must share in compromise, few laptops on the market readily answer the call of duty. When it comes to getting high quality at an affordable price, the Dell Vostro A860... Read More

  • Dell Mini 9

    By now Dell has a full range of netbooks in sizes 9", 10", and oddly a 12" model, of which we’re looking at the smallest 9-incher here. Read More

More Reviews

More Top Lists

  • Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009

    Yet again, Apple's professional geeks will offer up sessions and hands-on code probing and testing at Moscone West in San Francisco. The dates for 2009 are June 8-12. Read More

  • E3 Expo

    The E3 Expo - also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is the one trade show to visit to get the latest news from the computer and video games industry. Read More

  • CeBIT - Hannover 3-8 March

    Unlike CES, CeBIT is open to the public, so there's no need to be a press or industry affiliate to have a look at this massive trade show, which is the largest in the world. Read More

  • International CES 2009

    Find out all you need to know about the 2009 International CES. It features 2,700 exhibitors, including companies who manufacture products or provide services for the audio, digital imaging, home... Read More

  • Mac World Conference

    Make sure to make a note about the Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, January 5-9. If you're a Mac user and wish to meet equivalent people in the industry this is the place for you. Read More

More Events

More Apple

More Linux

More Microsoft

Editor's Choice

  • Top 10 Laptops for Geeky Girls

    Not everyone wants their laptops to be basic and drab. With laptops becoming more portable by the year, they're taken into the public eye and flaunted for all to see. Below is a list of the top... Read More

  • Top 10 Technologies of 2008

    Laptopical's T.J. Aaron summarizes the breakthroughs in technology of 2008. As we are nearing the end of 2008 - find out what made his Top 10 of the most successful and talked about technologies of... Read More

  • Top 10 Netbooks

    The netbook world has gotten increasingly crowded, and until the massive popularity of the form factor wanes this trend will only increase. Beyond Asus and Acer, major corporations like Dell, HP... Read More

Latest Laptopical.com tweets

  •  

Follow Laptopical.com on Twitter