The review/information embargo on the Asus Eee PC 1215N have been lifted and the reviews have started pouring in. The 12-inch Asus Eee PC 1215N is the sequel and upgrade to the very popular and very powerful Asus Eee PC 1201N (Seashell). Powered by NVIDIA Ion 2 graphics, it’s capable of pushing full 1920×1080 1080p video and HD audio through an HDMI port, one of the few netbooks that can do so. You can also easily switch from the Ion 2 to the integrated Intel GMA 3150 if you want to save on battery power using NVIDIA’s Optimus technology.
Oddly enough, while it’s running a dual-core Intel Atom, it is not the 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550. Instead the 1215N is running the Intel Atom D525 (1.8GHz) which is a nettop-based Atom and not the mobile Atom that Intel designed for netbooks and ultraportables. It is based on the Intel Pine Trail platform.
Difference between the Asus Eee PC 1201N and 1215N:
– Matte black instead of glossy black
– Slightly heavier, but with an upgraded design and larger touchpad
– Upgraded/newer CPUs – dual-core Intel Atom CPUs.
– NVIDIA’s Ion 2 graphics chipset instead of the first-generation Ion
– Improved webcam with sliding cover to block webcam
One thing that wasn’t present – USB 3.0. The 1215N has been described as “USB 3.0-ready”, but it the Eee PC line is not quite USB 3.0 just yet. Engadget indicated that some non-US models would have USB 3.0.
Reviews (alphabetical order):
– CNET – 4 out of 5
– Engadget
– LAPTOP Magazine – 4 out of 5 stars (Editor’s Choice)
– NotebookREview.com – 3.5 out of 5
– PC Magazine – 4 out of 5
Unfortunately it’s not quite available in retail stores just yet, at least in the United States.
There are two models available at Amazon.co.uk:
– Asus Eee PC 1215N (Black) – £429.00
– Asus Eee PC 1215N (Silver) – £429.00