The line between a netbook and a notebook used to be pretty straightforward, but with Intel’s increasingly powerful Atom processors and NVIDIA’s ambitious Ion-powered Optimus graphics, the distinction is more blurred. Typifying this new breed of netbook is ASUS’ Eee PC 1215N, a 12.1-inch Seashell-series machine that could well be considered a true ultraportable despite its roughly $500 price tag. Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.
We’ve seen 12.1-inch netbooks before, of course, but seldom are the specs so strong as with the Eee PC 1215N. The display runs at 1,366 x 768, while the CPU is Intel’s dual-core 1.8GHz Atom D525; they’re paired with a NVIDIA Ion GPU which, thanks to Optimus technology, can automatically switch between the discrete graphics and the lower-power, more frugal onboard graphics when the situation allows.
That lets ASUS claim up to seven hours of battery life, despite the 1215N being capable of Full HD playback via its HDMI port. Other connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, three USB 2.0 ports, VGA, gigabit ethernet, audio in/out and an SD card reader. Some SKUs will also get USB 3.0. Storage is courtesy of a 5,400rpm 250GB hard-drive – with a bundled 500GB of ASUS’ online WebStorage – and there’s a 0.3-megapixel webcam which can be physically blocked with a sliding cover for those particularly paranoid about being secretly observed.
Despite the price, build quality is strong. The brushed-metal effect lid is plastic, of course, but the chassis is generally creak-free and the battery locks into place without wobble. The chiclet-style keyboard is well spaced – the 12.1-inch 16:9 display leaving a decent amount of width for it – with plenty of well-labeled shortcuts. The keys themselves are on the stiff side, which contrasts sharply to the amount of flex across the ‘board; even during regular typing the bending middle section was obvious, and the combination adds up to somewhat odd finger-feel.