Asus Eee Netbook Will Have Desktop-like CPU

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This new Asus netbook will use Intel's dual-core Atom D525 processor and Nvidia Ion 2.

Wednesday Asus officially revealed the Eee PC 1215N multimedia netbook on Facebook, listing components such as the dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor and Nvidia ION discreet graphics. Unfortunately, pricing and availability weren't provided in the announcement.

The Atom D525 processor itself clocks in at 1.8 GHz, has 1 MB of L2 Cache, and draws up to 13W. On the graphics front, the netbook uses the "next generation" ION (2) with Nvidia Optimus technology, allowing the end-user to switch between discreet and integrated graphics when needed.

According to the specs, the Asus Eee PC 1215N will truly be a multimedia-driven netbook. Boasting 1080p video playback on a 1366 x 768 HD screen (and a 16:9 display ratio), the Eee PC 1215N will decode H.264, VC1 and MPEG2 file formats while the HDMI-output port will enable playback on large displays. The netbook will also provide plenty of multimedia storage with 250 GB and 320 GB capacities (and an additional 500 GB of ASUS WebStorage).

In addition to the video capabilities, the Eee PC 1215N offers both USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0 for fast data transfers. Web surfers will even see a speed boost thanks to the embedded 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can also charge external USB devices when the netbook is switched off.

Asus said that the Eee 1215N will come pre-configured with software such as ASUS Vibe and LocaleMe. Access to Boingo global Wi-Fi services will also be offered at a special price. Asus did not provide any information on what OS the device will come with, though.

Kevin Parrish
32 Comments Comment from the forums
  • How will it do 1080P on 1366x768?
    Reply
  • flyinfinni
    nice. Something I might actually look into.
    Reply
  • tsnorquist
    I own the 1201N and I must say it's a fantastic netbook. The only bad mark I can give it is its battery life (around 3.5hours).

    I wiped the hard drive and did a fresh install of Win7 32bit using the supplied key. It runs considerably quicker doing this without the OEM garbage loaded.

    @Jarnts - 1080P is for the HDMI connection on the netbook.
    Reply
  • jefe323
    looks promising, but I really want to see the price...
    Reply
  • andman22
    Throw in blue-ray and I'm in!! This could make a nice little HTPC.
    Reply
  • g00fysmiley
    these companies trying to make highend netbooks doesn't seem to get the point of a netbook, battery life, battery life, battery life. if you wanna make a decent mid range small laptop thats cool but battery life under 5 hours does not a netbook make
    Reply
  • Drag0nR1der
    I'm sorry, there are desktop's with Atom processors in?
    Reply
  • cknobman
    13W? Whats the point of this when you can get a CULV that will stomp it into the ground?
    Reply
  • mdillenbeck
    When I bought the first incarnation of the EEE PC I was drawn in by a few key factors:

    * low cost (so if it gets stolen I won't have to break my bank replacing it)

    * SSD to make it a bit more rugged when running around (making the screen and the actual physical structure the weak points of the system)

    * Small size. I found the original EEE to be about the right size - maybe a hair bigger for bigger keys would have been nice - but they put an undersized screen in it to fit the speakers up front.

    What I didn't like after getting it was mainly the low screen resolution which made it nearly useless for its primary purpose - browsing the web. I thought I could get past it, but I couldn't.

    New netbooks have been a disappointment. They have really turned into inexpensive laptops that can't quite do what an inexpensive laptop can. At this point, if the prices start hitting the $700-$800 mark, I might as well spend the $900 and get myself a "decent" HP tablet pc that lets me take notes the natural way in class as well as use digital art tools.

    As for battery life - well, it I can't do anything on the netbook, being able to do nothing for 10 hours is meaningless to me.
    Reply
  • proxy711
    cknobman13W? Whats the point of this when you can get a CULV that will stomp it into the ground?Draws up to 13W. Doesn't mean it used 13W at all times.
    Reply