When I first heard that Acer was pricing their Aspire One 532h at $299 I figured they were looking to attain the#1 selling netbook status for 2010. With its excellent keyboard and decent performance, the low-cost machine was likely to attract a lot of fans. Oh, but wait. Here comes the Eee PC 1001P. Same price, similarly great design and ergonomics, plus decent performance. It’s on.
Not only does the 1001P do well on overall performance benchmarks, this awesome little machine lasted 8 hours and 23 minutes during our battery test. That’s 13 minutes shy of the Aspire One 532h. But here’s the real kicker: the version of the Acer that achieved this score costs $349. It’s $299 cousin has a lower capacity battery, so it probably won’t last as long. The Eee PC managed its time on a 4400-mAh, 6-cell battery and at $50 less. That’s why it’s an Editor’s Choice.
ASUS, the same company that brought you the original Eee PC 701, has broken another barrier by releasing the first dual core netbook on the block, the Eee PC 1201N. Featuring a 1.6-GHz Atom N330 dual core CPU that has previously been featured only in low-power desktops, along with discrete Nvidia Ion graphics, 2GB of RAM, and a generous 12.1-inch display, the 1201N is the fastest netbook we’ve ever reviewed.
However, with the added power provided by the N330 CPU comes added power consumption. The Eee PC 1201N lasted just 3 hours and 53 minutes, which is on par with the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 ($488.99), but an hour less than the Ion-equipped HP Mini 311 ($399.99) and over 2 hours less than similarly-priced ultraportables like the Acer Aspire 1410 ($473.39). Does the faster performance justify the lower battery life? Check out our full review of the Eee PC 1201N and decide for yourself.
Ten years ago this week is was still the 90’s, people were freaking out about the Y2K Millennium bug, and though preparations were well underway for a massive end of millennium party, there were still a few people muttering that the 21st century didn’t actually begin until 2001. Now here we are on the cusp of 2010 and though we still don’t have flying cars, you have to admit that it’s great to finally be living in “The Future”.
The LAPTOP staff recently combed through the archives to present you with the Best and Worst Gadgets of the Decade, and what a trip that was. Remember when PDAs and cell phones were two distinct types of gadgets? Remember buying your first laptop with wireless G inside and connecting to the Internet outside of your house? Remember the first Year of the Tablet? (2003, in case you don’t.)
As we were going through the years and lists of tech to come up with our winners and finalists, I found myself trying to think back on what I was doing technology-wise at those different points in time.
For instance, in 2002 I distinctly remember wishing that I didn’t have to carry a phone, PDA and MP3 player around all of the time. The first smartphones were just coming on my radar at the time, but most were too expensive or didn’t combine the functionality the way I wanted. In 2003 I bought a wireless card for my laptop for the first time. My old Dell wasn’t exactly super-mobile, but at least I now had the option! In 2007 I scooped up an Eee PC the second I had the cash. I’d been looking for a mobile writing device since 2003, actually, when I bought an AlphaSmart, but what I really wanted was a tiny, inexpensive computer that let me get writing and research done on a decent screen.
Which years of this decade are particularly memorable for you tech-wise? Did you own any of the gadgets on our list?
Add ASUS to the growing list of vendors developing tablet devices. Digitimes is reporting that the Taiwanese computer maker is preparing to launch an Eee Pad with a 4 to 7-inch panel. Other than that, there are no additional details on this rumor.
In the past few months, rumors of an Apple tablet have dominated the tech industry and, even though Apple has yet to confirm it is developing a product, a number of other vendors have jumped on the tablet bandwagon. Archos has recently launched its Archos 5 ($209.99) internet tablet with Android, and a little known company named Fusion Garage has started showings its Joojoo device, among others. Could tablets be the new netbooks?
It seems everyone is enamored with the Nvidia Ion-powered HP Mini 311–and rightfully so. This Graphics chips are responsible for processing all images sent to your computer?s display. Learn Moregraphics chip has changed the game for mini-notebooks, enabling full HD video playback, mainstream 3D games, and even video editing chops without adding too much cost. And while we’ve yet to review the Ion-enabled Samsung N510 or Lenovo IdeaPad S12, ASUS’ new entry could trump them all.
Today we got a first look at the Eee PC 1201N, which will sell for $499 with Windows 7 Premium. This 12.1-inch system looks a lot like a larger 1008HA, a design we like. It’s a sleek 1.3 inches thick, only 3.2 pounds, and sports the same dimpled trackpad as the 1008HA but the chiclet-style keyboard seen on the 1000HE.
The port spread is standard but includes HDMI for attaching the 1201N to a high-def monitor or TV. With this GPU and the addition of Flash 10.1, owners will be able to output full 1080p video from the 1201N and watch full screen HD Hulu and YouTube clips without a hitch, as we’ve proven.
In addition to the Ion GPU there’s an intriguing CPU: a dual core Intel Atom N330. This processor is usually found in nettops, and we’re psyched to see how this processor will affect performance and battery life. Add in 2GB of RAM and a 250GB The storage device that holds your OS, programs, and data. Learn Morehard drive and you have a very well equipped machine for $499. In fact, the 1201N costs $80 less than a similarly configured HP Mini 311, and that netbook has a single-core processor.
This is shaping up to be one compelling Ion netbook.
ASUS Eee PC 1201N Specs:
Display size/resolution: 12.1 inches/1366 x 768
CPU: Intel Atom 330 dual core processor
Memory/Expandable to: 2GB/3GB
Graphics: Nvidia Ion
Hard drive: 250GB (plus 500GB online storage)
Ports: VGA, HDMI, 3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, headphone/mic
Card Slots: MMC/ SD(SDHC)
Wireless: 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Size: 11.7 x 8.2 x 1.3 inches
Weight: 3.2 pounds
Battery Life: Up to 5 hours with Super Hybrid Engine
Available colors: Black, Silver
The 1201N will also come with ArcSoft SimHD, which upscales standard definition video content to high definition, according to the ASUS press release. What remains to be seen is how energy-efficient the 1201N’s Atom 330 processor is; the Mini 311’s single core Atom N270 processorВ saw 4 hours and 45 minutes of runtime on Windows 7 Premium.
Check out the images and hands-on video below and tell us how you think the 1201N stacks up to the Mini 311. Stay tuned for a full review.
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On November 1st two years ago, the first Eee PC 701 arrived on American shores just a couple of weeks after its debut overseas. The 7-inch, Linux-based mini-notebook garnered a lot of attention and a great deal of praise. At the time, laptops that small usually came with soaring price tags. The Eee PC changed the game, offering true mobile computing for around $400.
This year we’re once again celebrating the birth of the Eee PC and the netbook revolution it began. In just two years the mini-notebook category has grown from a small family of computers running Linux to an entire category of systems running several different Linux distributions plus Windows XP, 7, even Vista. Screen sizes quickly shot up from 7 to 8.9 to 10, 11.6 and even 12 inches. Netbooks have changed the tech world from manufacturers down to journalists and, of course, consumers. The new category has taken 20 percent of the market in two years, and netbooks keep evolving.
Just as with last year, we wanted to mark the occasion with an Eee PC birthday bash at LAPTOP HQ. We filmed the occasion and took the opportunity to ask our writers and editors, who have viewed more 10-inch screens than most people, what netbooks have meant to them and what they expect from netbooks in the future. Check it out:
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Help us celebrate the birth of the netbook: create a video telling or showing us how netbooks have changed your life, which netbook is your favorite, or describe your ideal netbook. You can post videos to our Facebook page wall (you’ll have to become a fan first) or on YouTube.
Amongst the downloads you’ll find Linux source codes, but we’re not sure yet which distro or distros of the OS they are. Brad suspects Moblin and invites intrepid Linux devotees to download and compile the code to check it out.
Could it be that the Eee PC is returning to its roots and ASUS will start releasing systems with Linux installed once more? Though there have been complaints about higher return rates for netbooks that come with Linux, there’s been a lot of development over the past two years to make distros more user-friendly. Plus, we’re coming up on the Eee PC anniversary — maybe celebrations will include the unveiling of the 1008HA running something other than a Windows OS?
Time will tell. But hey, as long as we’re being retro: how about a return to netbooks with SSDs instead of traditional hard drives?
A few months ago Active Media released a line of solid state disks designed for Asus Eee PC netbooks. Now the company has updated its lineup to include newm faster SSDs for the Eee PC S101, 900, 900A, and 901.
The SaberTooth S3 SSDs have read speeds up to 95MB/sec and write speeds up to 70MB/sec. They come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB sizes, and fit into the Eee PC’s Mini PCIe card slot. One day in the not too distant future, it looks like we might have a more standard netbook SSD size, which means we won’t see as many solid state disks released that only fit a handful of netbooks. But we’re not quite there yet.
I don’t see a product listing for the 16GB disk yet, but Active Media is selling the 32GB and 64GB modules through Amazon for $89.95 and $159.95 respectively.
We have all heard of the battery power of the Asus Eee PC 1000HE, as with many manufacturers Asus are claiming that the battery in the back of the machine is super long lasting but they would say that wouldn’t they.
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So how long does the Asus battery last, so luckily, there have been some testing done on this six cell battery and the results are spectacular on a single charge this battery has been found to offer usage of between six hours and thirty one minutes to nine hours and twenty four minutes. Now that is impressive.
The UK nearly always gets everything after everyone else, and the Asus Eee PC 1008HA is no exception, which is why we are all celebrating that this laptop is going to be on sale in the UK very soon. This is one of the thinnest and lightest mini laptops on the market today and is even comparable to the MacBook.
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Specs:
92%-scaled keyboard
Multi-touch touchpad
Instant key (for quick access to Wi-Fi and the touchpad lock)
Digital Array Microphone
1.3 megapixel camera
Comprehensive wireless connectivity options (802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, 3.75G and WiMAX)
Author: 
44 Views 
When I first heard that Acer was pricing their 
Ten years ago this week is was still the 90’s, people were freaking out about the Y2K Millennium bug, and though preparations were well underway for a massive end of millennium party, there were still a few people muttering that the 21st century didn’t actually begin until 2001. Now here we are on the cusp of 2010 and though we still don’t have flying cars, you have to admit that it’s great to finally be living in “The Future”.
For instance, in 2002 I distinctly remember wishing that I didn’t have to carry a phone, PDA and MP3 player around all of the time. The first smartphones were just coming on my radar at the time, but most were too expensive or didn’t combine the functionality the way I wanted. In 2003 I bought a wireless card for my laptop for the first time. My old Dell wasn’t exactly super-mobile, but at least I now had the option! In 2007 I scooped up an Eee PC the second I had the cash. I’d been looking for a mobile writing device since 2003, actually, when I bought an AlphaSmart, but what I really wanted was a tiny, inexpensive computer that let me get writing and research done on a decent screen.
Add ASUS to the growing list of vendors 
Liliputing’s Brad Linder came across 
for $89.95 and $159.95 respectively.
