To take advantage of the extra graphical grunt, ASUS is equipping the 1215N with a larger 12in screen and a resolution of 1,366x768, with the option to connect to a 1080p HDTV via HDMI. The discrete NVIDIA graphics should be more than capable of playing back full-HD video content while keeping the picture smooth and stutter-free, and will of course be compatible with Flash 10.1 for GPU-accelerated Flash video.
While this isn’t the first netbook - or even the first Eee – to feature Ion graphics, it is the first to include NVIDIA’s new Optimus technology. This will allow the computer to seamlessly switch between the integrated Intel graphics and the more-powerful NVIDIA chip when graphics acceleration is needed. This should mean that the 1215N manages to have power when needed, while retaining the excellent battery life associated with the current generation of netbooks.
In terms of connectivity, the Eee 1215N features USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0 and 802.11n, while 250GB or 320GB hard drives are on offer for storage. The USB ports will also be powered when the laptop is switched off, allowing devices to be charged even when the computer is not in use.
The Eee 1215N looks to be at the very top end of the netbook heap, and will likely be perfect for those who want the portability and longevity of a netbook without sacrificing too much performance. However, as with all netbooks, price could be this Eee’s undoing. High-end netbooks have traditionally been priced very close to fully-featured laptops, which offer a lot more power for not a lot more money. While rumours are suggesting that ASUS will release the 1215N in Europe by September, there has been no indication on pricing. This looks like it could be offer the best middle ground between netbook and notebook, but only time will tell.
