Asus EeePC 1201N

Nvidia's ION platform, which promises 1080p video playback and light 3D gaming, is finally showing signs of life. First, HP launched with its Mini 311 and then Lenovo and Samsung followed with their own Ion netbooks. Hot on their heels is ASUS, with yet another Ion netbook. Like its predecessors, the ASUS EeePC 1201N ($484 street) uses a variant of the Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chipset, but it's slightly different in that it's the first netbook that bundles a dual-core Atom processor—the 1.66GHz Intel Atom N330. Netbook snobs and HD enthusiasts will appreciate that it's the fastest netbook in the market, though the 4 hours of battery life is its one tradeoff.

AsusTek Computer Inc.

http://www.asus.com

• Price as Tested: $484.00 Street
• Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Value, Netbook
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor Name: Intel Atom N330
• Processor Speed: 1.66 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• Weight: 3.2 lb
• Screen Size: 12 inches
• Screen Size Type: widescreen
• Graphics Card: nVidia ION
• Storage Capacity: 250 GB
• Networking Options: 802.11a/g
• Primary Optical Drive: External