Got my Asus 1201N

[HannibalX]

Just a few comments on my experience after a week of use.

Form factor: I don't really consider this a netbook, if that term really has any meaning anyway, it's the right size though. The 12.1" display is slightly small coming from my 14" Dell but isn't really a big deal since the desktop space is basically identical. Keyboard is well spaced and easy to type on. Some people think it feels springy, they are right but I don't know that it's a negative or a positive, you get used to it.

Usability: I previously had an Acer Aspire One with the single core Atom and Intel graphics. I really found it difficult to do much of anything on the device because of the lack of power. Well, the extra core, two extra threads and decent graphics really, really improve usability. I will compare using this to using a 2004-2006 era Pentium M notebook. It feels about as fast which for me is completely acceptable.

Heat: I've read some claims that it runs hot. After using it all day yesterday (8+ hours) it didn't feel hot to me. Slightly warm, sure? Every notebook I've ever used has felt at least slightly warm. So, nothing really new here.

Battery life: I've read several reviews on the 1201N and can say that the battery life reported in what I have read (including AT) is extremely conservative. I went 6 hours working on the battery (no wifi, no games or movies, just work).

I have 8GB of ram and an SSD on order.

 

[Rottie]

6 cell battery?

 

[amheck]

you are pretty happy with generally "zippy" it feels, like when opening applications and the like? I read something, maybe on engadget or gizmodo, that the ion-based netbooks didn't seem to feel as responsive as the non-ion counterparts.

I'm definitely interested in this model, along with maybe the new lenovo edge or x100e to replace my ailing Asus 1000H

 

[HannibalX]

From what I understand all 1201Ns come with a six-cell bettery.

...

Responsiveness is good, not great but it's light years ahead of my single-core Atom netbook. For example, I can have Outlook, Word, FF and Powershell all open and if I want to open Excel it pops right up. With my Acer and the single-core it would just mash away for sometimes 2-3 minutes before doing anything.

Navigating around the OS is plenty snappy as well, browsing folders and such.

Also, I have an SSD on order so when it gets here I expect things to get much quicker and also for battery life to improve.

 

[Slick5150]

I had one for about a week and ultimately sold it. I didn't find the non-video related speed boosts from having the dual-core to be particularly noteworthy. It did run quite hot and the fan ran loud. And I wasn't getting anywhere near 6 hours on battery (maybe 3 w/ WiFi use). Plus, the touchpad on it sucks, as did the uni-button rather than having 2 actual mouse buttons.

Its not a bad laptop or anything, it just wasn't all it was cracked up to be in my opinion.

 

[HannibalX]

Maybe you got a dud? Mine doesn't run hot and the fan is typical of a notebook, it is audible when on but isn't on all the time - I didn't find it to be loud.

 

[Rafael]

iFX what SSD did you get for it? And after you get the SSD in it working, let us know if you got any improvements in battery life.

TIA!

 

[HannibalX]

A 32GB Patriot, forget the model number. It's selling on Newegg for about $125. Still waiting for it to arrive.

 

[TubeTote]

Hey...

I just got my 1201N as well...I tried to order it with a 30 GB OCZ Vertex Turbo, and it was not enough space to put the image for Windows 7, at least according to PortableOne (where I purchased it). So...ended up with a 320 GB 7200 drive, an upgrade at least.

I am glad that I didn't get the SSD, because apparantly the new OCZ Vertex 2 is about to be released, and is supposed to outperform other current models considerably.

Guess we'll see...

I would agree that this is a great little computer for what it is. No it doesn't have all the processing power in the world, but with a 4 GB RAM upgrade it feels pretty snappy, much better than my last laptop with Vista. For my uses, mainly business applications, I think this will be perfect. I agree that the keyboard is nicely spaced...I have large hands so this was important.

Another thing I tried just for fun is to load games onto the machine. So far, I have put COD Modern Warfare, Viva Pinata, and Fallout 3. They all run...Viva the best so far. Not like I plan on really doing any gaming on this, but was curious to see what it could do. In a pinch, you could play these games at low resolutions. Better than I actually expected.

 

[Meltz]

I'm having a hard time gauging the performance of this netbook. I'm looking for something to replace my wife's Dell 5 year old 500m and this looks like a good solution. She'll be using it for email, websurfing, word processing, etc. Obviously not for gaming.

Right now her laptop is intolerably slow, but I don't want to drop $500 that will only be marginally faster.

Thoughts?

 

[TubeTote]

She'll be using it for email, websurfing, word processing, etc. Obviously not for gaming.

For these uses the 1201N is perfect. I do recommend a RAM upgrade to 3 or 4GB to handle Windows 7 more effectively.

It's pretty much exactly what I use mine for. The games were put on just for fun.

 

[leeland]

quick question to anyone who got this netbook...I am about to sell our old Dell 9300 and pick this up for the wife...

In regards to getting a new SSD drive or simply wiping the drive and reinstalling Windows 7, did you guys have a spare copy of windows 7 laying around or did you some how use the key that came with the laptop and use an existing windows 7 disc?

Also, can you run windows 7 x64 on this? If so, what was the total cost of the RAM upgrade? Do you really need 4 gb's of RAM or could you skate by with 2 gb's of RAM?

How hard was the swap out of the RAM?

Thanks in advance,
Lee

 

[TubeTote]

In regards to getting a new SSD drive or simply wiping the drive and reinstalling Windows 7, did you guys have a spare copy of windows 7 laying around or did you some how use the key that came with the laptop and use an existing windows 7 disc?

Also, can you run windows 7 x64 on this? If so, what was the total cost of the RAM upgrade? Do you really need 4 gb's of RAM or could you skate by with 2 gb's of RAM?

How hard was the swap out of the RAM?

My 1201N came with an Asus recovery disk, which was extremely helpful. My drive came with 3 or 4 partitions, including a recovery partition. I deleted all of these partitions and did a fresh install. All of the 1201N drivers load automatically from the recovery disk after 7 is on...very convenient. Didn't even have to enter a key, everything was pretty automatic. As far as SSD's go, make sure it has enough space for Windows 7 to run...I found that 30GB was not sufficient. Now waiting for the new OCZ's that are supposed to be out anytime now.

I cannot advise about 7 x64 as I have no experience with it. The RAM upgrade is recommended...my thinking is that 2GB is not enough for anything running Windows 7. Do I have a bunch of tech data to back my thinking? No, but 2GB was great back in the XP days, and we are certainly moving beyond that finally. I got 4GB for an extra $115. The 3GB upgrade costs about $65. I had this done by Portableone.com, but there is an access panel on the bottom of the computer and the RAM is easily accessable, so it's easy to do yourself. What is interesting is that this access panel is also where the drive is located, underneath the RAM.

 

[MJinZ]

I'm waiting for a deal on this before I pull. $399 is the price point for me.

 

[TubeTote]

I'm waiting for a deal on this before I pull. $399 is the price point for me.

You may be waiting a while, since even at $499 the machine could really use a few upgrades, at least IMHO.

I would like to see the next generation of dual core Atom, though I am already stuck with the N330...but as stated, this is an impressive little computer for what it is. It blows away other netbooks I have seen and worked with.

 

[leeland]

My 1201N came with an Asus recovery disk, which was extremely helpful. My drive came with 3 or 4 partitions, including a recovery partition. I deleted all of these partitions and did a fresh install. All of the 1201N drivers load automatically from the recovery disk after 7 is on...very convenient. Didn't even have to enter a key, everything was pretty automatic. As far as SSD's go, make sure it has enough space for Windows 7 to run...I found that 30GB was not sufficient. Now waiting for the new OCZ's that are supposed to be out anytime now.

I cannot advise about 7 x64 as I have no experience with it. The RAM upgrade is recommended...my thinking is that 2GB is not enough for anything running Windows 7. Do I have a bunch of tech data to back my thinking? No, but 2GB was great back in the XP days, and we are certainly moving beyond that finally. I got 4GB for an extra $115. The 3GB upgrade costs about $65. I had this done by Portableone.com, but there is an access panel on the bottom of the computer and the RAM is easily accessable, so it's easy to do yourself. What is interesting is that this access panel is also where the drive is located, underneath the RAM.

So if I am reading this correctly you get a 'recovery disc' that is essentially a windows 7 custom disc for the 1201N that has the 'key' already embedded in it? Did you totally flatten the drive (removing ALL partitions including the 'recovery partition') and create just one partition?

I take it you had an external dvd drive? Or else how did you utilize the disc to load the OS?

Also, the OS is windows 7 32 bit so does it really utilize the extra RAM? I always thought to truly use the addition of the 4th GB of RAM you needed a x64 OS...does you task manager show the 4GB's?

Thanks for any update

 

[TubeTote]

So if I am reading this correctly you get a 'recovery disc' that is essentially a windows 7 custom disc for the 1201N that has the 'key' already embedded in it? Did you totally flatten the drive (removing ALL partitions including the 'recovery partition') and create just one partition?

I take it you had an external dvd drive? Or else how did you utilize the disc to load the OS?

Also, the OS is windows 7 32 bit so does it really utilize the extra RAM? I always thought to truly use the addition of the 4th GB of RAM you needed a x64 OS...does you task manager show the 4GB's?

In answer to your questions, yes the recovery disk contains Windows 7, customized for the 1201N (drivers included), and it did not ask for a key. I don't know if this means the key was embedded in the disk, but it was never brought up and when I went into the system folder Windows 7 was already registered to me. Yes, as explained in my previous post, all partitions including the recovery partition were removed. I didn't mention that I also used Killdisk to completely erase the drive before the install. Everything went much more smoothly than I expected...in fact, it was one of the easiest OS installs I have ever done (and I have done quite a few). The partition set-up was a bit limited, but I actually created two new partitions: Windows & Programs (C) and Storage & Archives (D). I was easily able to assign D to my second partition instead of this being the optical drive. I assigned E to the USB flash drive, F to the card reader, and G to the external optical drive. The two partitions on the HHD are of equal size, which is fine by me as this is how I usually set up my computers. There seems to be limitations in setting up partitions during the install, but two of equal size was not a problem.

Yes, I used an external DVD drive to install Windows. I have heard of ways this can be accomplished using a USB flash drive, but I didn't feel the need to mess with that.

You are correct about the RAM usage. For Windows 32, the machine can only utilize 3.25GB of RAM. I was willing to purchase 4GB for two reasons: I wanted all of the RAM I could get so the machine would be more responsive, and this computer is MUCH snappier than any netbook I have seen with 2GB of RAM. Secondly, if I should decide to use Windows 64 at some point, I will have a decent amount of RAM to work with. If you are planning to use Windows 32, then I recommend an upgrade to at least 3GB of RAM, it really does seem to help.

I don't think you will be disappointed with the 1201N, in my humble opinion these little netbooks will soon overtake the 'ultraportable' market and become very powerful. This is a step towards that direction.

EDIT: If you do end up buying one, please mention it in this thread and let me know what you think

 

[leeland]

Thanks for the information regarding your steps...it will be helpful. I have someone taking a look at our old 9300 at the end of the week and that is the lynch pin to getting this laptop.

Once I offload the old one I am going to probably get this and want to follow your steps, except I don't have a external DVD drive to install with so I would have to do something like a flash drive (either gonna have to get a bigger flash drive or purchase an external dvd drive)

I will update either this thread or a new one when I get it.

Also would you opt for the silver or black finish on this model? I read that black is a finger print magnet...wonder if the silver is the same


Thanks again,

Lee

 

[zerogear]

Hmm, seems interesting, but at that price point, why not just get ULV laptop?

 

[TubeTote]

Once I offload the old one I am going to probably get this and want to follow your steps, except I don't have a external DVD drive to install with so I would have to do something like a flash drive (either gonna have to get a bigger flash drive or purchase an external dvd drive)

I will update either this thread or a new one when I get it.

Also would you opt for the silver or black finish on this model? I read that black is a finger print magnet...wonder if the silver is the same

As far as the external DVD drive, they are nice to have around. If you don't want to spend the money, you could always borrow one from somebody. The USB install is also an option, but I can't help you with that since I didn't do it nor do I intend to go there at this point.

I purchased the black model, and yes unfortunately it is a fingerprint magnet like all the other black glossy finishes. I really wish that computer manufacturers would take a hint that nobody really likes the glossy finish, at least nobody I know. I don't know if the silver model is as bad, but I would think not. I just use a microfiber cloth that I keep in my carrying case, this easily gets rid of the fingerprints and works awesome on the screen too.

 

[TubeTote]

Hmm, seems interesting, but at that price point, why not just get ULV laptop?

Well that is certainly an option, especially now that some newer models are coming out. When I was looking back in November and December, I couldn't really find a ULV comp that was what I wanted. They were higher priced and had very limited upgrade ability (seems I was seeing prices more in the 700-800 dollar range for these). That appears to be changing...but also consider that netbooks are also changing. I am excited to see the line between the ultraportable and netbook markets merge. Lastly, I just really like Asus products and have had great experiences with them. My 1201N is no exception. I got to use it on my last travel trip and was blown away by its performance with Windows 7. You make a good point though!

 

[F1shF4t]

Hmm, seems interesting, but at that price point, why not just get ULV laptop?

I was considering the Asus myself. Only thing which I didn't like about the 1201N is battery life and the Ion was mostly pointless to me, got a desktop for games. Anyways found a good deal on the acer 1810tz so decided to get it instead.

Its good that the netbook and ULV markets are getting blurred. Don't think you could find a ULV laptop for even close the price a couple of years ago.

 

[leeland]

I just had my 1201N shipped from newegg this morning. I got the wife the silver one...

I have a side question in regards to flattening the drive...

If you can extract the key for windows 7 (32 bit) which is what it ships with, and flatten the drive and reinstall with windows 7 (x64) you should be able to 'activate it'???

I read on a newegg customer review that said the reviewer flattened the drive, and reinstalled windows 7 (same version) with the delivered key...

It failed the activation apparently but he called and got it fixed via the support number...

Does that sound plausible?

I have the media for x64 and always like to wipe drives for a clean install and latest drivers...

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Lee

 

[TubeTote]

I just had my 1201N shipped from newegg this morning. I got the wife the silver one...

I have a side question in regards to flattening the drive...

If you can extract the key for windows 7 (32 bit) which is what it ships with, and flatten the drive and reinstall with windows 7 (x64) you should be able to 'activate it'???

I read on a newegg customer review that said the reviewer flattened the drive, and reinstalled windows 7 (same version) with the delivered key...

It failed the activation apparently but he called and got it fixed via the support number...

Does that sound plausible?

I have the media for x64 and always like to wipe drives for a clean install and latest drivers...

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Lee

Wish I could help there, but I had no such problem to deal with.

I think you will love that little computer, I sure do.

 

[Kadarin]

I just bought one of these tonight from a local retailer, and am in the process of decrapifying it and installing the updates. I have the 4GB upgrade for it as well. While it's too soon for me to have a real impression of how it's going to perform, I bought it for trip duty (web browsing, email, uploading pictures from my camera, etc.) for while I'm up in Tahoe this weekend and again in a couple of weeks. I'm also going to load my music collection on there.

I think it'll work just fine for this purpose. I want something light and cheap, and while it doesn't have to be too powerful, it needs to get the job done.