Netbooks use desktop computer chips

Asus continues to expand the Eee PC line with the introduction of the 1201N version that not only uses Nvidia Ion graphics but also dual-core Atom processors.

This netbook can display 1366 x 768 resolution on a 12.1-inch screen. The 1.6 GHz dual-core Atom chip is designed for desktop mini PCs with 8W power consumption (Atom 270 chip for netbook with 2.5W consumption). This will affect battery life: 1201N will work for 5 hours with a 6-cell battery (other Eee models with similar battery life can operate up to 9 hours).

The Eee PC 1201N has 3 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, Wi-Fi N standard, Windows 7 and special operating systems, and an HDMI port, allowing HDTV connectivity.

Expected product will appear on the market in mid-January 2010 for about 661 USD.