ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 D525 ION 2 Optimus 12.1-Inch Netbook Review

The ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 netbook is not your typical netbook. This is the next-generation netbook packed with 1.8GHz dual-core Atom D525 processor and NVIDIA ION 2 onboard graphics with Optimus. Nvidia’s Optimus graphics-switching technology allows the Eee PC 1215N to intelligently switch between NVIDIA ION graphics and embedded graphics to optimize battery life without compromising performance.

The 1215N is an improvement over the previous 1201N model and boasts a 12.1-inch LED-backlit HD display with a resolution up to 1366 x 768,and HDMI connectivity. The LED-backlit screen saves energy for longer battery life and delivers brighter, better visuals than display without it.

The ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 combines power and portability in an inexpensive package and has received awards and high ratings from places like CNET, PCMag.com, Maximum PC and Laptop Magazine.

ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 Key Features

Elegantly Beautiful Seashell-inspired Design
HD-quality visuals with 12.1-inch LED-backlit HD display
Energy-efficient multitasking with Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor
Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics for a premium mobile HD experience
NVIDIA Optimus Technology instantly switches between powerful NVIDIA and energy-efficient Intel graphics to save battery life
HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs
Complimentary 500GB ASUS WebStorage to easily backs up and shares your data anywhere you have Internet access

ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 Specification

Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
Processor : Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor (1.8 GHz)
Chipset : Mobile Intel NM10 Express chipset
Display : 12.1-inch LED-Backlit WXGA display (1366 x 768)
Graphics : Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology
Memory : 2GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM Slot (easily self upgrade RAM to 4GB)
Storage : 250GB 5400RPM hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage2
Wireless Data Network: 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth : No Bluetooth
LAN: 10/100 Mbps/ RJ-45
Input/Output : 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks (Headphone & Mic-in)
Keyboard : Chiclet
Camera : 0.3 megapixel with security lens cover
Audio : Hi-definition stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC
Card Reader: 3-in-1 (MMC, SD, SDHC)
Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
Battery : 6 cell (5200mAh) Li-ion Battery for up to 7 Hours of Battery Life
Dimensions : 11.54 (W) x 8.11 (D) x 1.06~ 1.30 (H) inches
Weight : 3.22 lbs
Color: Silver, Black, Red
Finishing: Smooth Matte

Note: The US version of the 1215N does not have a USB 3.0 port, though other SKUs overseas will have the higher speed jack.

Upgrading ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17 Memory from 2GB to 4GB

Take note of the following;

The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 2GB memory module
That means you have to remove the 2GB RAM module to insert the new 4GB RAM module
Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 204 pin DDR3 SODIMM notebook memory module (1066MHz)
Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)

Color Options

Available in 3 colors;

Black – ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17-BK
Red – ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17-RD
Silver – ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17-SL

Software Included with ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17

The following are included;

Microsoft Office 2010 Starter – Purchase of a Product Key required to activate to a full Office 2010 suite
Microsoft Silverlight
Windows Live Essentials
Trend Micro Anti-virus Trial Version

User Reviews

Overall, the reviews for the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17 12.1-Inch Netbook are pretty good but there were a few concerns that some people had. The RAM only runs in single channel mode, there is a lot of pre-installed bloatware, and their is no bluetooth support. A few other things that people mentioned were that the plastic around the keys attracts a lot of dust and hairs and the charging cable doesn’t seem very sturdy.

Well, now that we got some of the negative things out of the way let’s talk about the things people liked. A number of people said that the ASUS 1215N-PU17 Netbook is the best netbook available today. It has great performance especially at this price point, a 12.1 inch screen with 1366 x 768 resolution, faster processors, a long-lasting battery, and it comes with Windows 7 Home Premium rather than Windows Starter.

A number of reviewers agreed that the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17 12.1-Inch Netbook is a big step up from the earlier model and our research suggests that this truly is one of the best netbooks on the market today, especially in this price range.

Where To Buy ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17

We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the ASUS Eee PC 1215N-PU17. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.

ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black)

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $479.00
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ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-RD 12.1-Inch Netbook (Red)

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Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $449.00
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ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-SL 12.1-Inch Netbook (Silver)

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Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $449.00
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Optional Upgrades

Crucial 4GB PC3-5800 1066MHz 204-pin DDR3 SODIMM Memory Module (CT51264BC1067)

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $31.99
Amazon Price: $14.99 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Home Premium to Ultimate]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $139.95
Amazon Price: $79.14 Buy From Amazon
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Intel 120 GB 2.5-Inch Solid-State Drive 510 Series SATA Version 3 at 6 GB/s (SSDSC2MH120A2K5)

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $332.00
Amazon Price: $180.00 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 – 1 User-3 PC [Download]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $149.99
Amazon Price: $105.00 Buy From Amazon
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