Asus has unveiled its first Eee PC based on Nvidia's Ion platform, which it said will greatly raise the media capabilities of its netbooks.
As well as Nvidia Ion based graphics, the Eee PC 1201N features a dual core Intel Atom 330 processor and will offer either 2GB or 3GB of memory - again increasing its performance potential, and helping to keep Windows 7 running smoothly.
Asus said that the machine will be able to stream 1080p video smoothly on its larger than average 12.1in display and will take advantage of Adobe Flash 10.1, which offloads processing from the CPU to the GPU.
The intention is to cross the boundary between the portability of a netbook with the power of a conventional laptop, according to the company.
Asus is also touting 750GB of hybrid' storage, though this refers to an internal 250GB hard disk drive in combination with 500GB of online storage for uploading and backing up content.
The Eee PC 1201N features 802.11n Wireless and Bluetooth 2.1 and, in keeping with the media focus, features an HDMI port for outputting images for full size screens.
Asus is promising five hours of battery life from the six-cell battery, which is middling for a netbook, but it is clearly hoping the more powerful features will help offset this.
The Eee PC 1201N will be available in black or silver and will weigh in a 1.46Kg. Asus said it will be available mid-January 2010 and will carry a suggested retail price of 399.
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