Laptop Thoughts: News & Reviews on Laptops, Netbooks, Slates, and More.

"I maintain that netbooks are good in limited cases (read our 2010 Fall Buyer's Guide), and their value really only revolves around a low price tag compared to more fully-featured notebooks. If you went ahead and added another $300 dollars to bottom line, we'd rather be talking about better-equipped systems armed with faster components."

Being a relatively recent owner of an Asus 1215N, the article strikes several chords with me. When you start delving into the sub $600 price range, and are looking for portability, sacrifices must be made. The question is what to sacrifice? The 12-13" screen netbook/notebook range is that line where options open up. It is big enough to start considering doing more serious work, but cramped and trimmed where it will never be able to compete against the big boys. While I am happy with my Atom based solution, part of my decision was based on cost. I got my 1215N well under MSRP. For those with the budget, CULV based notebooks are leaps and bounds faster, and since you are already going for something with a bit more oomph, might as well jump in with both feet.

"The ASUS Eee PC 1215N comes the closest yet to that ideal of a sub-$500 machine that performs like systems that cost more--yet lasts even longer on a charge. That's because it's packed with a dual-core Atom processor and Nvidia's Optimus graphics-switching technology. Not only that, the 1215N features an improved design that makes it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time."

At 12 inches, the 1215N straddles the fence between being a netbook and a notebook. While Intel has recently released a dual-core Atom CPU specifically for netbooks, the 1215N sports a dual-core Atom that is designed for nettops or low end desktops. The result is a notebook that offers the best of both worlds at a competitive price. I just hope this is the first of many notebooks that offer this kind of configuration. These 16" and 17" laptops that weight half as much as a Hummer are becoming a strain on my shoulders. Is anyone else hoping to get this soon?