Asus Eee Pc 1215N

[jaideeguy]

I'm looking for a new laptop with decent specs and slightly larger screen than a [10"] netbook but not as big as a notebook and am leaning towards this [12"]'asus Eee PC 1215N' for uder 17kthb here in CM.

It gets great reviews from the media

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/asus-eee-pc-1215n-review/

does anyone have one or care to comment on it??

[bkkjames]

I too have read about this one as I am in the market for something portable yet more than an internet browsing tablet. How much are they going for here?

[bkkjames]

I too have read about this one as I am in the market for something portable yet more than an internet browsing tablet. How much are they going for here?

sorry didn't see your price. the one you looked at comes with what software pre-loaded?

[jaideeguy]

I too have read about this one as I am in the market for something portable yet more than an internet browsing tablet. How much are they going for here?

sorry didn't see your price. the one you looked at comes with what software pre-loaded?

It is advertised as 'No OS'....which to me is better than windows 7 starter. I'm still happy with XP for a few more years.

[jaideeguy]

I too have read about this one as I am in the market for something portable yet more than an internet browsing tablet. How much are they going for here?

sorry didn't see your price. the one you looked at comes with what software pre-loaded?

It is advertised as 'No OS'....which to me is better than windows 7 starter. I'm still happy with XP for a few more years.

But wait......, I just saw another vendor offering windows7 [not starter]

[bkkjames]

I too have read about this one as I am in the market for something portable yet more than an internet browsing tablet. How much are they going for here?

sorry didn't see your price. the one you looked at comes with what software pre-loaded?

It is advertised as 'No OS'....which to me is better than windows 7 starter. I'm still happy with XP for a few more years.

But wait......, I just saw another vendor offering windows7 [not starter]

interesting, thanks for the info

[beekaykay]

I just bought an Asus 1215N about 3 weeks ago, I paid approx 18k for it in Fortune without OS, I have loaded Win 7 onto it, its an awesome little machine I am using it as an online live TV streamer connected to my LED TV via the HDMI port, it works a treat. The Nvidia Ion Graphics is great I have overclocked already, and the Atom CPU which runs at 1.8ghz I have a stable overclock of 2.1ghz:)

Super machine BUY IT!!

[jaideeguy]

I just bought an Asus 1215N about 3 weeks ago, I paid approx 18k for it in Fortune without OS, I have loaded Win 7 onto it, its an awesome little machine I am using it as an online live TV streamer connected to my LED TV via the HDMI port, it works a treat. The Nvidia Ion Graphics is great I have overclocked already, and the Atom CPU which runs at 1.8ghz I have a stable overclock of 2.1ghz:)

Super machine BUY IT!!

BKK, a couple of questions.....

did you upgrade the ram??

is the keyboard comfortable??

and hows the battery life??

and do you work for Asus?

Yeah, it looks like a great compromise between a clunky notebook and a tiny netbook

[beekaykay]

I was going to upgrade the Ram but not sure if its totally worth it to get an extra 0.75mb of extra usable memory, it seems to work fine with the standard 2mb of Ram anyhow theres also a compatibility issue with the type of ram you can install (until they bring out a bios update)

Keyboard is fine however I dont really use it that much as I use a wireless KB and Mouse to control the netbook as like i said i use it for online streaming, the battery seems to be ok its really only when the ION graphics kicks in that you may see a drop (but you can control this for separate applications) again I cant really say too much about battery life as I have it plugged into the mains 99% of the time for streaming.

It really is a superb machine and kicks the **** outta a lot of notebooks of higher value, you can even play online gaming:)

and no I dont work for Asus

[bkkjames]

I was going to upgrade the Ram but not sure if its totally worth it to get an extra 0.75mb of extra usable memory, it seems to work fine with the standard 2mb of Ram anyhow theres also a compatibility issue with the type of ram you can install (until they bring out a bios update)

Keyboard is fine however I dont really use it that much as I use a wireless KB and Mouse to control the netbook as like i said i use it for online streaming, the battery seems to be ok its really only when the ION graphics kicks in that you may see a drop (but you can control this for separate applications) again I cant really say too much about battery life as I have it plugged into the mains 99% of the time for streaming.

It really is a superb machine and kicks the **** outta a lot of notebooks of higher value, you can even play online gaming:)

and no I dont work for Asus

Where at Fortune did you pick it up? and with W7 (home?) it came to how much if you dont mind me asking?

[beekaykay]

I purchased at Fortune Data IT shop price including VAT was 18,083bt (16,900+) just came with the normal DOS, I purchased Win 7 seperately, it came with a free DVD player and Bag...however the DVD player was faulty...

[bino]

I can enthusiastically concur with everything BeeKayKay says. I'm typing on a ASUS 1215N night now, and I'm lovin' it. Bought it on new year's eve on the 4th floor of fortune at "Computer System Connection International" for the same price - 16,900 with DOS. We talked the guy down for the VAT amount, so 16,900 was the final price. They included an external CD / DVD writer and a bunch of "goodies"... Headset, mouse, soft case, big case, LCD cleaning kit, etc. Comes with a year warranty and a year of insurance.

There is a cheaper 1215W that has AMD processor for about 14K. For a few thousand baht more, you can buy the new ASUS with all of the Lamborghini stuff on it, that is functionally / spec the same as 1215N.

I had a previous EEE with the nine inch screen, and it captured my heart right away. functional for everything I needed, and lightweight to carry in my bag. I used it every day by plugging in to a large monitor / keyboard / mouse at work and home. However, I too wanted a larger screen and a bit more capability. This new machine is all of that and more.

I installed Win 7 Ultimate. Battery lasts 5 hours, like the old EEE did. If I absolutely had to pick a fault, it would be the "chiclet" keyboard, which feels a little "springy", but I'm adjusting to it quickly. A poster above asks if it is comfortable, and I would say yes. Better than the EEE 904 keyboard which was kinda small, and had a weird shift key on the right side.

If you're considering to buy this computer, just do it. You won't be disappointed. I don't work for ASUS either, just a longtime / loyal buyer. Always been pleased with their products. This is the third laptop, and several motherboards over the years.

This 1215N has the dual core atom processor, NVidia ION graphics, Wireless N, USB 3, Bluetooth 3, HDMI connector and Full HD support when connected... Everything about this EEE screams. And the only thing better than a screaming EEE is a screaming O!

[beekaykay]

Bino, u got USB 3 and BT3? i havent got that on mine, thought that was only on the special version sold only in the states?

[bino]

Definitely says BT 3.0 on the "spec label" on the box, but doesn't say anything about the USB. The sales guy said it did.

Not sure how to check it to know for sure, I looked in the device manager and not seeing anything obvious in the USB controllers.

But even if it doesn't, I ain't complaining / taking it back!

[bino]

So I looked / learned a little more, and asked Mr. Google. Seems you are correct, it is only USB2. What I read was that USB3 ports are generally / universally blue colored, and all mine are black. Also seeing the "enhanced" controller in the device manager that suggests USB 2.

Oh well... not the first(or will it be the last) time that a sales guy told me what I wanted to hear! I'm still overjoyed with my new EEE. Three more inches of screen with the dazzling graphic performance is awesome.

[jaideeguy]

One more positive consumer report and I'm off to Pantip CM to get me one for a belated xmas present.......

Has anyone upgraded the ram?? I read a couple of reviews that said it would only register .7gig with a 2g ram added.

[beekaykay]

One more positive consumer report and I'm off to Pantip CM to get me one for a belated xmas present.......

Has anyone upgraded the ram?? I read a couple of reviews that said it would only register .7gig with a 2g ram added.

You will only get a usable (est) 2.75gb (an extra 0.75gb) with 4gb Ram installed on any Windows 32bit OS and installing the 64bit OS on the 1215N is really a negative move according to most, due to the 64bit drivers (apparently a mare!)

As I also mentioned earlier you have to be very careful with the ram you install into the 1215n as there are major compatibility issues until Asus bring out a bios update.(you may not even be able to get the right Ram in Thailand!) also remember that the stock Ram is 2 x 1gb stix so you will have to replace both stix to upgrade to 4gb (some people have upgraded to 3gb Ram making only 1 of the 1gb stix redundant)

TBH and IMO there really is no need to put more Ram in this machine the 2gb stock Ram really does a great job already (the old saying: if it aint broke blah blah), I stream HD movies from it perfectly without any upgrades and also play online MMO games getting frame rates of upto 30.(but I have overclocked the CPU and GPU:)

For more info on the Ram issues with the 1215n:

http://forum.eeeuser...forum.php?id=75

[beekaykay]

So I looked / learned a little more, and asked Mr. Google. Seems you are correct, it is only USB2. What I read was that USB3 ports are generally / universally blue colored, and all mine are black. Also seeing the "enhanced" controller in the device manager that suggests USB 2.

Oh well... not the first(or will it be the last) time that a sales guy told me what I wanted to hear! I'm still overjoyed with my new EEE. Three more inches of screen with the dazzling graphic performance is awesome.

Yes thats what I thought its USB 2.0 and there is NO bluetooth whatever on my machine.(should be the same on yours) this does not put me off either I knew about this before I purchased, the 1215n is still the best machine in its price range/spec and category (and above:)

[jaideeguy]

"TBH and IMO there really is no need to put more Ram in this machine the 2gb stock Ram really does a great job already (the old saying: if it aint broke blah blah), I stream HD movies from it perfectly without any upgrades and also play online MMO games getting frame rates of upto 30.(but I have overclocked the CPU and GPU:)"

OK BKK, you talked me out of upgrading the ram for now....but maybe in the future can be done??

If it comes with no OS, I may just stay with good ole XP [32bit].....any problems there??

I plan on just using it for a portable travel machine, communication dedicated [skype and magicjack] and the occasional movie, so why get so carried away, right?

Thanks for your input...

[bino]

BKK - mine definitely does have Bluetooth. Got my cellphone hooked up right away after installing the OS. The spec sticker is below for you:

I had a little Bluetooth dongle-thingy on my previous EEE, and whilst it worked ok, it was always getting caught up on stuff / banged around in my bag. I krazy-glued it back together more than once. Onboard Bluetooth was a prime criteria. Lack of Bluetooth would have been a deal breaker for me, because I like hooking up to my cellphone and getting my email when I'm in the car and on the way to work in the morning. I can get most of my emails replied during this time, and it keeps my attention off the road and my Ms' horrible driving habits!

JDG- I didn't upgrade the RAM either. I did upgrade my previous baby EEE to 2 gigs, and it was perfectly sufficient. I figured to try this one with the 2 gigs installed until some later time. Spent the extra budget on the Win 7 ultimate. I use the machine much like you describe- communications, internet, occasional movies, and some apps like Photoshop. 2 gigs is definitely OK for all of this.

I don't see any reason why Win XP wouldn't work for you, if that is what you like.

Here are some other good reviews that I looked at:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/asus_eee_1215n_review

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-eee-pc-1215n/4505-3121_7-34165148.html

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptop/asus-eee-pc-1215n.aspx

[beekaykay]

Bino yes my label on the box is exactly the same, TBH I didnt even try BT but you are right it does have BT and it looks like its BT3...I had to turn BT on in bios....

[bino]

Good stuff BKK. The link you posted above to the EEE user site is excellent. Lots of good info there. I'm sorely tempted to overclock mine as you have done, but not sure about it just yet. Like you said above, if it ain't broke... and I'm still flabbergasted by the speed of the stock configuration.

[beekaykay]

Good stuff BKK. The link you posted above to the EEE user site is excellent. Lots of good info there. I'm sorely tempted to overclock mine as you have done, but not sure about it just yet. Like you said above, if it ain't broke... and I'm still flabbergasted by the speed of the stock configuration.

Yes I am always very careful when O'Cing I have all the CPU and GPU Temp gauges running whilst adjusting the speeds very gradually, every CPU is different I could probably have clocked up to 2.2ghz but didnt want to have to deal with any over heating problems, if you do oc make sure you have a good laptop cooler with loads o fans blasting lol...

[bino]

if you do oc make sure you have a good laptop cooler with loads o fans blasting

Thanks for that - convinced me to leave well enough alone because the EEE goes everywhere with me, and I don't want to be carrying around the cooling pad. Obviously a different scenario for you where the computer stays home and connected to the TV, mains power, etc.

[jaideeguy]

Well, I just joined the 1215 club and had XP 32 bit installed and after playing around with it for a couple of days I notice that it runs quite hot to the touch on the left underside. Using the free cooler fans and it's still hot to the touch. Everything seems to be working good...so far, but I am concerned about the [over?]heating......should I be worried?

Does yours run hot??

[beekaykay]

Yes mine runs hot as well in the same place think you will find that that is the GPU, I monitor all temps every day and so far temps are fine, however every GPU and CPU is different so might be an idea to monitor just in case, if your GPU is running at 60degrees + all the time get extra cooling.

I have read that all 1215n's have this so wouldnt worry too much:)

[bangkokburning]

I have an Asus 1001P, love it. Win7 starter is enough and no it doesn't run hot. Are you working on a hard surface or soft, like a bed?

Sorry you got XP, that OS is over 15yrs old incl development ramp up. Maybe you want to look to Linnux. I can't use it because of iTunes personally.

[jaideeguy]

Yes mine runs hot as well in the same place think you will find that that is the GPU, I monitor all temps every day and so far temps are fine, however every GPU and CPU is different so might be an idea to monitor just in case, if your GPU is running at 60degrees + all the time get extra cooling.

I have read that all 1215n's have this so wouldnt worry too much:)

BKK

I'd like you to please explain [like to a 9 yr old] how you monitor the temps and what is the normal range. Did you add software to check temps or is it with the asus bundle?

And to 'burning'.....I'm running it on a hard desk surface in my cool office and even run the mini fan under it, but can still feel the heat.

I have another asus eee [14in e-machine] right next to it and don't feel any heat at all from it.

I would like to resolve this issue before the 7 day return policy expires.

another thought.....could it be the xp that I had installed that is causing the heat issues??

[beekaykay]

I use free software HWMonitor (do a google search for a link) for checking temps and for more info go to the eee forums at the link i provided earlier in this thread.

I wouldnt worry too much the older eee machines do not have ION graphics like the 1215n does this is what is causing the heat, like i said i wouldnt worry too much as this is normal, they all run very hot to the touch.

[jaideeguy]

I use free software HWMonitor (do a google search for a link) for checking temps and for more info go to the eee forums at the link i provided earlier in this thread.

I wouldnt worry too much the older eee machines do not have ION graphics like the 1215n does this is what is causing the heat, like i said i wouldnt worry too much as this is normal, they all run very hot to the touch.

Thanks for the link BKK.....I installed it last night and have been monitoring it since then and altho it is running on the high [hot] end, it is not overheating.

and ran across this on one of your links......

Heat

The 1215N remained very cool during our testing. After playing a Hulu video at full screen for 15 minutes, the touchpad area was just 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the area between the G and H keys was 82, and bottom of the system got up to 90. All are well below what we consider uncomfortable--95 degrees and higher--although the bottom next to the vent reached 105 degrees.

So, I'll stop worrying about heat for now and hope that it survives the summer heat.

My other concern is the flimsy power jack into the 1215. I hope it holds up or they find a fix.

But otherwise, it's a great little screaming machine.