Asus netbook gets desktop CPU

Asus has extended its Eee PC netbook range with a device that not only includes Nvidia's Ion graphics but also a dual-core Atom processor, a desktop CPU, reports Register Hardware.

With the Nvidia Ion the Eee PC 1201N can reach resolutions of up to 1366 x 768 within its 12.1-inch panel, also providing the device with a high-definition multimedia interface port.

However, the dual-core 1.5GHz Atom 330 chip is the most surprising feature, as the 330 was designed for mini desktop PCs consuming 8W of power, which will have a significant impact on battery life. Asus says the 1201N will be able to run for up to five hours.

Extended warranty provider SquareTrade says Asus and Toshiba notebooks are the most reliable manufacturers while Acer, Gateway, and HP notebooks are among the least reliable, reports Digital Trends.

The study consists of more than 30 000 notebooks tracked through SquareTrade's extended warranty plans. Asus and Toshiba led the pack in terms of notebook system reliability, with fewer than 10% of their systems needing repair after two years, with three-year failure rate projections of about 15.6% and 15.7%.

Computer maker Hewlett-Packard comes last, with more than 15% of its systems failing after two years, and a three-year projection forecasting over a quarter of them will fail in three years.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has released its electronics holiday wish list for this year, which seems to be almost exclusively focused on mobile systems and gadgets, reports Softpedia.

Notebooks and laptop PCs top the list considering the growing popularity of mobile products during the past year. Mobile platforms have become the favourite device due to their ability to combine portability with high-end performance meeting the needs of multimedia enthusiasts, businessmen, office workers, and gamers.

The CEA list shows that mobility is the main concern. All the other devices are mobile and ultra-mobile gadgets.