Asus Ion-Powered Eee PC 1201N Review
Software and Accessories
We genuinely hope you aren't in the mood for accessories, because unlike some of Asus' other Eee PCs, this one comes with absolutely no physical extras. No case, no mouse, nothing. Within the admittedly compact box, you'll find the machine itself, an AC adapter, a power cable, a system CD and a barebones user guide. If you were hoping for more, you'll be let down.
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On the software side of things, you'll get Windows 7 Home Premium at the helm. We've said it before, but we'll say it again: netbooks are so much more enjoyable with Windows 7. Aside from the general basics that come loaded on the OS, Asus also tosses in Skype, a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office, ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 3 for multimedia playback (which makes better use of Ion), Microsoft Works, a suite of Asus software, NVIDIA's Ion Control Panel and Trend Micro's Internet Security software. That latter piece is a real annoyance, as it continues to pop up and insists that you activate the full version.
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As for the specific Asus software installed, you'll find Asus Vibe, Asus WebStorage, Eee Docking (that pull down panel atop the screen that provides easy access to other Asus applications), Eee Splendid, FontResizer and a LiveUpdate app. You'll also get CyberLink's YouCam for interfacing with your webcam, and of course Skype will allow you to video chat with fellow Skype members. Overall, the software offering is better than average, but we generally felt that the Asus-branded inclusions were a bit fluffy. They definitely fall into the "take them or leave them" category, though some may appreciate the extras more than others.
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;)
Click To Enlarge
On the software side of things, you'll get Windows 7 Home Premium at the helm. We've said it before, but we'll say it again: netbooks are so much more enjoyable with Windows 7. Aside from the general basics that come loaded on the OS, Asus also tosses in Skype, a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office, ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 3 for multimedia playback (which makes better use of Ion), Microsoft Works, a suite of Asus software, NVIDIA's Ion Control Panel and Trend Micro's Internet Security software. That latter piece is a real annoyance, as it continues to pop up and insists that you activate the full version.
;)
Click To Enlarge
As for the specific Asus software installed, you'll find Asus Vibe, Asus WebStorage, Eee Docking (that pull down panel atop the screen that provides easy access to other Asus applications), Eee Splendid, FontResizer and a LiveUpdate app. You'll also get CyberLink's YouCam for interfacing with your webcam, and of course Skype will allow you to video chat with fellow Skype members. Overall, the software offering is better than average, but we generally felt that the Asus-branded inclusions were a bit fluffy. They definitely fall into the "take them or leave them" category, though some may appreciate the extras more than others.
;)
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