The Asus 1201T combines an AMD MV-40 processor with a HD3200 ATI graphics processor.  On paper it seems like it could be a great machine.  The question is if it lives up to that expectation once you actually use it.  It turns out that the 1201T provides a great experience but has some serious drawbacks.

Keyboard

Great response since it doesn’t flex as buttons are pressed like many other netbooks do.

Online Video

The HD3200 handles most of the video processing duties which means that 480p, and 720p are a breeze.  You’ll have problems with 1080p video.  ATI should be able to improve performance in this area with updated drivers.  ATI is known for increasing video processing power with future software updates.  Sadly there is no HDMI so you won’t be able to hook it up to an HDMI easily to show your video.

Screen

The 12.1 inch screen provided bright crisp images and color

Battery Life

Under heavy use the 1201T only managed to provide 90 minutes of battery life.  Once usage was dialed back battery life increased to approximately three and a half hours.

Conclusion (My take)

No word on pricing, or availability but the 1201T sounds like a netbook you wouldn’t mind borrowing from someone else but wouldn’t want to buy for yourself.  The biggest issue is the battery life.  There will always be a trade off when it comes to increasing performance.  With Nvidia’s ION2 platform on the way which is able to switch between the onboard and dedicated graphics to help promote longer battery life, AMD may not have very long before people trade up to get great graphics and longer battery life.

[Via Techworld]

1. Why The 1201T Seems Underwhelming Already

2. ATI HD3200 Vs. Nvidia ION (9400)

3. Asus 1201N, 1201T Netbooks Get Compared

4. Asus 1201T Netbook Now Available In US

5. ION 2 Netbooks Will Out In March 2010