Dual-core ION Netbook Tests: Asus Eee PC 1201N vs ASRock G22

ASRock G22

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Today's tests include two netbooks that stand out from the crowd.  Both use dual-core processors and Nvidia's famous ION graphics chipset, meaning they should be more powerful than what's currently available.  Let's take a look at them both and see if they live up to our expectations.

Asus' first netbook to use the ION chipset is the Eee PC 1201N, and the manufacturer hasn't held back, fitting a dual-core Intel Atom CPU.  Normally found in net-top PCs, we expected this processor would lead to trading worse battery life against the performance boost it brings, but we were pleasantly surprised. 

ASRock is Asus' low-cost brand of laptops.  The G22 has some of the same components os the 1201N, but adds a combined Blu-ray player/DVD writer.  It's a welcome--but unusual--addition to an entry-level model, and makes a change from the never-ending cycle of notebooks with almost identical specs.

> Test: Asus Eee PC 1201N
> Test: ASRock G22

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