The Eee PC 1201PN is a relatively new netbook from Asus sporting the new Intel Atom N450 processor, paired with a 12.1-inch 1366×768 display and Nvidia’s Ion 2 graphics platform onboard. However, while this specific model lacked the discrete Optimus switching gear that enables users to easily jump between Intel and Nvidia cards, and by doing so, save some precious battery life on the go, a newer version – the Eee PC 1215 – that does everything the former one did, and even more, is said to support Nvidia’s Optimus feature and let you choose between those two graphics modes. Still with no price or availability dates to share at this point, the latest 1215 netbook also packs a dual-core Atom D510 processor, tucked with a pair of audio jacks, Ethernet, SD card slot, HDMI output, a bigger trackpad surface to flip around, and a nice matte cover lid that will hopefully reject any fingerprints, smudges and other kind of nasty spots. And if that wasn’t enough, check this out – the Taiwanese giant has also added a couple of blue speedy USB 3.0 ports, placed on the right side of the box – Huzzah! A quick video walkthrough is right after the jump.

Update1: Looks like the Eee PC 1215N has just turned official with all the good and powerful things inside. Apparently, it would run a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor that has no troubles handling NVIDIA’s Ion discrete graphics on that 12-inch 1,366 x 768 display the netbook boasts. PR after the break.

Update2: US debut is scheduled for mid-end of August, with both NVIDIA’s Optimus and Ion 2 graphics components already included and a very competitive “under $500” price tag to make you want it even more.

[via Netbooknews.com]

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