ASUS Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium?
YES, mine did come with the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium version of Windows.
NOTE: If you get a netbook that has Windows 7 Starter on it, you will not have the desktop themes functionality available to you. I learned this the hard way when I got my 1005HA netbook. Not too big of a deal, but I did miss having all those nice themes. ASUS has a make-shift solution for this, but it requires manual intervention. Now that I have Windows 7 Home Premium, I can enjoy desktop themes once again!
USB v3.0?
YES, mine did come with one USB 3.0 port on the right side (the blue colored USB port). There is also another USB 2.0 port on the right, and one on the left (three in all). One of the two USB 2.0 ports allows you to charge a device even when the netbook is powered off and the AC adapter is connected. You can even configure it to charge with just the battery alone and the power turned off on the netbook. A nice feature to have if you travel and find yourself in a bind with a low cell phone battery!
Accepts 8GB of RAM?
YES, mine did accept an 8GB memory upgrade! I installed the Corsair 8 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory Kit CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9, which is about $83. The memory that initially came with the 1215B was: hynix 2GB 1Rx8 PC3 - 10600S - 9 - 10 - B1
Be sure to get PC3-10600 compliant memory, NOT the Crucial CT25664BC1067 2GB 204-PIN PC3-8500 SODIMM DDR3 Memory Module that is supposedly bought together with the 1215B. PC3-10600 memory runs at a faster clock rate than PC3-8500. Do a Wikipedia search for "DDR3" RAM to see a comparison table. Also, according to cpu-world dot com, the E-350 supports memory up to DDR3-1333 and DDR3L-1066. DDR3L is suppose to run at less voltage, thus saves more on battery power. I would like to know if anyone has tested DDR3L memory in their 1215B netbook, and how they do on power savings!
BTW, my 1215B shipped with BIOS version 0306, while the ASUS site shows that there is a 0310 version out. I tried to update my BIOS via the utility found in the CMOS configuration (pressing F2 when booting up), but it said the models don't match. I am running the 8GB with the 0306 BIOS version. I'll have to mess with the BIOS updating a bit more.
[UPDATE: 5/1/2011]
I just updated to BIOS version 0315 and so far everything is still running smoothly. I included how I updated my BIOS in the Comments section below, in case you wondered how to do it.
Touch Pad Issues?
NO, mine DOES NOT have the touch pad issues that others are complaining about. But you can read their review(s) on what the fix is, which seems simple enough.
[UPDATE: 5/3/2011]
It has been two weeks now, and still no touch pad problems (Although I do use my bluetooth mouse mostly).
Fragil Power Connector Pin?
NO! I've had an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA netbook since January of 2010, which the 1215B uses the same power supply, and I haven't had any problems with the connector pin, or for that matter, it never even crossed my mind that it could potentially be an issue in the first place. I suppose if you have little kids running around and just can't seem to keep nice things, this could be an issue. BTW, both power adapters are rated as follows:
OUTPUT: 19V(DC), 2.1A, female=(-) and male=(+)
I purchased a Westronics NetBook AC Power Adapter for Asus EeePC 1005 1005HA 1005HAB 1101HA 1101HAB 1104HA 1106HA UMPC NoteBook Laptop for my 1005HA as a backup and so I could always keep the other adapter in my laptop bag so I never run off and forget it. I have already used my secondary power adapter that was originally for my 1005HA to recharge the battery on my 1215B, which the connectors are exactly the same and fits perfectly. It looks like this particular AC power adapter that I got has gone down in the ratings since the time that I got mine.
Includes Neoprene Slip Cover?
NO, my 1215B doesn't come with a neoprene protective case like the 1005HA did. I did get the Case Logic LNEO-12 12.1-Inch Neoprene Netbook Sleeve (Black) as an added slip cover for my 1215B, which it fits it nicely. It is also a bit thicker than the neoprene slip cover that came with the 1005HA, has carry handles, plus an extra pocket with a zipper for the power supply and a mouse. I would recommend getting it.
BTW, I'm upgrading from an Asus EEE PC 1005HA, which I have outgrown. I've been waiting for a 64-bit netbook with a slightly bigger screen and that can handle more than 2GB of RAM. The newer 1215B is small and light enough that I can put in my book bag along with my thick school books, and not break my back carrying it to school, but still just a bit bigger and with more power than the 1005HA!OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:
The cursor arrow keys double as play/pause, stop, skip, and back when used with the Fn key, which is a nice upgrade from my 1005HA.
There is a button to toggle the wireless/bluetooth ON or OFF, in order to save power. This can also be done with the Fn+F2 keys.
SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO GET FOR YOUR EEE PC 1215B:
* Definitely get more RAM if you can. I admit, 8GB might be a bit much if you just surf the internet and read emails, but I plan on running virtual machines on mine, which each VM can eat up a lot of RAM.
* Get an ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black). You will need it to install software or RIP your CD's to MP3's to your netbook, but you can always leave it at home when you're done with those tasks. Mine cost about $40 when I got it.
* I recommend a Bluetooth wireless mouse, just so it doesn't eat up one of your USB ports (either with a cord or a wireless dongle). I got the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows, and I'm very happy with it. I got mine from an amazon vendor for about $20 new.
* It is nice to have a secondary power adapter, not just as a backup, but it is nice to leave one at home and leave the other in your laptop bag so you never forget it. I got mine for about $20 from an amazon vendor. I picked one with good reviews, just to be safe.
* I also suggest getting the Case Logic LNEO-12 12.1-Inch Neoprene Netbook Sleeve (Black). Even though I have a laptop bag, I still like having the added protection of the neoprene sleeve on my netbook.
* You might want to get an SDHC memory card, to configure ReadyBoost. Heck, you have an SD slot, which you might as well put to good use, and it does seem to speed up bootup time. Do an internet search on "ReadyBoost" to learn more about that. I paid about $13 for a 4GB SDHC, last year. They say go with the same or double the RAM you have installed, but 4GB seems to be working just fine with me.
* I would also suggest getting a StarTech 6-Feet Coax High Resolution VGA Monitor Cable - HD15 M/M (MXT101MMHQ) so that you can connect your netbook to a larger monitor if you have one around. Note that ASUS netbooks (from the two that I've owned) will use the RAM from your memory sticks to allow you to view your screen on the larger monitor at it's native resolution, so allow a bit more RAM for that feature. When connected to my 22" Samsung LCD monitor, I get it's native 1680 x 1050 resolution! I just did a test, and going from the netbook's 1366x768 resolution to the 22" LCD monitor's 1680x1050 resolution only uses about 200KB of memory.
These are all things that I have found to be nice additions to my netbook(s).
Bottom line: I'm very happy with my Eee PC 1215B!
I hope all of this information is useful to you all!

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Superior multimedia performance with AMD Dual-core Processor The Eee PC 1215B-P provides users the best portable multimedia enjoyment for its size. With the latest AMD Brazos E350 dual core processor - a high performance CPU and discrete GPU; expect the best in multimedia enjoyment. With the super low power consumption that the Eee PC 1215B-P draws, enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life.1 Along with long-lasting mobility, it has a compact, scratch-resistant design that fits nicely in carrying cases and backpacks – ideal for both long trips and day-to-day errands. The Eee PC 1215B-P is also one of the select few with HDMI connectivity. So when you feel like super-sizing your HD movies, simply connect to an HDTV and enjoy Full 1080p HD visuals and up to 8 channel sound. What's more, you get a spacious 320GB hard drive – to store, share, and back up your music, videos, and other valuable data. With built in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, staying online while on the go has never been easier. Transfer your photos and more 10 times faster than USB 2.0 with the latest USB 3.0 ports built-in to the Eee PC 1215B-P.2 The Eee PC 1215B-P also comes with full-size chiclet keyboard, stereo speakers, 2GB of DDR2 memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

Key Features
12.1-inch LED WXGA display for HD-quality visuals wherever, whenever(Learn more)
AMD Dual-Core Processor E350 with AMD Mobility Radeon™ HD 6310 Graphics for improved battery life and more responsive HD capabilities. (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine maximizes battery life up to 8 hours between charges1
HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs and compatible external displays (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.02

Learn More
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources4, readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. ASUS relentlessly strives to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. This notebook also comes with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUSGlobal Warranty4
Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing netbooks:

1year global warranty
6month battery warranty
24/7tech support
1-way free standard shipping

What's in the Box
Eee PC 1215B-P
AC Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Information Card

Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
Display: 12.1-inch LED WXGA display (1366 x 768)
Processor: AMD Dual-Core Processor E350
Graphics: AMD Mobility Radeon™ HD6310 Graphics
Memory: 2GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM (expandable to 4GB)
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth v3.0
Storage: 320G 5400RPM hard drive
Camera: 0.3 megapixel
Speaker: Built-in Stereo speakers
Microphone: Digital Array Microphones
CardReader: 2-in-1 card reader; MMC/SD (SDHC/SDXC)
Input/ Output: 1 x Audio jack-out, 1 x Audio jack-in,2 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x HDMI; 1 (D-sub 15 pin)
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 11.54 x 7.99 x 91 ~ 1.46 –inches
Weight: 5.62 lbs (with 8 cell battery)
Color: Black, Silver & Red

© 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos. 1 Performance may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.Test results based on comparison with standard 5400 RPM HDD using Windows 7 OS and PCMark Vantage benchmark analysis.. 2 All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 3 Complimentary 60 days unlimited ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details 4 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html. Rated number 1 Windows-based PC brand in PCWorld.com survey http://www.pcworld.com/article/211074/the_tech_brands_you_can_trust.html.

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