ASUS S1 Mobile Pentium III-M 1.2GHz

Conclusion

Thin-and-light notebooks, like the ASUS S1, are quickly gaining favor in the North American market. No longer does a North American consumer have to import a foreign notebook in order to get a powerful system in a compact design. They may be easier to get, but are thin-and-light notebooks the right mobile solution for you? It depends on what you want to do with your notebook.

The ASUS S1 is a perfect solution for the mobile professional who finds him or herself on the road often. The S1, at 3.9 pounds and 11.7" x 9.4" x 1.1", is small enough to throw in a briefcase leaving plenty of room to spare. The ASUS S1 would make a perfect companion for a lengthy trip, where basic tasks are performed in a remote location. With its 1.2GHz Mobile Pentium III-M processor, the ASUS S1 also has the speed necessary to run the majority of today's most demanding applications.

The S1 also shines when it comes to included features. The system did not skimp in terms of built-in functionality as many of the ports found on desktop replacement class notebooks also found a home on the S1. The three USB ports represents one more than found on most other notebooks and the built-in IEEE-1394 port was a nice touch. In addition, the system's integrated VGA-out, ethernet, and modem ports mean that no docking station, dongle, or port replicator were necessary for full desktop replacement class functionality. Then again, when extra ports are needed, one can always turn to the PortBar II port replicator.

Thin-and-light notebooks are not for everyone, however. Although small, the ASUS S1 does not offer the speed or same level of features that desktop replacement notebooks offer. Sacrifices had to be made. The system's 13.3" screen was on the small side, battery life is not exceptional, and the system's 1.2GHz Mobile Pentium III-M processor is fairly easily outperformed by competing Mobile Pentium 4-M notebooks. Business users who are looking for a machine to leave parked on the desk during the day and driven home at night best look elsewhere. Those interested in mobile gaming can also dismiss the ASUS S1 as a mobile solution: the integrated video and small LCD panel would make 3D gaming on the ASUS S1 an un-enjoyable experience.

On the other hand, those looking for a great travel partner or a mobile system to accompany a full sized desktop PC will not be disappointed with the S1 as it is a great thin-and-light solution.

The ASUS S1 is available now with 1GHz models starting at $1,619 including a two year warranty.