Asus breathes life back into the netbook with the Eee PC Flare

Last year, Asus was all about tablets. This year it’s making a bold return to what it does best – netbooks.

This 10.1in Windows 7 Starter model, known as the 1025C (right), packs the standard netbook spec – so, Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom N2600 dual-core CPU and 1GB of RAM, coupled with a 320GB hard drive and Intel’s UMA graphics.

If you want a bit more oomph in your processor a slightly upgraded model, the 1025CE, is available with a 1.86GHz Atom N800 dual-core CPU. And in true netbook style, they both sport a 1024 x 600 pixel screen res.

You can also expect built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers, a 0.3MP webcam, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port and a 2-in-1 card reader.

A slightly bigger 12in ultraportable model – the 1225C – offers up more powerful spec, with AMD’s 1.6GHz E-450 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 1,344 x 768 pixel screen res. Two USB 3.0 sockets are also on hand, as is a slightly slower USB 2.0 port for when you don’t need to indulge in a bit of fast data transfer.

The 1225C packs Bluetooth 3.0 and – like its 1025 brethren – you can expect a 0.3MP webcam and a 2-in-1 card reader. Instead of Windows 7 Starter, Windows Home Premium runs the show.

Another netbook variant, dubbed the X101CH, is also available, for the ultimate entry-level option, forgoing a six-cell battery for what Asus tells us will run for up to ten hours, in favour of a three-cell option, a 1024 x 600 pixel display and 1GB of RAM.

All models boast Instant On two second resume and up to two weeks standby time thanks to Asus’ Super Hybrid Engine.

When netbooks first stepped onto the scene a few years back, they spiked in popularity – though that’s since waned. Could Asus’ attempt to revive the netbook prove popular? Only time will tell.

If you want a piece of the netbook pie, all models will be available in Q2 of this year.

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