NetbookTech

ASUS is reportedly planning to launch three new Eee PC netbooks at CeBIT next week – the Eee PC 1015P, 1016P and 1018P. Details on the new systems are scarce at this time but here’s what Blogeee.net uncovered thus far.

ASUS Eee PC 1015P:

• Similar to the current 1005P
• Chiclet keyboard
• Aluminum chassis
• Wider touchpad
• 14 hour battery life

ASUS Eee PC 1016P:

• Thinner than the 1008P and 1008HA – approximately 18mm thick
• Chiclet keyboard
• Aluminum chassis
• Larger Touchpad
• Fingerprint reader
• USB 3.0 ports

ASUS Eee PC 1018P:

• Designed for business users
• Aluminum chassis
• 14 hour battery

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Why should adults have all the fun right? Now kids can join in on the netbook craze with the announcement of the new “Netpal Netbook” co-branded by both ASUS and Disney. Targeting an age range of 6 through 12, the Netpal Netbook will be available in Princess Pink and Magic Blue, and will offer customizable themes that kids can set to their favorite Disney films and characters. More importantly, the systems will be “kid-proof” and “kid-friendy” with features such as a spill-proof keyboard, and ShockShield protection for hard drives. Other features for the Netpal Netbook include:

• More than 40 parental control options including email and browser filters
• Disney branded media management software, Photo software (Disney Pix), Disney Radio Application, games, widgets etc
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8.9 inch LED backlit display
• 160GB HDD on the MK90H
• 16GB SSD on the MK90 which is exclusive to Toys ‘R’ Us
• VGA port,
• 3 USB ports
• Ethernet jack
• Audio out and mic-in
• Multi-card reader
• 0.3 megapixel camera
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 5 hours of battery life
• Windows XP Home

The Netpal Netbook will be available in two models – the MK90H with 160GB HDD will weigh just over 2.6 pounds, and the MK90 with 16GB SSD will weigh a mere 2.2 pounds.

Expect the systems in late July for a price of $349.99. The pictures below are from PC Magazine.

[Check it out]

ASUS also announced plans this week to introduce an Android-powered Eee PC system later this year. The system will be powered by Qualcomm’s power-efficient Snapdragon processor and will feature a 10 inch display, a universal 3G radio, support for 720p video playback, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. No word on pricing.. but maybe it’ll be classified as a smartbook instead?

[Check it out]

ASUS rolled out their latest ultra-thin wonder at CeBIT – the 1 inch thick Eee PC 1008HA better known as the “Seashell” or “Shell” system. The netbook (pictured above thanks to ZDNet) has the following specs:

• Weight of 2.4 lbs
• 92 percent keyboard
• Optional WiMAX and 3.5G WWAN support
• Multitouch trackpad
• Digital Array Microphone
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• 802.11 b/g/n
• SRS Premium Sound

Yes.. definitely a sexy looking netbook if you ask me.

[Check it out at SlashGear]

[Check it out at ZDNet]

CES 2009 was also the place where we saw the formal introduction of the ASUS S121 netbook. The S121 features the Atom Z520 processor, a 12.1 inch display, and 8 hours of battery life. It’s also the first netbook to feature an optional 512GB SSD (we’re pretty sure that won’t be cheap though). Other specs include:

• Intel Atom Z520 processor clocked at 1.33GHz
• Intel US154W chipset
• Up to 2GB of RAM
• 12.1 inch LED backlit display
• Up to 250GB SATA HDD
• Optional 512GB SSD
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam with array microphone
• Wi-Fi 802.11n
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Bluetooth
• Measures 296 x 210 x 23-26 mm
• Weighs 1.45 kg with the 4 cell polymer battery
• Operating system support includes Windows XP, Windows Vista Home Basic, GNU Linux

Here are several stills of the S121 including a close up of the palm rest (notice the textured palm rest).

[Check it out]

Not only did ASUS announce new tablet style netbooks at CES 2009, they also had a wide assortment of netbook systems on display – nearly all of which were introduced back in 2008. Nevertheless, I thought it would be interesting to see all the different models that ASUS had on hand for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Eee PC 900SD:

Features include:

• 8.9 inch LED backlight display
• Intel Celeron M 353 processor
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB flash memory + 10GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker, microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• VGA, 3 x USB
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 cell battery for 4 hours of power
• Measures 170 x 225 x 20-33.8 mm and weighs 990 grams

Eee PC 900A:

Features include:

• 8.9 inch LED backlight 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Windows XP Home
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB/16GB SSD + 20GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker/microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• VGA, 3 x USB
• SD/MMC slot
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 hour battery life
• Measures 225 x 170 x 20-33.8 mm and weighs 990 grams

Eee PC 900HA:

Features include:

• 8.9 inch LED backlight 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Windows XP Home
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker/microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• VGA, 3 x USB
• SD/MMC slot
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 cell, 5 hour battery life
• Measures 225 x 170 x 34 mm and weighs 1127 grams

Eee PC 1000HG WiMAX:

Features include:

• 10 inch LED backlight display
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker + HD audio
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth
• WiMAX
• VGA, 3x USB, 2x audio jack, headphone, microphone
• card reader
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Measures 266 x 191 x 28-38mm
• Weighs 1450 grams
• 6 cell battery with 4 hour battery life

Eee PC 1003HG GO:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 10 inch LED backlight display
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker + HD audio
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth
• VGA, 3x USB, 2x audio jack, headphone, microphone
• card reader
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Measures 264 x 181 x 28.5mm
• Weighs 1200 grams
• Polymer battery for 4 hours of life

Eee PC 1000HA:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 10 inch LED Backlight display
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker, digital array microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• VGA, 3x USB
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Measures 266 x 191 x 28-38mm
• Weighs 1450 grams

Eee PC S101H:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 10.2 inch wide active matrix LED backlight TFT display
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker + HD audio, array microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• VGA, 3x USB, 2x audio jack, headphone, microphone
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• Polymer battery for 5 hours under XP
• Measures 264 x 181 x 25mm
• Weighs 1100 grams

Eee PC 1004DN:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N280 processor
• Intel GN40 chipset
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• Optional SATA DVD SuperMulti
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g
• VGA, 3x USB
• 8 in 1 card reader
• ExpressCard slot
• 1.3 megapixel webcam

Eee PC 1002HA:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• GNU Linux
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Built-in stereo speaker, digital array mic
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• VGA, 3x USB
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 5 hour battery life
• Measures 264 x 181 x 27.6mm
• Weighs 1200 grams

Eee PC 1000HE:

Features include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Windows XP Home OS
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD + 10 GB Eee Storage
• Stereo speaker, digital array microphone
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• VGA, 3x USB
• 6 cell battery for 9.5 hours
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Measures 266 x 191 x 28-38mm
• Weighs 1450 grams

Next up at CES 2009, we have ASUS and their immensely popular Eee PC product line. CES was certainly a busy time for ASUS as the company announced and introduced several new systems ranging from desktops to notebooks to convertible-style netbook systems. Right now, we’ll be focusing on their latest Eee PC announcements – the first convertible-netbook/tablets from ASUS – the Eee PC T91 and Eee PC T101H.

First up, we have the Eee PC T91 pictured below. If you’re familiar with conventional convertible notebooks, the T91 is essentially a smaller form factor. The netbook can be used in either a standard clamshell orientation or used in a tablet PC style method.

Here are the listed specs for the Eee PC T91:

• Intel Atom Z520 processor
• Windows XP Home Edition
• 8.9 inch touch panel/LED backlight
• Measures 225 x 164 x 25.2 ~ 28.4 mm
• Weighs 990 grams
• Optional GPS and TV tuner
• Available in black or white

Here are additional pictures of the system:

Here is the white version of the T91.

If you’re not thrilled with the 8.9 inch display, then you’ll probably be interested in the Eee PC T101H which features of course a 10 inch touch-panel display.

Features of the T101H include the following:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 10 inch touch panel/LED backlight display
• Windows XP Home
• Glossy design
• Available in white or black (white is shown here)

I managed to play with the 10 inch unit very briefly and found the overall experience to be rather pleasing. Transforming the netbook from clamshell to tablet mode was quick and painless with the Windows XP Home touch experience extremely responsive. I’d love to see what Windows 7 beta would be like in this form factor but we’ll have to wait and see.

Stay tuned for a short video clip too.

AVING USA reports that ASUS has officially launched the Eee PC S101 netbook and the Eee PC 1002H netbook in South Korea. Introduced last month, the S101 is ASUS’s thinnest and most expensive Eee PC netbook yet coming in at a mere 25mm thick and weighing around 1 kg. Most of you are already familiar with the S101 so I won’t go into much more details there.

As for the 1002H, the specs include an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, Windows XP Home, a 10 inch display, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, SDHC card reader, and a weight of 1.2 kg.

Make sure to check out AVING USA for many more pictures. (pictures here from AVING USA)

[Check it out]

If you’re looking for another perspective on the ASUS N10 netbook, check out PC World’s hands-on look at the new non-Eee PC netbook from ASUS. The system they checked out had a 3 cell battery, 160GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and of course Windows XP Home. Some highlights from the hands-on include:

“What stood out most about the N10, aside from its stylish casing and hefty price tag, was its larger keyboard, which includes a nice sized trackpad with left and right click buttons at the bottom of the pad.”

“Boot-up time on the N10 was not very good at about 42 seconds for Windows XP, though Asustek plans to install its Linux-embedded OS, Express Gate, on the devices to give them a start-up screen that opens in about 8 seconds”

And.. the verdict:

“Overall, I liked the N10 even more than some of the premium Eee PCs that Asustek markets. It will be a good competitor to premium netbooks that fetch higher prices.”

[Check it out]

It looks like Dell won’t be the only vendor with a 12 inch netbook system. ITProPortal.com is reporting that ASUS is readying a 12 inch system based on a similar chassis design as the Eee PC S101. Known as the ASUS ZX series, the new netbook will feature a 12 inch 16:10 display and will be priced on the high end of the spectrum at £575. Specs aren’t exactly known yet but the site is stating that the ZX series should have an Atom processor inside, 1GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD. While some will claim the ZX series will compete against the MacBook Air, we’d like to think that the real competition here is the new Dell Inspiron Mini 12. Sure the MacBook Air is physically in the same league but let’s face it – the Air uses a far beefier processor that will blow the Atom out of the water so let’s not go there ok?

[Check it out]