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ASUS Eee 900 Gets Nearly 9-inches |
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Written by Adam Gosling
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Friday, 09 May 2008 |
ASUS says it has sold over a million of its diminutive Eee gadgets
since launching about five months ago. The mini laptop's mobility and
price has created a new category that is neither ultra-mobile nor UMPC
and competitors are already launching their own versions of the Eee in
an effort to meet demand for cheap, highly mobile computing devices.
ASUS has raised the bar, and the screen size with its latest Eee, the
PC 900 with an 8.9 inch screen and a few other advancements, but the wieght, remains under 1kg.
The Eee PC 900 also has a 1.3M pixel webcam, 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux
operating systems (respectively). The Microsoft Windows version incorporates Windows Live features such as Windows Live
Messenger for instant messaging, Windows Live Mail for consolidated email
accounts on the user desktop and Microsoft Works.
The Eee PC uses solid state disk (SSD) technology which
offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design, but compromising
a little on the amount of available sotrage. The Eee PC 900 is rugged
enough to protect against such incidents and is the perfect
tool for outdoor computing - ideal for journalists and reporters,
photographers
of nature and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
The larger 8.9"
display screen with 1024 x 600 resolution allows users to view a single A4 page
without the need to scroll left or right, says teh company. The new widescreen also does not affect the overall
weight of unit, which remains below 1kg, maintaining the ultra-portability that has become synonymous
with the Eee PC.
The new Eee also features FingerGlide technology which allows for gestures on the mouse pad, much like modern mobile phones. With just two simple finger
movements on the touchpad, users can scroll up and down for easier document
viewing or zoom in and out of pictures - great for looking at image details.
Jerry Shen, CEO of ASUS, said, "Vital feedback from a wide variety of users has
been received, which has spurred us on to create more options to cater to
different user requirements."
"Due to its lightweight stature, most users will place the Eee PC on their laps
or hold them in their hands during use. With the addition of the FingerGlide
feature, users will find the Eee PC even more convenient to use," said Shen.
Additionally, the Eee PC 900 pairs a 1.3M pixel webcam with wireless internet
connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime making web
communications effortless and increasing work efficiency.
The ironically more expensive Linux version is suited to users who desire an icon-driven and easy
point-and-click interface - well suited for children or users with limited
computer experience. It provides a fast boot-up time, ideal for quick internet
access while waiting for public transport or taking notes on-the-go.
The Eee PC 900 will be available in Australia in May 2008 with a
recommended retail price of A$599 for the 12GB XP version and A$649 for the
20GB Linux version (prices include GST). The Eee PC 900 XP version will be
available through selected retailers and the Linux version will be available
through computer resellers.
www.asus.com.au
Specifications
Display
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8.9"
display, 1024 x 600 resolution
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Colour
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Pearl White, Black
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CPU
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Intel® Mobile CPU
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Processor
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Intel Mobile Chipset
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Memory
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DDR II 1GB
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Display Card
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Intel UMA
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Storage
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12GB (4GB built-in + 8GB flash) SSD
(Microsoft Windows OS Version)
20GB (4GB
built-in +16GB flash) SSD (Linux OS Version)
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Audio
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HD audio / built-in speakers
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Wireless
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Built-in 802.11b/g
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Camera
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1.3M
pixel webcam
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Storage Cards
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SD / MMC (SDHC)
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Input / Output
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3xUSB / VGA-out (D-Sub, 15pin)
/ earphone jack / mic / RJ45 10/100 Mbps
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Power
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Output: 12V, 36W;
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
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Tracking Control
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Utilises
FingerGlide
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Operating System
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Windows XP Home / Linux
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Dimensions
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22.5cm(W) x 17.0cm(D) x 2cm~3.38cm(H)
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Weight
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0.99 kg
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