CES 2009: Hands-On With the Asus Eee PC Lineup

Asus brought a bevy of new and updated Eee PC models to this year's CES show, and they come loaded with some innovative and surprising features.

The Eee PC 1000HE netbook builds upon the popular 1000HA model. Packing an Atom N270 processor, DDR2 RAM, and 10-inch display, it can run for almost 9 hours before draining its battery. Asus has also corrected the much maligned shift key issue that plagued the 1000HA, moving it from the edge of the keyboard back to its familiar place next to the forward-slash key.

The Eee PC T91 convertible netbook features an 8.9" multi-touch display that gives owners the added flexibility of tablet functionality. With a quick twist, the display folds down over the keys and makes it easy to use the included stylus or just your fingers to navigate. Asus capitalizes on the multi-touch aspect of the T91 by including their own "3-Doorway" interface that runs on top of Windows XP. Among its features is the ability to swipe through multiple 3-D desktops, something that's very familiar to Linux users. The T91 sets itself apart from other netbooks with optional GPS or TV tuning functionality as well.  Look for the 2-pound T91 to start shipping in March.

Asus has geared the new Eee Top ET1602 for common family tasks with Easy Mode, a customized interface that runs on top of Windows XP. Among other tasks, families can use its 15.6-incch touch panel to post virtual sticky notes instead of cluttering the front of the refrigerator. The Top ET1602 runs at a whisper-quiet 25dB under full load, and its 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor will keep users' power bills from spiking. Other specs include 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n Wifi, 1.3 megapixel webcam, and a multi-card reader. The ET1602 will go on sale in late February.

--Jon D.

Comments

[What I Think on January 09, 2009 at 06:29 PM]

Nice, but I want mine to run Linux.