ASUS reveals more details about the EEE Keyboard

I think ASUS (http://uk.asus.com/) has hit a goldmine with its EEE line. From the pioneering 701 series of netbooks, ASUS has made a highly successful line with the EEE. Any ASUS product you see within the EEE line is sure to have great specs and very attractive prices. And ASUS has been expanding its line of EEE products by releasing non-netbook gadgets.

One of the most hotly anticipated EEE products that will come out this year is the ASUS EEE Keyboard, which was first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. During that unveiling, ASUS was quite mum on the exact details and specifications of the EEE Keyboard. But this week, ASUS has finally revealed more details about their new product.

The ASUS EEE Keyboard is a self contained PC that will have a 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor. It will also come with 1 GB of memory and an SSD that would either sport a 16 GB or 32 GB capacity. The EEE Keyboard will come out in two versions and of course will have different prices. The main difference between the two models is that one of the models will be equipped with a wireless HDMI connection to a high definition TV.

Both versions of the ASUS EEE Keyboard will have two USB 2.0 ports, a VGA connector and a standard HDMI port. It will also have Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi.

As for the price, ASUS has managed to again price the EEE Keyboard attractively – the standard version will cost £285 and the wireless version will be priced at around £427.

Expect to see the ASUS EEE Keyboard around May this year.

ASUS unveils video call device

Internet messaging software has become so ubiquitous that every single PC in the world probably has it installed. And of course, gone are the days when contact is done through typing messages to each other. You now have the option of actually talking to your mates for free using the many messaging software that is available for free on the internet. Of course, there are still some luddites out there who think that attaching or fixing a webcam and IM software is beneath them or not worthy of their time. For those people, or for people who just want a nifty new gadget at home, then the ASUS dedicated Skype Phone is the perfect gadget for them.

The AiGuru SV1 is goin to be released by ASUS (http://uk.asus.com) in the UK. This new gadget will make internet voice calls so much easier and will even feature a handy 7 inch screen that will allow users to view images as well as a 640 x 480 webcam that will transmit your image to the person you are talking to. The AiGuru can be connected directly to a wired or wireless network and, obviously, can work even without a computer. The unit even has a rechargeable battery so it can be carried anywhere.

The AiGuru is really a cool gadget for dedicated internet calling, although if you just take the time to configure your favorite laptop or netbook, it will perform the same functions. Besides, the AiGuru has a price that will make you have second thoughts about buying it. At £220, it will be hard to justify the price unless of course you have very deep pockets.

ASUS announces newest Eee netbook with 9.5 hour battery life

I’ve been a fan of netbooks ever since I got my first ASUS Eee PC. The diminutive size of the Eee is perfect for lugging it around with you especially when you have a series of meetings in different places. It was so light and small that I can put it in a small knapsack and just forget about it. Of course, being a first gen product, my ASUS Eee still had a number of features that I wished would have been improved.

Well, I think ASUS (http://uk.asus.com/) has listened to my requests and have released a new Eee PC that is a better companion for a meeting hopper like myself.

The new model, the 1000he, boasts of a very impressive 9.5 hours of battery life from one single charge — that’s more life than a whole 8 hour workday. The new battery life is 2.5 hours more than last 1000 model that boasted a still considerable 7 hour battery life. In terms of its rivals, the 1000he is the leader of the pack.It uses Windows XP but the hardcore open source geeks will surely be able to run linux on this new machine.

The 1000he also now sports a relatively faster CPU compared to the other netbooks. It has the 1.66 ghz Intel Atom processor, a newer Intel integrated graphics chipset, a 160gb hdd, and a 10 inch lcd screen. In terms of aesthetics, the 1000he has been improved too. Parts of the palm rest and LCd display now sport a glossy finish. Additionally, the keyboard has been changed to a chiclet-type keyboard, kind of similar to the keyboard used in the newer Macbooks.

There is no expected release date for hte ASUS 1000he yet but expect it to be released this year from between £280 to £299.

The Zen Of Laptops

I don’t know if there is such a thing but when I first saw the Asus Bamboo laptop, zen was the first thing that came to mind. Initially, I didn’t even think about the normal specs that come to mind when considering new laptops. You know, the usual, processor power, speed, RAM, and the like.

The Asus Bamboo, as you may have already surmised, is encased in a shell that is mostly made out of this versatile wood. Naturally, it isn’t all bamboo as some plastic and metal is thrown in there but the overall look of the laptop is one of a kind. Aside from making a “green” product, what is the point in using bamboo for the casing?

For one, the bamboo helps in absorbing the heat that the machine emits. Another plus in using bamboo is that it makes the whole laptop weigh much less.

Aesthetics aside, why would you want to buy an Asus Bamboo? Here are some important specs and then you decide if it’s worth it.

• Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9400/P8600/P8400 : 2.53 GHz – 2 GHz, 1066, 6/3MB On-Die L2 Cache;
• DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 4GB SDRAM
• 12.1″ WXGA LED backlight ColorShine
• NVIDIANVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS
• 2.5″ 9.5mm SATA, 320GB,5400rpm, 250GB,5400rpm
• DVD Super Multi Double Layer
• 8 in 1 card reader:, SD,MMC,MS,MS-Pro,xD,Smart Media,mini SD w/ adapter,MS-Duo,MS-Pro Duo via adapter
• 0.3 Mega Pixel web camera
• Integrated Intel® High Definition Audio chip ( Azalia) compliant MDC fax/modem and 10/100/1000 Base T Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.1+EDR Built-in Bluetooth™
(optional feature) Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 ABGN
• 3/6/9 cells: 2400/4800/7800 mAh

Dimensions come in at 30 x 22 x 2.53 – 3.16 cm (W x D x H), 1.57 kg, with 3 cell battery pack, 1.38kg(w/o battry pack).

It’s pretty much a standard notebook and sells for £1,349. Now I am no so sure I would spend that much just for zen, would you?

Netbooks Return To Base

A survey has revealed that the upsurge in mini computer Netbooks from manufacturers isn’t being as welcome received by consumers as expected.

So far around 60,000 netbooks have been shipped; mostly with a broadband bundle. Of the 60,000, around 20% have been returned to the stores.

The price is great, often less than £300 for a fully functional machine. The problem is consumers are usually used to Microsoft Windows – and the cheaper end of the Netbook market are powered by Linux.

“They don’t want to spend time to learn it so they bring it back to the store. The return rate is at least four times higher for Linux netbooks than Windows XP netbooks.” said MSI’s Director of Sales Andy Tung.

Dixons is adamant it is getting around any problem by informing customers. “We are making big efforts to educate consumers as to the usages and limitations of netbooks versus laptops. Netbooks are perfect for people who want to keep in touch, surf the net or read documents while on the move,” said Dixons Head of Consumer PR Anina Castle when we asked her about the rumour of major netbook returns at the end of August.

“They are far more convenient and provide a full range of viewing functions required while out of the office or home, while the PC or laptop remains the prime storage hub for files and data. We are advising our staff and customers that the best way to think of them is – “Netbooks are for viewing, Notebooks are for doing!”

Netbooks Picture courtesy of CNet.

Asus EEE PC DIY Carputer

This year has seen an explosion in tiny web book PCs available for a few hundred quid. Now why not make use of the tiny power in your car with a DIY “carputer”!

Intrepid user Dali, over at the http://Eee-PC.ru forums posted his display of awesomeness in the ‘modding and hakking Eee PC’ section.

The complete carputer mod includes a dash mounted display, GPS, Bluetooth and even a wireless keyboard in the glove compartment.

If you fancy some pigeon English (thanks to Google) check the EEE-PC.ru forum post.

Asus Eee Top one, nice one

Evolving the ASUS EEE PC line up, ASUS have released the ASUS EEE Top. A desktop version of the ASUS EEE PC, with a difference; that difference being the EEE Top has a touch screen, Intel Atom and 160GB HDD!

The all-white all-in-one wonder won’t be called the Eee Monitor as we thought, but the beautifully titled Asus Eee All-In-One-Touch Screen PC ETP1602-WT-X0010. It’ll come packing a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive, and runs Windows XP Home.

What’s more, you’ll find stereo speakers, 6x USB ports, a 1.3MP webcam, 15.6in screen and a memory card slot.

Available from play.com for £399 from November 20th 2008.