Asus Eee PC 900 Priced And Dated For Australia
The XP version will set you back $599 and the Linux $649. As far as distribution goes, the XP model will be through retailers everywhere and the 20GB Linux model will be through selected computer resellers, so it may be a little bit harder to find.
Hit the jump for the full press release:
Discover a new perspective with the ASUS Eee PC 900
Latest release of the Eee PC with 8.9 inch widescreen and innovations galoreSydney, Australia, May 7 2008 - ASUS, today announced the release of the new Eee PC 900 with 8.9 inch widescreen.
In just five months following its launch, ASUS has sold over one million Eee PCs. Amid the buzz of reaching this new milestone, ASUS is now providing yet another round of excitement with the release of the Eee PC 900. This new generation of the ever popular “world’s easiest PC” includes an 8.9 inch widescreen, 1.3M pixel webcam, 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux operating systems (respectively), and innovative FingerGlide technology, while still weighing less than 1kg. The Eee PC 900 caters to consumer needs while still maintaining the ‘easy to learn, work and play’ concept
One of the major factors attributed to the Eee PC’s success has been mobility, in part due to the use of the built-in solid state disk (SSD) technology which offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design for stable computing on-the-go. Traditional hard disks spin at 5400 revolutions per minute (RPM), making them more prone to data loss or damage if subjected to shocks or bumps. 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.
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.”
Through extensive research and development, the inclusion of the larger 8.9″ display screen with 1024×600 resolution allows users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right, making it more easier when reading or working on documents. The new widescreen also does not affect the overall weight of unit, which remains below 1kg, making it easy for women and children to carry around - maintaining the ultra-portability that has become synonymous with the Eee PC.
Operating the new Eee PC 900 has been made even simpler and more convenient with the new, innovative FingerGlide feature. 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.“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,” commented Jerry 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.
To suit differing user requirements, the Eee PC 900 is available with Microsoft Windows or Linux operating system. The Microsoft Windows version allows experienced users to seamlessly operate the Eee PC through the familiar Windows interface. It also incorporates Windows Live features such as Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.
The 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 AU$599 for the 12GB XP version and AU$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.
Specifications
Display 8.9″ display, 1024 x 600 resolution
Colour Pearl White, Black
CPU Intel® Mobile CPU
Processor Intel Mobile Chipset
Memory DDR II 1GB
Display Card Intel UMA
Storage 12GB (4GB built-in + 8GB flash) SSD (Microsoft Windows OS Version)
20GB (4GB built-in +16GB flash) SSD (Linux OS Version)
Audio HD audio / built-in speakers
Wireless Built-in 802.11b/g
Camera 1.3M pixel webcam
Storage Cards SD / MMC (SDHC)
Input / Output 3xUSB / VGA-out (D-Sub, 15pin) / earphone jack / mic / RJ45 10/100 Mbps
Power Output: 12V, 36W;
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Tracking Control Utilises FingerGlide
Operating System Windows XP Home / Linux
Dimensions 22.5cm(W) x 17.0cm(D) x 2cm~3.38cm(H)
Weight 0.99 kgAbout ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than 8,000 and a world-class R&D design team, the turnover for 2007 was 6.9 billion US dollars. ASUS has been ranked in Business Week’s InfoTech 100 for 10 consecutive years, and has been ranked No.1 by the Wall Street Journal Asia for best quality products in Taiwan. For more information visit www.asus.com.au.
[Asus]
- Next Post: Hey Hey, My My, Neil Young Releases Catalogue On Blu-Ray »
- « Previous Post: Aussie Photographers Kick Ass In The World Press Photos
Comments
What a completely bizarre pricing structure!
Their previous pricing structure at least made sense: For the same amount of storage space the XP equipped machine costs more (due to licensing fees).
I can understand the desire to attract users to the XP version but how ’bout offering a 12GB Linux version for $449? That would at least be logical.
Anyone wanna buy a 701?
I think its bad how they advertise these as 12 and 20 gig when they are actually just 4 gig ssd’s with included flash drives.
*cough* black! *cough*
Has anyone actually seen another colour other than white?
Kevin
I’ve also found online sites pre-ordering the 20GB version with XP for $799.
I was hoping the Linux based version would be cheaper than the XP one. (Even with 20GB)
More for the linux version, WTF? In the other zones they were the same price, with the extra storage offset by the price of ms windows.
Also which battery will we be getting with it?
Priced and dated? I see a price, but not a date. Please clarify…
hey is the keyboard any larger?? or any ideas on whether they may eventually bring one out with a bigger keyboard??
builders fingers are my problem….
The keyboard is said the be larger but the pics don’t prove to be. Also, didn’t Asus say they wanted the price to be the same? Even though the XP version is cheaper then the Linux version? And where is the date? I want me EEE now! :D
If you search aussie web sites for the eee PC 900, you will find preorders for Black ones.
These sites say they will be available by the end of the month.
@Matt
This is incorrect, the storage works as such: 4gig is soldered to the motherboard (and is used soley for the OS and related.
the 8 or 16 gig drives are SSDs connected to the internal PCI-E Mini port (and are used for user files).
So technically there IS 12 or 20 gig, just not all together.
It’s just the same as a company like, say, seagate advertising a 250gig drive, where only 230gig is user available.
Yeah what’s up with the white and no option of black? maybe they’re holding off till they offer more colour options..
You can get the 4GB linux version for $395, which is a pretty good deal.
Gizmodo, your writer got it slightly mixed up on retail outlets.
Gizmodo says: “As far as distribution goes, the XP model will be through retailers everywhere and the 20GB Linux model will be through selected computer resellers, so it may be a little bit harder to find.”
What the press release actually said: “The Eee PC 900 XP version will be available through selected retailers and the Linux version will be available through computer resellers.”
Selected retailers will be the big boys, MYER and the like. Like the release of the 701 model they will have a monopoly on the XP version. Us little guys can only get the Linux version and there is very little margin in the pricing so don’t expect big deals from the smaller shops.
This 900 has just arrived on Australian soil. Too bad it’s pretty useless though, with the Eee Pc 901 released next month running an Intel Atom processor :)
Can anyone tell me if this would be a good option for a high school student to work on or would I be better off to purchase a “normal” laptop?