If you fancy your netbook with slightly more optical drive than what has been available so far, you’ll love the Asus Eee PC 1004DN. Because it has an optical drive!Asus has announced that they’ll be releasing the 1004DN in Australia later this month for $1,399.
We’ve known for a long time that Asus were sticking the Eee badge on pretty much anything they could, but with a pricetag to rival a regular laptop, an optical drive and support for 720p video playback (it’s in the press release, although the specs only state it’s got a 1024×600 pixel screen. Not sure how that works…), they’re really blurring the lines of exactly what a netbook should be. It does still have the Atom processor though, and I guess that’s become the defacto standard for the netbook term.
Eeexpanding the Eee PC – introducing the optical Eee PC 1004DN
The first Eee PC with optical disc drive provides multipurpose multimedia capabilitiesSydney, Australia, April 1, 2009 – ASUS breaks new ground with the launch of the Eee PC 1004DN – the latest addition to the Eee PC range and the first to feature a Super-Multi optical disc drive. Providing intuitive computing with an ingenious design, the Eee PC 1004DN is the ultimate ultra-portable mobile internet device. Users are able to read/write optical discs for multimedia viewing and convenient data back ups. Plus a power-efficient Express Card slot provides expansion capabilities with USB 2.0 and PCI Express, along with plug-and-play compatibility and auto-configuration access.
The Eee PC 1004DN has an exquisite exterior with a high-gloss UV LCD cover composed from a combination of cutting-edge alloys making it strong, yet sexy. Under the shiny Black or Champagne shield is a lustrous bezel framing the 10-inch LCD display that supports 720p high definition playback for vivid visuals. Brushed aluminium palm rests and electroplated edges surround the ergonomically designed keyboard which also includes a larger “Shift” key and a typing surface 92% that of a conventional keyboard. Its multi-touch touchpad enables multimedia playback control and easy internet surfing without the need for a mouse. Furthermore, a digital array microphone and built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam allows users to communicate with friends and family, while intuitive software applications such as EzMessenger and Data Sync lets users coordinate data and correspond without an internet connection, as well as synchronise with desktops.
Ample 130GB hybrid storage includes 10GB file-encrypted online Eee Storage; Bluetooth v2.1 and 802.11b/g/n allow for speedy transfers and connectivity; with Eee Splendid users can choose from four different visual modes; a convenient font resizer makes for effortless document viewing and web browsing and; biometric security via fingerprint log on with the ASUS Data Security System (ADSM) recognises multiple fingerprints belonging to the same user, as well as encrypting a single folder with the same security system. Finally, the ASUS-exclusive Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology intelligently monitors energy consumption and helps extends battery life up to 5.9 hours*, for a complete computing and entertainment experience.
* Subject to system configuration and prevailing usage.
The Eee PC 1004DN from ASUS will be available in Australia from end April 2009 through major retailers and selected computer resellers. RRP AU$1,399 inc GST.