ASUS to launch first DVD-equipped Eee PC, 1008HA soon
updated 01:20 pm EDT, Fri March 27, 2009
ASUS Eee PC with ODD
As part of its constantly expanding Eee PC line-up, Taiwan's ASUS is due to release the first version of the portable PC with an integrated optical drive. To be called the 1004DN, the 10-inch netbook will be powered by the new Intel Atom N280 CPU, retailers say. Other main hardware specs include Intel's HD video-capable GN40 chipset, while storage will come in the form of a 120GB hard drive.
Otherwise, in addition to the Eee PC-unique DVD burner, an ExpressCard slot, three USB 2.0 ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an 8-in-1 card reader are also due. The E1004DN is reportedly set for a release in ASUS' home market of Taiwan in mid-April, with prices set at the equivalent of between $531 and $590.
The MacBook-styled Eee PC 1008HA first spotted at CeBIT earlier this month will arrive in Taiwanese stores sometime in May, the same sources indicate. According to previous reports, the "Seashell" PC is due to cost the equivalent of $518 when it launches in Europe, though that same report had the launch date sometime in April. The 10-inch netbook will weigh just 2.4lbs and have 802.11n Wi-Fi and offer HSPA-based 3G or WiMAX as options. A 1.3-megapixel webcam will be integrated, with processing power coming from Intel's more conventional 1.6GHz N270 Atom. [via DigiTimes]
