Asus appears to have launched a slightly retooled version of the Eee PC 900 laptop. The Eee PC 900 is the precursor to the 901 series, and packs an Intel Celeron 900Mhz CPU instead of the newers Intel Atom chip. Originally the Eee PC 900 was available only in 12GB Windows XP and 20GB Linux varieties. Now it looks like you can pick up a 16GB version with Windows XP or Linux.
Excaliber PC is taking preorders on the new computers, with the Windows version going for $449 and the Linux model priced at $399. What’s odd is that the original 12G and 20GB versions cost substantially more. But it’s not clear what, if any other changes Asus has made other than adjusting the storage capacity.
I wonder if it’s possible that these computers are mislabeled and might actually be the upcoming Eee PC 904 or 905 models we’ve been hearing about. The 904 will sport a larger case and keyboard but the same 8.9 inch display as the current Eee PC 900. And Hexus reports that the 904 may in fact use a Celeron CPU due to a shortage of Intel Atom chips. But Hexus also says the Eee PC 904 should include an 80GB HDD, not a 16GB SSD.
So taken at face value, it looks like Asus is continuing to expand its lineup and considers the modified version of the Eee PC 900 to be such a minor change that the company doesn’t need to bother coming up with a new model number. The Asus product page for the Eee PC 900 does indicate that the PC comes in 12GB, 16GB, and 20GB varieties. No word on why the 16GB version would be so much cheaper.
[via jkkmobile and EeeUser forums]
- key specs
- reviews • 5
- prices
- TypeNetbook
- Screen size8.9 inches
- Screen resolutionOther
- Processor speed900 MHz
- System RAM1 GB
- Maximum battery lifeUp to 2.5 hours
- Dimensions1.3 x 8.9 x 6.7 in
- Weight2 lb
