The Asus Eee Keyboard – A netbook in itself?
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Asus has definitely been at the forefront of netbook innovation this year. The Eee Keyboard was revealed early in January and looks like it will be released in June (next month!) This nifty device doesn’t quite fall into the category of netbook or nettop, but somewhere in the middle. (It practically looks like a netbook with an iPhone screen!)
Essentially, it’s a keyboard with a 5 inch built in touch-screen that can function as a standalone computing device. The Keyboard (a commenter on a forum prefers to call it a ‘kEeeboard’) comes with the following specs:
- Processor: 1.6GHz Atom Processor, possibly the advanced Z520
- OS: Windows XP
- Memory: 1GB DDR2
- Storage: 16GB – 32GB SSD
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, wired and wireless HDMI (essentially an audio/video transmitter that connects devices)
- Ports: USB 2.0, VGA, headphone and microphone jacks
- Weight: 1-2 pounds (no confirmation on how much it weighs with the battery)
- Touch-screen: approximately 5 inches, serves as a mini-screen and a touch pad.
- Battery: no information available yet
As you can see, it has the same specs as a standard netbook but is intended to be used primarily with remote screens. The 5 inch touch screen does enable it to be used on its own though.
Implications/Uses
- Multi-function Media Remote- You can use the Eee Keyboard as a Home Theatre PC (HTPC) to connect to your TV screen to access the Internet, stream Internet TV/videos, play music and use as a computer.
- Portable Browser and Media Player– The Keyboard acts as a standalone Internet device/media player and can turn any screen or projection into a browser and media player.
- Great for Events– If you’re hosting an event and are running a powerpoint, video, or anything using a projector and screen, you no longer have to haul a laptop or conventional netbook around with you. This slim Keyboard is all that you need – you can set it up using the HDMI or the VGA port.
According to Gizmodo, Asus is working on two versions – a wired one for $400 and a wireless for $600. That was back in March 2009, and with the launch date looming around the corner, there’s still hope that Asus will release it for less. After all, you can get a top-of-the-line Asus 1000 HE netbook for the same price!
Related posts:
- Asus 1000HA Now Comes with Chiclet Keyboard
- Asus Eee PC T91 Touch-Screen Tablet – The Mother of all Netbooks
- New Netbook Hopes On The Horizon
- Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
- Samsung N120 Review – Full Size Keyboard, Stereo Speakers, Awesome Battery Life
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Hi There. We should call this the net keyboard for future class of this new product because it is a keyboard with a touchscreen and a computer inside a netbook has 10 inch screens. the screen is smaller too so the net keyboard makes a great name for a unique product.
Hi There. We should call this the net keyboard for future class of this new product because it is a keyboard with a touchscreen and a computer inside a netbook has 10 inch screens. the screen is smaller too so the net keyboard makes a great name for a unique product.