The Netbook Market

According to ASUS Tablet, ASUS has confirmed that there will be 3 versions of the EEE PC T91:

1. Eee T91: Windows XP, normal resistive touchscreen
2. Eee T91A: Windows 7, multi-touch capacitive screen
3. Eee T91GO: Integrated 3G, GPS, DTV tuner, normal resistive touchscreen

Obviously with Windows 7 not set to ship until October it is most likely that we won't see the T91A until then. The T91 and the T91GO should be out much sooner.

This also confirms that the Multi-Touch version spotted by JKK Mobile was not simply an event promo but an actual production model which is great news!

The EEE PC 1005HA is now available, click here to go to the product page.

The EEE PC 1005HA is one of the most anticipated Netbooks of the year. Similar in design to the ultra slim EEE PC 1008HA, the 1005 also uses the 'Seashell' form factor and is one of the best looking devices currently available.

Featuring the new 1.66GHZ Intel Atom N280 this EEE PC also has the fastest Atom processor of any Netbook. Combined with its class leading 10.5 hours of battery life, the EEE PC 1005HA is without a doubt the best Netbook we have seen yet.

Don't take our word for it though, hear what the Editor of CNet had to say!

www.asustablet.com has reported that the EEE PC T91 release date has been pushed to late July.

“Whilst still no specific date is being committed too, we were assured that this “late July” timeline was now concrete and they envisaged no more slips. The reason for the delay was being attributed to nailing down the interface and making sure they were 100 percent happy with it before shipping. As this is their first touchscreen net tablet, they cannot afford the negative reaction on an unfinished product.

Asus also confirmed that the Eee PC T101 has slipped down the priority list although it’s still on the company’s roadmap.”

Pretty bad news regarding the T101H. If anyone was holding out for the larger 10" version you may have to settle for the cramped, low capacity, little brother.

An ASUS dealer on the www.eeeuser.com forum has just posted that the EEE PC T91 will be shipping from the 06/15/2009, which is tomorrow! We will update our product listings as soon as the T91 is available.

* UPDATE *

The US dealer that posted the release date has updated their site with the following information:

**CALL BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER! Asus has decided to test this model in the US market with an extremely small number of units. We may be able to get a few of them but please call. Specificatations and prices are different from previously released and different than in other markets (such as the UK).

Sounds like if there are any in the US there will not be many. The UK may get them first. Either way expect to see them on Ebay!

* UPDATE *

The EEE PC T91 is now available through our site here.

EEE PC T91 Specifications:

• Screen: 8.9" LED Backlight / Resistive Touch Panel
• Resolution: 1024 x 600 (WSVGA)
• Battery: Li-polymer, 5.4 hours runtime
• Processor: Intel Atom Z520 - 1.33GHz
• OS: Windows XP Home
• Memory: 1Gb (DDR2); 2Gb Maximum
• Storage: SSD 16Gb + 16Gb SD Card (included)
• Online Storage: 20Gb (free for 18 mos.)
• Audio: HD / Stereo Speakers / Digital Array Mic
• Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Camera: 0.3 Megapixel Built-in
• GPS: No
• 3G Module: No
• Digital TV Tuner: No
• Color: Black
• Weight: Under 2 lbs.

Well two big news items today. Firstly,  the EEE PC T91 has been officially announced by ASUS. Check out the press release here along with the official specifications. I have to say a 16GB SSD is pretty disappointing.

Secondly, JKK Mobile has come across a Multi-Touch version of the T91 at a European trade show. The video below shows the device functioning well and using Windows 7. JKK also mentions however that ASUS informed him that the device will not ship with multi touch, but it will ship with Windows 7. Good news and bad, but at least we know a multi-touch version may be in the works!

Again no word at all on the 10" version, the T101H. Hopefully this device is still going to be brought to the market.

A German website has posted the first pictures of the new ASUS EEE PC 1008HA and EEE PC 1005HA side by side. Both of these models are made in ASUS' new 'Seashell' form factor meaning that they are very thin and have rounded edges. The 1008HA has garnered a lot of interest due to its impressive design but the 1005HA seems to have already made a number of improvements before either of them are released! At the present time the 1005HA is yet to launch and the 1008HA is available for pre-order.

Both feature the Intel Atom 1.6GHZ processor, a 10.1" 1024 x 600 screen, 1GB of Ram, 160GB HDD, and a 6 cell battery. The main differences at this point seem to be that the 1005HA will have a replaceable battery, and a proper VGA out as opposed to the 1008HA's mini VGA and adapter. The 1005HA also does not have covers for the port panels, something that the 1008HA has borrowed from the Macbook Air and something most users will be willing to go without.

View the pictures here.

Electricpig has posted the first hands-on pictures of the upcoming ASUS T91 tablet netbook. Again no word yet on how the larger 10" T101H is shaping up, but these pics of the T91 do look pretty awesome!

Check them out here.

According to Electric Pig the upcoming Asus T91 tablet netbook will be available towards the end of May or Early June. They did not give an exact release date but it certainly sounds like it is only weeks away. No word on the 10" version, the T101H, but hopefully it won't be far behind!

The T91 is a prototype netbook from Asus that features an 8.9" touchscreen, and a swivelling screen enabling tablet mode. Rumored specs are:

• 8.9" 1024x600 resistive touch screen
• Z520 Silverthorne Intel Atom Processor
• 32GB SSD Hard Drive

The price is said to be around £449, or $685 US.