Asus launches aluminium Eee PC

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 8th May 2009
Comments (11) Stumble
Asus launches aluminium Eee PC

The Asus Eee PC 1002HAE is an upgraded version of the 1002HA featuring an aluminium body and a faster processor.

Asus is continuing its trend of releasing eighty thousand different devices under the 'Eee' brand with a brand-new netbook called the Eee PC 1002HAE.

As reported over on Fudzilla yesterday, the new model – which has yet to be confirmed anywhere outside Japan – is an upgraded Eee PC 1002HA. Where it differs from its predecessor is in the material used for construction: gone is the fingerprint-grabbing gloss plastic, replaced instead with neat and tidy brushed aluminium.

The mini metal marvel is due to launch in Deep Red, Dark Blue, and Metal Grey flavours – sadly there's no silver model mentioned on the Japanese-language product page. The change of material hasn't only affected the aesthetics, either: the new version of the 1002HA has shed a whole 50g over the plastic version.

Other than the outer casing, the 1002HAE is pretty much identical to the 1002HA – although Asus has kindly given the processor a boost, replacing the Atom N270 of the plastic model with the beefier N280. All other specifications remain identical – giving existing 1002HA owners no real reason to upgrade beyond the sheer look of the device.

Launching at ¥49,800 (£333) the asking price isn't too far beyond the existing models in the range – although with no mention of a launch outside Japan, the US and Europe could be lucky to see this model at any price.

Tempted by an aluminium-clad netbook, or should Asus stop with the Eee PC models until it has something truly new to bring to the table? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Quote drakanious 8th May 2009, 17:15
I got my girlfriend the 1000HA some time ago, and am actually rather jealous of her little Eee. I'm waiting to see what the next generation holds, but that E-luminum body looks so incredibly awesome, it makes me want to shell out for one now.
Quote zimbloggy 8th May 2009, 17:44
wow it looks a lot less cheap than its predecessors. Will it be more expensive?
Quote Aterius Gmork 8th May 2009, 17:55
Meh, why didn't they release this half a year ago when I got my 1000H.
Quote HourBeforeDawn 8th May 2009, 19:40
huh well it should help keep the eee cooler but I wonder how much hotter it will be come to handle. Still looks awesome.

Ehh I still like my modded EeePC 1000HE
Quote The_Beast 8th May 2009, 23:06
aluminum = win


Very cool but when are they going to anodize them different colors
Quote Sir Digby 8th May 2009, 23:25
So, it's a premium budget laptop? :|

Actually for £333 it makes sense - kinda - certainly if the next version ion based
Quote HourBeforeDawn 8th May 2009, 23:40
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Digby
So, it's a premium budget laptop? :|

Actually for £333 it makes sense - kinda - certainly if the next version ion based

The only 10" system from ASUS that will probably use the ION will be their "Republic of Gamers" line as for the Eee line I highly doubt they will use the ION.
Quote Psytek 9th May 2009, 00:16
Personally I think aluminium is a good choice my plastic laptop is beat after one year and I don't really put it through much, so I can imagine plastic netbooks taking a beating.
Quote storm_temple 9th May 2009, 15:10
Aluminium is good for it's strength to weight ratio , and superb heat conductivity.

I thought magnesium alloy was the top tier for quality , strength and aesthetics?
anyways +1 for it's looks
Quote leslie 7th November 2009, 21:11
Now just offer it with a CULV processor and 4gigs of ram. :)
Quote thehippoz 8th November 2009, 02:02
what no pink.. talk about cutting off impulsive buyers and flamers
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