ASUS says it has sold over a million of its diminutive Eee gadgets since launching about five months ago. The mini laptop's mobility and price has created a new category that is neither ultra-mobile nor UMPC and competitors are already launching their own versions of the Eee in an effort to meet demand for cheap, highly mobile computing devices.

ASUS has raised the bar, and the screen size with its latest Eee, the PC 900 with an 8.9 inch screen and a few other advancements, but the wieght, remains under 1kg.

The Eee PC 900 also has a 1.3M pixel webcam, 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux operating systems (respectively). The Microsoft Windows version incorporates Windows Live features such as Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging, Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user desktop and Microsoft Works.

The Eee PC uses solid state disk (SSD) technology which offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design, but compromising a little on the amount of available sotrage. The Eee PC 900 is rugged enough to protect against such incidents and is the perfect tool for outdoor computing - ideal for journalists and reporters, photographers of nature and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

The larger 8.9" display screen with 1024 x 600 resolution allows users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right, says teh company. The new widescreen also does not affect the overall weight of unit, which remains below 1kg, maintaining the ultra-portability that has become synonymous with the Eee PC.

The new Eee also features FingerGlide technology which allows for gestures on the mouse pad, much like modern mobile phones. With just two simple finger movements on the touchpad, users can scroll up and down for easier document viewing or zoom in and out of pictures - great for looking at image details.

Jerry Shen, CEO of ASUS, said, "Vital feedback from a wide variety of users has been received, which has spurred us on to create more options to cater to different user requirements."

"Due to its lightweight stature, most users will place the Eee PC on their laps or hold them in their hands during use. With the addition of the FingerGlide feature, users will find the Eee PC even more convenient to use," said Shen.

Additionally, the Eee PC 900 pairs a 1.3M pixel webcam with wireless internet connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime making web communications effortless and increasing work efficiency.

The ironically more expensive Linux version is suited to users who desire an icon-driven and easy point-and-click interface - well suited for children or users with limited computer experience. It provides a fast boot-up time, ideal for quick internet access while waiting for public transport or taking notes on-the-go.

The Eee PC 900 will be available in Australia in May 2008 with a recommended retail price of A$599 for the 12GB XP version and A$649 for the 20GB Linux version (prices include GST). The Eee PC 900 XP version will be available through selected retailers and the Linux version will be available through computer resellers.

Eee PC 2GB HDD Portable Celeron 900MHz Laptop Computer

Play, relax, and entertain on the go with shock-proof design. At 7" and weighing only 2lbs, you can take the Eee PC anywhere. Bumps and shocks are no longer issues. With a dependable solid-state disk, you get unparalleled shock-protection and reliability. Power-efficient design provides longer operating time when on the go. With a rapid start-up time, the Eee PC is always ready to get into action. No technical manual required with the specially designed Eee PC notebook to fit your needs Compatible with all of your programs, you will afford to leave your bigger notebook at home to carry this stylish small and well design notebook.

Processor: Intel Celeron M Processor 353 (900MHz, 512KB L2 Cache, FSB 400MHz)
Chipset: Mobile Intel 910GML Express
Memory: 512MB DDR2-400 Memory
Display: 7-inch WVGA (800x480) TFT LCD
Graphics module: Intel GMA 900 Graphics controller
Hard Disk Drive: 2GB Solid-State disk optical
Audio: Realtek ALC662 5.1-Channel High-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers and microphone
Connectivity: 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet
802.11b/g Wireless LAN
Interface: 3x USB 2.0 Ports
1x RJ45 LAN Port
1x Headphone-out
1x Microphone-in Card Reader
SD card reader
Supports SD/MMC
Battery pack and life: 4-cell 4400mAh Li-ion Battery, up to 2.8 hours life time
AC adapter: Output - 9.5V, 22W; Input - 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz Universal
Linux Xandros (Compatible with Windows XP)
Please note: Optical drive is not included. External optical drives sold separately

Eee PC 900

Discover New Perspectives with New 8.9 Inch Eee PC 900
- Shock Proof Mobility
- FingerGlide and Other User-Friendly Features
- New Perspectives with 8.9 inch Display
- Different Environments for Different Needs

Discover New Perspectives with New 8.9 Inch Eee PC 900

FingerGlide, 1.3M Pixels Webcam and More at Just 0.99kg!

The new Eee PC 900 offers you more options for your mobile computing needs. Incorporating a shockproof design and weighing less than 1kg, you will find it "Easy to learn, work and play" - making it your best outdoor companion anywhere, anytime. What´s more, it features a 8.9 inch widescreen, the innovative FingerGlide, a 1.3M pixels webcam, and 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows® and Linux operating systems.

Shock Proof Mobility

Built-in Solid State Disk (SSD) technology for quiet, energy saving and shock proof design.
Guards against data loss or shock-related damage - making it the perfect tool for reliable outdoor computing.
Ideal companion for reporters, wildlife photographers and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
FingerGlide and Other User-Friendly Features

FingerGlide makes operating the Eee PC easy and convenient through simple finger movements on the touchpad that allows zooming in and out of pictures or screen scrolling for easier document viewing.
Up to 20GB of storage allows you to easily store photos, music and data files more efficiently.
A 1.3M Pixel webcam works synchronously with built-in wireless Internet options to provide web conferences anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency.
New Perspectives with 8.9 inch Display

Large 8.9" screen size for more screenspace - making it more comfortable on eyes when in use.
1024 x 600 resolution allows you to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right for easier reading and editing of documents.
8.9" screen does not affect the overall weight of the Eee PC 900, which remains below 1kg - allowing children and women to carry it with ease.
Different Environments for Different Needs

Eee PC 900 comes in both Microsoft Windows® and Linux versions.
The Microsoft Windows® version provides a familiar Windows® interface for experienced users - incorporating Windows® Live features like Windows® Live Messenger and Windows® Live Mail; and Microsoft Works for numerous office applications.
The Linux version provides an intuitive user interface to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. With over 40 built-in applications, it offers dynamic computing to learn, work and play; while a fast boot-up time makes it ideal for quick Internet access while waiting for public transport or taking notes on-the-go.

- All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets.
- PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
- Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.