ASUS Readies Eee PC 1005PR with Broadcom Crystal HD Graphics

Netbooks have been selling quite well over the past year, even despite the fact that they are very limited in terms of graphical and multimedia capabilities. Still, with the advancements in efficient computing and the development of better mobile graphics accelerators, such products are starting to better cope with multimedia files and online streaming. One graphics solution is the Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator, which ASUS decided to use in its upcoming Eee PC 1005PR mobile computer.

Most of the netbook's internal specifications are identical to those of the larger part of netbooks. The new Eee PC is powered by an Intel Atom N450 that runs at 1.66GHz, has 1GB or 2GB DDR2 SO-DIMM memory and a hard disk with 250GB of storage, which is complemented by 500GB of additional space through the ASUS WebStorage (one-year, free trial). In addition, the netbook is designed with a 10.1-inch, LED-backlit WXGA Screen, whose maximum resolution is of 1366 x 768. This display is employed so that the Broadcom BCM 70015 HD accelerator may be fully exploited.

The new device measures 262 x 178 x 25.9~36.5mm, has a weight of 1.27kg and comes with Express Gate / Dual OS. As far as connectivity and I/O options are concerned, the new Eee PC from ASUS boasts a 0.3-megapixel webcam, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth2.1 + EDR, RJ-45 LAN, three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output, Hi-Definition Audio, an MMC/ SD(SDHC) card reader and a six-cell Li-ion battery pack, for up to 11 hours of battery life.

The 10.1-inch netbook comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system and is featured in a variety of Mold Roller colors, such as black, white, blue and pink, as well as textured with black, blue or white painting. Unfortunately, even though the official product page is all set up, there is still no word on the unit's price and release date.