Back in late October, the first reports of a new Eee PC portable computer system surfaced on the Internet, indicating that Taiwan's ASUSTek had plans to further expand its Eee PC family. Word had it that ASUS would do so with the addition of yet another Atom-powered netbook that, unlike most of the other models, would come with a much improved design.

The Eee PC 1002HA is basically built on the company's stylish S101 model, which ASUS aimed at the high-end segment of the fast-growing netbook market. On that note, it now looks that ASUS has finally decided to showcase its upcoming portable computer system.

CNet's Dan Ackerman reported on a preview event held on Thursday night in New York, where ASUS decided to show off, for the first time, its new Eee PC model. According to the report, the upcoming product will be provided with a brushed-metal design, similar to what HP MiniNote 2133 users also got when they acquired their ultra-portable PC.

Aside from a better-looking design and a keyboard that is said to provide a much more adequate typing experience, the Eee PC 1002HA is basically built on the same platform as most of the other Eee PCs and netbooks on the market, which means that it too should pretty much deliver the same level of performance as its competitors. Combining an Intel Atom processor, running at 1.6GHz, with 1GB of RAM, a Windows XP operating system and wireless 802.11n network connectivity, the 1002HA should make for a system worth taking interest in, especially for those business PC users who require an ultra portable PC that is Internet capable.

The Eee PC 1002HA is a step forward from the company's initial 10-inch model, the Eee PC 1000, as it comes with a better design and support for either an HDD or an SDD storage solution. The netbook should come to the market in early December, for a starting price tag of $499.