14 DAY TRIAL // Already, ASUS has introduced gaming and multimedia-oriented laptops, but it seems that the netbook segment won't go unnoticed either. The company has just announced the Seashell Karim Rashid Eee PC collection made out of netbooks that are both stylish and pragmatic. The devices are meant to represent Karim's vision of more sensual, humane and hip computing.
The netbooks use the Intel Atom N450 processor, 1GB DDR2 memory and a 10.1-inch LED Backlight WSVGA screen with a maximum resolution of 1024 x 600. They are equipped with a Mini VGA Connector, two USB 2.0 ports, one LAN RJ-45 port, two audio jacks (Headphone / Mic-in) and a card reader that supports MMC and SD (SDHC). Furthermore, the machines may connect to the Internet via WLAN 802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz and BluetoothV2.1 + EDR.
For multimedia capabilities, the Karim Rashid Eee PCs are designed with a 1.3-megapixel webcam, Hi-definition Audio CODEC, stereo speakers and a Digital Array Mic. Finally, all netbooks will be able to operate for about six hours on the power provided by the Slim and eco-friendly, Li-polymer battery.
While these specs aren't exactly ground-shaking, it is the actual design of the laptops that sets them apart from others of their kind. They are “daring, more intersecting, and are designed to appeal to young, mobile trendsetters while remaining an accessible luxury to everyone.”
They achieve this by employing the Techno-chic Digi-Wave Design. The products are fully enclosed in a Digi-Wave chassis with rippling lines, which conveys forward movement by completely adhering to the golden ratio. ASUS used “unprecedented precision” in testing the mold cutting.
The netbooks come colored glossy hot pink, which suggests immateriality, entropy and energy, and matte coffee brown, relaying an understated elegance. Of course, pretty looks aren't the only advantage of ASUS' new netbooks, as their configuration uses a low power, while still offering near-instant Internet access thanks to the use of pieces of software such as Express Gate and Skype.
Unfortunately, the press release did not give any pricing and availability details.
