Posts tagged ASUS at Switched

New Computer Mouse Is Also a Heart Rate Monitor

by Donald Melanson, posted Aug 8th 2008 at 9:35AM

Watches that monitor your heart rate may be commonplace these days (because, you know, they're actually useful), but a mouse that keep watch on your ticker -- well, that's something you don't see everyday. ASUS seems to think that's a shame, however, and it's set out to rectify things somewhat with its new heart-monitoring Vito W1 wireless mouse.

Apart from an apparently really simple heart-monitoring application that comes with it though, this one looks to be about as standard as wireless mice get, with it boasting a 1,200 dpi resolution, a 2.4GHz USB receiver, five programmable buttons and not much else. No word on a price just yet, nor is there any indication of a planned release 'round these parts. [Via Coolest Gadgets]

Ultra Stylish and Affordable Eee Box Gets Pricing Details

by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 5:12PM

We know pretty much everything about Asus' Atom-powered Eee Box -- we even have a bevvy of pretty pictures -- but as of yet we didn't know exactly how much the little bugger was going to cost. Fret not, for we now can tell you that the Wii-like computer will cost £199 ($392) -- including keyboard and mouse -- and will pack an 80GB HDD and a DVI out. It will come with Windows XP Home pre-installed while those two USB ports are confirmed. No word yet on stateside pricing and release date, but we'll keep our eyes open. [Source: stuff.tv]

[Thanks, Joe]

Hands-On: Asus' Atom-based Eee PC 901

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 2nd 2008 at 8:50AM

What, you're not in Taipei? No problem, Engadget Chinese is at the WiMax Expo with the first WiMax-enabled Eee PC 901 pictures. Showing off a funky, cutaway hinge (likely due to missing battery), the Eee PC 901 features Intel's Atom processor as expected, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g, and now 802.11n too (hoozah!). The card reader supports MMC/SD/SDHC cards and the WiMax chipset is Intel's Link 5150. Keep in mind that the Link 5150 is a dual-mode WiFi and WiMax module. In other words, there's no guarantee the 802.11n will carry over to the WiMax-less 901 being announced tomorrow. A few more pics after the break, all the rest at our Chinese site.

Continue reading Hands-On: Asus' Atom-based Eee PC 901

Asus Rumored to Be Spinning Off EeePC Brand With 11-Inch Model

by Thomas Ricker, posted Apr 29th 2008 at 8:42AM

Information doesn't get much more twisted than this so you'd best tread lightly with it. We've got a DigiTimes rumor whose message appears modified in translation. Engadget Chinese tells us that the original DigiTimes article (in Chinese) states that Asus is planning an Eee PC "sub-corporation."

In other words, an ASUS spin-off that would include more than just low-cost ultra-portables. The rumor is attributed to DigiTimes' proven ASUS sources. However, DigiTimes' own English translation simply calls the move an Eee "sub-brand" which was already obvious with ASUS' announced plans for additional Eee branded products including the E-DT desktop, E-TV television, and 19- to 21-inch E-Monitor all-in-one said to be due in Q3. DigiTimes' sources also claim that ASUS will slap a 1001 model number on its 10.6-inch Eee PC and then -- perhaps supporting the spin-off claim -- says that there will be a premium 11-inch Eee PC before the end of the year as well.

Originally, Jerry Shen, ASUS CEO, said the Eee PC would never exceed 10-inches so that it wouldn't cut into ASUS' laptop offerings. A spinoff would presumably give the Eee brand more freedom to compete.

[Via Engadget Chinese]

Read -- DigiTimes (Chinese)
Read -- DigiTimes (English)

ASUS Replacing Eee PC 900 Batteries With Longer Lasting Versions

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 23rd 2008 at 11:26AM

Attaboy, ASUS. Not even 24-hours after reports starting flooding in over end users receiving less capacious Eee PC batteries in Hong Kong than expected, the firm is stepping up and doing the right thing. According to an admittedly rough translation of a statement on its website, ASUS is openly thanking its supporters for their business, and while it seems as though it's still chalking the whole mishap up as a simple mistake, every single Hong Kong-based customer will be receiving a free (5800mAh) replacement. 'Tis a shame we'll likely still be griping over the battery life. [Source Asus via jkkmobile]

$399 Windows Eee PC Now Available at Best Buy

by Tim Stevens, posted Apr 8th 2008 at 10:12AM

Wal-Mart seems to think that consumers don't want to buy cheap computers (earlier this eyar, the retailer pulled the $199 Everex gPC from store shelves and forcing consumers to go dig through its Web site to order one). Fellow big-box retailer Best Buy, however, has a different opinion. The home electronics powerhouse has just made picked up the recently released Windows XP version of the $399 Eee PC, which is now available both via its website and for in-store pickup.

We've reported on the low-cost Eee PC many times before, including word just last week that this XP flavored version was coming. That was good news for many who were looking for a cheap ultra-portable but wanted the familiarity of Windows. When we reviewed the laptop in February we found it to be capable and compact, if not quite a powerhouse. (What do you expect for $400?) The addition of Windows XP to the device should make it an even more appealing -- though slower -- option for many, though the faster version with a larger screen coming later this summer may be an even better choice ...

From Engadget

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Windows XP Version of Asus EeePC Out Next Week

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 9:17AM

ASUS Eee Loaded with Windows XP Out Next Week

The Eee PC has been a hit for ASUS, and exposed many to their fist taste of Linux, but the budget priced sub-notebook has had its popularity limited because hasn't been available with Windows. At last, that's set to change, since ASUS has finally given a price and street date to its Windows XP based Eee PC.

As of April 9, you'll be able to pick up the same exact Eee PC with a Intel Celeron processor, 512 megabytes of RAM, 7-inch screen, and 4 gigabytes of solid state storage, but with Windows XP installed instead of Linux. Best of all, it'll cost the same $400 it costs for the Linux version. Keep this in mind, however: Windows XP is a lot more resource-hungry than Linux, so don't expect the EeePC with Windows to be all that fast. In fact, it could be a whole lot slower than the Linux version, but at least you'll be able to get your Microsoft Outlook on!

We've covered the advantages and disadvantages of each before, so if you're in the market for an Eee take a look at our Laptop Guide before deciding on Windows or Linux.

From Engadget

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Eee PC to Run Windows XP

by Thomas Houston, posted Mar 18th 2008 at 7:42AM

At this year's CeBIT conference in Germany, Asus debuted a new version of its popular multi-colored sub-notebook, the Eee PC, with a larger screen (8.9 inches), more memory, and a larger hard drive for storage. Significantly, Asus' updates to the line now enable the laptops to run Windows XP -- the Eee PC formerly ran only Xandrox, a Linux-based operating system -- and Asus predicts that over two thirds of the new line will ship as Windows systems.

Analysts said that the demand for Windows is extremely strong, so despite impressive sales and high demand and enthusiasm for the older, Linux-based Eee PC -- over 300,000 sold in one quarter last year -- Asus decided to offer consumers the choice of either Windows or Linux on these new models.

One thing's for sure, the Windows-based EeePC's are likely to run a lot slower than the Linux-based ones -- Windows is much more resource-hungry.

From Beta News

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Tiny Asus eeePC Gets Tiny Add-Ons

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Mar 3rd 2008 at 5:55PM

Asus has never been a high visibility company in the world of laptops or PCs -- until recently, that is. With the release of the tiny EeePC, Asus became an instant celebrity in the computer world.

The PC maker is now trying to milk its hit ultraportable for all it's worth. At this year's CeBIT (a large technology trade show) in Germany, Asus is showing off a collection of Eee-themed accessories. The add-ons aren't anything revolutionary, but they do give even more regular-computer functionality to the nicely-priced mini-PC.

The new eeePC peripherals include a VOIP (Voice Over IP) USB handset for Internet calling, a Wi-Fi access point, a slim external DVD-RW drive (since the eeePC doesn't come with a built-in one), a confusingly large USB HSDPA cellular modem (for getting online anywhere there's a cell phone signal), a TV tuner, USB mice, and headphones -- all made to match the toy-like white (or black) plastic of the Eee.

Pricing or availability haven't been announced, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.

From Engadget

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Asus Internet Radios Also Give You the Weather, Stock Updates

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jan 9th 2008 at 11:30AM

Asus isn't just in the market of making laptops and computer parts. Asus also makes an award winning line of Internet radios. At this year's CES, the company is showing off two new members of its AIR (Asus Internet Radio) family.

The AIR 3 allows you to pull in radio streams over Wi-Fi from all around the globe, without a computer. The internal database of over 10,000 streams is updated regularly, weeding out those that have fallen silent and adding new ones as they go live. The AIR 3 also has a built in iPod dock, a USB port for playing tracks off of a Flash drive, as well as weather forecasting and stock tracking widgets.

The AIR 5 is meant for a component stereo system. The screen-less Wi-Fi device has the same USB and Internet radio capabilities as the AIR 3, but also includes a hard drive for storing music locally. The included remote allows you to navigate your media and Internet streams via the LCD display.

Prices were not available, but expect to see the AIR 3 in May, and the AIR 5 in July.

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The 'WiMax' Computer Revolution is Upon Us

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jan 8th 2008 at 5:30PM

Well the OQO wasn't alone for long. At a joint press conference with Sprint and Intel yesterday Asus announced that in 2008 it would be launching several laptops with WiMax capabilities, including an update of the popular sub-notebook the Eee PC, though adding WiMax requires using Windows XP instead of Linux.

WiMax is the next generation wireless network technology championed by Intel. Sprint is building out its nationwide wireless broadband network based on the service called Xohm.

In addition to the Eee PC, Asus will be adding WiMax to its Ferrari branded gaming notebook, the multimedia focused, sub woofer equipped M50, its R50A UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), V1 business laptop, and F8 mainstream laptop.

The laptops should all be available by mid year just in time for the commercial launch of Sprint's Xohm network, which Atish Gude (Senior VP of Mobile Broadband Operations at Sprint) said should launch in late April early May. "This is the year WiMax becomes reality," he said. And judging by the partners jumping on the WiMax bandwagon he may be right.

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Enough Storage Space For Everything? Terabyte Laptop Coming

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jan 3rd 2008 at 6:30PM

Good news for digital packrats who are always on the move: Asus is gearing up to release a notebook computer with a pair of 500 gigabyte hard drives inside. This one terabyte of hard disk space will be a first for a laptop -- and should give you enough memory to carry around at least the vast majority of your media collection. With enough space for 350 feature length movies or 250,000 four-minute songs, you could fly around the world and never run out of things to watch or listen to.

The Asus M70 will be available sometime later this year, primarily since the hard drive that will be packed into these glorified media vaults, the Hitachi Travelstar 5K500 (pictured here), won't be available until February.

From Cnet

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New LCD Monitor Withstands Hammers, Nails, Crossbow

by Tim Stevens, posted Dec 26th 2007 at 11:17AM

While we're huge fans of LCDs in general for their slim and lightweight designs, they're not necessarily the most durable things in the world. Leave a pen on your laptop keyboard then slam the thing shut and you've got a mess on your hands. Or, knock that expensive 30'' Apple Cinema display off of the corner of your desk and chances are it won't be delivering the same picture quality as it did before. Not so for the Asus LS201, a display with a protective panel made of crystal-sapphire that can withstand more stress tests than we'd have thought to throw at it.

In the above video, courtesy of a Ukranian tech program, the Asus is subjected to some incredibly harsh punishment. It starts with a kid scribbling on the thing, then quickly escalates to someone trying to hammer nails through it, ending with the host firing a crossbow at the display. Amazingly, the monitor puts up with everything and doesn't appear to even be scratched!

Retailing for around $350 - $400 the 20'' LCD isn't the cheapest monitor on the market. But, if you like your products to withstand someone going seriously medieval on them, look no further.

From Slashdot

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Best Buy's $200 Black Friday PC and Other Cheap Computers

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Nov 12th 2007 at 3:25PM

Shopping on Black Friday requires a certain amount of masochism -- struggling through the crowds, punching mothers in front of their children to get that cheap plasma TV -- it's dangerous business.

If you decide to brave the battlefield at Best Buy this year, you'll be rewarded with an opportunity to grab an eMachines PC with a 17 inch LCD monitor for the super low price of $200. Don't expect the world though. The PC is rumored to be powered by an Intel Celeron running at 2.66 Ghz (meaning no efficient and powerful 'Core' for you), comes with 512 megabytes of RAM (which is the bare minimum for doing just about anything on a computer these days), has a measly 80 Gigabyte hard drive, and it has no DVD burner.

Don't get us wrong -- $200 is still a heck of a price, but you could get so much more, or at least more interesting for a tad more cash. For instance, Wal-Mart is selling their own $200 PC without monitor. The gPC, as it's called, runs Linux instead of the resource-hungry Vista and uses an ultra low-power (and carbon-neutral) processor from Via. Or, how about the diminutive and cheap Eee from Asus which is also powered by Linux (noticing a trend here?). Priced from $200 to $400, these little laptops let you get all your basic computing tasks done by focusing on web applications.

Or, if you're in the market for something truly different, head on over to Laptop.org and you can get yourself one of the OLPC XOs (also Linux powered). These tiny, innovative convertible laptops are meant for kids in developing nations, but for a limited time you can order one for yourself as long as you're willing to pay for two. The second one gets sent to a child in the third world on your dime. In that case, $400 gets you a technological marvel, a piece of history, and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

From Engadget

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Are You Ready to Ditch Windows?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Aug 8th 2007 at 11:45AM

While Windows is king, and Apple is the media darling, it's time we all started to take Linux operating system (OS) a little more seriously. The often free and always open-source OS is either completely unknown to the mainstream, or thought of as something employed only by the super geek elite. But,there's nothing to be afraid of: If you've ever used a Mac or Windows computer before, you would find Linux to be very familiar (all windows and drop down menus and the like). Linux now runs on roughly the same number of PCs as Apple's OSX, and even as Apple has seen its share of the operating system market grow, Linux has kept pace.

Now Lenovo, the Chinese computer manufacturer that purchased IBM's popular Thinkpad division, is preparing to offer several of its laptops pre-loaded with Linux. Lenovo has partnered with Novell to offer the company's SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED) distribution of Linux on Lenovo's T-series business notebooks.

The Lenovo announcement is hot on the heels of computer maker ASUS's recent statement that it was looking into introducing laptops with Linux pre-installed. And, of course, Dell, the world's biggest computer manufacturer, very recently began offering some of its PCs with Ubuntu Linux installed on them.

Could this finally be the year that Linux goes mainstream?

From BBC

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